Twin Cities campus

This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.

 
Twin Cities Campus

Physical Therapy D.P.T.

Rehabilitation Medicine Administration
Medical School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Division of Physical Therapy, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 388, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (612-624-2662; fax: 612-625-4274)
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Summer 2018
  • Length of program in credits: 139
  • This program requires summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Courses for the DPT are taught on the Twin Cities campus for the first 7 semesters, with numerous off-site clinic visits scheduled throughout semesters 2 through 7. The remaining 2 semesters of the program consist of 4 full-time clinical internships, which occur off-campus in physical therapy clinics.
  • Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Division of Physical Therapy Program, a division within the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, offers a professional doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT). Physical therapy is a healthcare discipline involved with the study and rehabilitation of movement impairments such as muscular weakness, impaired coordination, joint stiffness, and pain, which can lead to functional problems affecting self care, employment, ambulation, etc. Graduates are prepared to promote proper health care and quality of living by maximizing human movement following disease or injury or by preventing its loss. The program requires three years of year-round, full-time graduate study. Academic coursework and research activity are completed during the first seven semesters. The final two semesters are devoted to clinical internships.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) (APTA).
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
The University of Minnesota Division of Physical Therapy has no required or preferred undergraduate major. Any baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution is accepted.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
To be eligible for admission, the student must complete a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, from an accredited institution by June 1st of the year of admission, including the required prerequisite courses or their equivalents. Applicant must complete at least 100 hours of volunteer or work experience in a clinical physical therapy setting. Exposure to multiple and varied areas of practice in physical therapy and additional health care exposure are considered an important preparation. The GRE General exam is required. TOEFL is required for international students. Two letters of recommendation are also required. One letter must be from a physical therapist that applicant has shadowed.
Special Application Requirements:
Below is a list of required prerequisite coursework to be taken before entering the program. Courses must be taken A-F, unless receiving a score of 4 or above for Advanced Placement (AP) credit. AP score report must be submitted to Program office for AP credit given in prerequisite coursework. A minimum grade of C is required in all prerequisite coursework. It is recommended but not required that these courses be taken within the previous five years. Courses may be taken at any accredited college. Students are expected to be skillful with computer applications for word processing and creating spreadsheets. - General biology, with on-site lab - A second biology course of the student's choice, with on-site lab - Human anatomy (lab strongly recommended) - Human physiology - General chemistry or inorganic chemistry - minimum two courses, with on-site lab - General physics, which includes mechanics and electricity - minimum two courses, with on-site lab - General psychology - Abnormal psychology - Statistics - ANOVA and regression analysis content strongly recommended - Introductory calculus (pre-calculus not acceptable; Intro to Calculus or Short Calculus acceptable) - Medical terminology For all AP courses on the transcript, a score must be entered. This will be the score issued by the College Board. Students must also forward an unofficial copy of the College Board Report to the admissions coordinator to keep on file. If distance learning courses are taken from an accredited college or university for college credit, there is no limit to the number that may be taken through distance education. Labs must be taken on-site unless prior approval is given by Admissions Chair. All prerequisite courses and an undergraduate degree must be completed before the student enrolls in the professional program. Students may apply with two remaining prerequisites in progress. Past students have found that biochemistry, and animal biology classes have been helpful preparati
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
139 credits are required in the major.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 6 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Year 1 Summer (6 Credits)
PT 6058 - Anatomy for Physical Therapy (6.0 cr)
Year 1 Fall (18 Credits)
PT 6002 - Ethics in Health Care (1.0 cr)
PT 6213 - Developing the Physical Therapist I (1.0 cr)
PT 6231 - Clinical Biomechanics (5.0 cr)
PT 6280 - Clinical Assessment (4.0 cr)
PT 6281 - Physiology for Physical Rehabilitation (4.0 cr)
PT 6340 - Human Growth and Development (3.0 cr)
Year 1 Spring (17 Credits)
NSCI 6112 - Medical Neuroscience for Professional Students (5.0 cr)
PT 8132 - Research Seminar (1.0 cr)
PT 6310 - Physiology for Physical Rehabilitation (5.0 cr)
PT 6214 - Developing the Physical Therapist II (1.0 cr)
PT 6221 - Therapeutic Procedures (4.0 cr)
Year 2 Summer (14 Credits)
Take PT 8193 for 2 credits.
PT 6813 - Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy (3.0 cr)
PT 6250 - Acute Care in Physical Therapy (3.0 cr)
PT 6251 - Integument (2.0 cr)
PT 6252 - Pathophysiology (3.0 cr)
PHAR 6800 - Rehabilitation Pharmacotherapy (2.0 cr)
PT 8193 - Research Problems (1.0-6.0 cr)
Year 2 Fall (14 Credits)
Take PT 8193 for 2 credits.
PT 6283 - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 1 (6.0 cr)
PT 6293 - Essentials of Rehabilitation Research (3.0 cr)
PT 6215 - Developing the Physical Therapist III (1.0 cr)
PT 8193 - Research Problems (1.0-6.0 cr)
Year 2 Spring (18 Credits)
Take PT 8193 for 2 credits.
PT 6282 - Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Rehabilitation (4.0 cr)
PT 6287 - Neurorehabilitation II (8.0 cr)
PT 6284 - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation II (5.0 cr)
PT 6216 - Developing the Physical Therapist IV (1.0 cr)
PT 8193 - Research Problems (1.0-6.0 cr)
Year 3 Summer (12 Credits)
PT 6288 - Pediatric Rehabilitation (3.0 cr)
PT 6290 - Contemporary Physical Therapist Practice (4.0 cr)
Year 3 Fall (20 Credits)
PT 6295 - Clinical Internship I (9.0 cr)
PT 6296 - Clinical Internship II (9.0 cr)
Year 3 Spring (20 Credits)
PT 6297 - Clinical Internship III (10.0 cr)
PT 6298 - Clinical Internship IV (10.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· Medical School

View future requirement(s):
· Summer 2023
· Fall 2022
· Summer 2022
· Summer 2021
· Summer 2020
· Summer 2019

View PDF Version:
Search.
Search Programs

Search University Catalogs
Related links.

Medical School

Graduate Admissions

Graduate School Fellowships

Graduate Assistantships

Colleges and Schools

One Stop
for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
 
PT 6058 - Anatomy for Physical Therapy
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
Study of gross human anatomy, and surface anatomy, for practice of physical therapy. Cadaver dissection of extremities, head, neck, back, abdomen, thoracic, and pelvic regions. Correlation to clinical conditions. Lecture, laboratory.
PT 6002 - Ethics in Health Care
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Moral/ethical analysis. Issues in physical therapy research/practice. Ethical decisions in a practice and in professional training. WebCT lectures, in-class discussions/instruction, exams.
PT 6213 - Developing the Physical Therapist I
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Practical aspects of clinical education and professional behavior. Psychological, sociological, and cultural needs of diverse patient populations. Students complete a three hrs/week clinical affiliation at University Good Samaritan Center. Patient/therapist observations, concurrent didactic coursework. Facilitation of group exercise, restorative ambulation, range of motion programs, and resident assessment instrument. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6231 - Clinical Biomechanics
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: PT 6231/RSC 5231
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Principles of biomechanics. Forces/structures internal/external to body responsible for normal human movement. Muscle, joint, and tissue mechanics. Joint-specific normal function, whole body posture, gait mechanics. Focuses on normal mechanics as foundation for abnormal mechanics and pathology. Lecture, laboratory. prereq: Intro calculus, physics, registered PT student
PT 6280 - Clinical Assessment
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Clinical assessment techniques of goniometry, manual muscle testing, range of motion, gait analysis, physical/sensory examination, and antropometrics. Basic intervention approaches, including stretching techniques and resistive exercise. Weekly integration assignments with first clinical clerkship. Lecture, discussion, lab. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6281 - Physiology for Physical Rehabilitation
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: PT 6281/RSC 5281
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
An in-depth presentation of fundamental concepts in tissue and organ system physiology as it relate to general health, aging, and physical exercise. Emphasis is on the following systems: muscle, bone & connective tissue, endocrine, immune, renal, GI, and hematology. Influence of aging on these systems will be addressed as well. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6340 - Human Growth and Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Developmental process throughout life span. Physical, motor, social, and personality development. Theories of development. Factors that influence a child.s development. prereq: Registered PT student
NSCI 6112 - Medical Neuroscience for Professional Students
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience as related to medicine. Lecture, lab. prereq: BioC 3021, Biol 4004, instr consent; intended for non-medical professional students
PT 8132 - Research Seminar
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This initial course for the research series provides a foundation for future guided projects on components of the research cycle. Students explore why research is important and how it can be translated to improvements in clinical care. Basic research designs and reporting venues, literature search strategies and tools, critical review of literature, responsible conduct of research, and reference management are discussed. Pre-req: Grad PT major
PT 6310 - Physiology for Physical Rehabilitation
Credits: 5.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is designed to convey foundational information regarding human basic physiology and more advanced integrative physiology to provide the physical therapist a broad range of knowledge on how the human body works at rest, exercise, and as we age.
PT 6214 - Developing the Physical Therapist II
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Documentation of physical therapy exams, progress, discharge services. Regulatory agencies responsible for outcomes/accreditation, third party reimbursement, coding, peer review. Complete three hrs/wk clinical affiliation at Good Samaritan Center under supervision of clinical faculty. Observations/documentation, group exercise, restorative ambulation, range of motion programs, resident assessment instrument. prereq: Registered first year PT student
PT 6221 - Therapeutic Procedures
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Theory/application of physical agents and therapeutic techniques. Therapeutic massage, ultraviolet radiation, thermotherapy, hydrotherapy, positive pressure devices, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, biofeedback, iontophores, high volt pulsed current. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6813 - Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Theory and techniques of cardiopulmonary evaluation and treatment. Principles of exercise response and adaptations to training. prereq: enrolled PT student
PT 6250 - Acute Care in Physical Therapy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
General care of acute and critically ill patient. Disease/disorders common to acute care environment. Integration of evaluation, treatment, and client management skills. prereq: Registered physical therapy student
PT 6251 - Integument
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
Response of integument to injury, disease, and aging. Emphasizes wound management, burn care, amputee care, and rehabilitation of persons with acute/chronic integument disorders. Integrating elements of physiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic procedures to evaluate, treat, and manage clients. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6252 - Pathophysiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
General and organ system pathology. Complicating patholodical factors that affect patients. Implications of pathology on patient?s clinical presentation. prereq: Enrolled PT student
PHAR 6800 - Rehabilitation Pharmacotherapy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
The goal of this course is to equip physical therapy students with a general understanding of the impact of medications on rehabilitation and how rehabilitation affects medication use. Students will practice applying content through patient cases and writing a patient care plan. This is a completely online course with weekly due dates offered each Summer term. For more information, contact phar6800@umn.edu or 612-624-7976.
PT 8193 - Research Problems
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Process of developing/completing a scholarly research project or literature review related to rehabilitation science/Physical Therapy education and practice. Students work directly with faculty participating in research in guided small group experience. Type of research experience is determined by adviser. prereq: Grad PT major
PT 6283 - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 1
Credits: 6.0 [max 7.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
First of a two part series on musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Evaluation concepts are introduced and methods practiced. Techniques for the treatment of lower extremity, lumbar and thoracic spine conditions will be covered, including exercise, mobilization/manipulation, traction and orthotics. Surgical interventions, medical imaging and pathology background related to these regions will be provided. Instructional methods include lecture, demonstration, lab practice, readings, problem solving, student presentation, research, and written assignments. Clerkship (PT 6215) clinic experience complements the coursework. prereq: enrolled PT student
PT 6293 - Essentials of Rehabilitation Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Develop abilities to obtain, critically evaluate, synthesize and integrate the peer-reviewed literature. It will also enable students to identify and compute appropriate statistical procedures and interpret the meaning of statistical analyses. Finally, it will give students an opportunity to present the aims, methods, intended analyses, and preliminary results of their own research. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6215 - Developing the Physical Therapist III
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Roles of physical therapist, in orthopedic outpatient setting, as educator and promoter of health/wellness. Students are assigned to a community outpatient orthopedic clinic. Patient evaluations/treatment. Instructing patients, therapists, student physical therapists, and community members to promote physical therapy, health, and wellness. Students assess, prepare, and provide educational experiences. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 8193 - Research Problems
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Process of developing/completing a scholarly research project or literature review related to rehabilitation science/Physical Therapy education and practice. Students work directly with faculty participating in research in guided small group experience. Type of research experience is determined by adviser. prereq: Grad PT major
PT 6282 - Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Rehabilitation
Credits: 4.0 [max 45.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Conveys foundational information regarding human basic physiology cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology. In addition, fundamental principles of cardiac and pulmonary systems as it relates to physical therapy and will be known in the clinic to the physical therapist as Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation will be addressed. A focus of this course is on normal and abnormal responses to exercise and the pathophysiology, assessment, evaluation and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6287 - Neurorehabilitation II
Credits: 8.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Second portion of a year-long course sequence. Assessment/rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral vascular disease traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Using treatment procedures, orthotics, and equipment to improve function and prevent, stabilize, or decrease impairments. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6284 - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Second of a two part series on musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Techniques for the evaluation and treatment of cervical, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and temporomandibular joint conditions will be covered, including exercise, mobilization, orthotics and neurodynamics. Surgical interventions, radiology and pathology background related to these regions will be provided. Screening for non-mechanical pain conditions will be discussed. The rehabilitation needs of specific populations, such as athletes, women, industrial workers, and musicians will be investigated. Joint and disease specific content from fall semester will be used in the patient management sections of the course. Instructional methods include lecture, demonstration, lab practice, readings, problem solving, student research. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6216 - Developing the Physical Therapist IV
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Role of physical therapist, in acute care or rehabilitation setting, as clinical educator of physical therapy students. Students are assigned to a local hospital or rehabilitation facility. Patient evaluations, treatment, discharge planning. Students prepare for full time clinical experiences and for their role as potential clinical instructors. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 8193 - Research Problems
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Process of developing/completing a scholarly research project or literature review related to rehabilitation science/Physical Therapy education and practice. Students work directly with faculty participating in research in guided small group experience. Type of research experience is determined by adviser. prereq: Grad PT major
PT 6288 - Pediatric Rehabilitation
Credits: 3.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
Provides a study of the etiology, theoretical framework, and techniques used in the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and assessment of pediatric patients with neurological, orthopedic, cardiac, developmental, systemic, and behavioral conditions. Students will also gain exposure to treatment techniques and equipment used in comprehensive pediatric settings, with additional emphasis on developing plans of care that focus on optimizing functional outcomes for pediatric patients. Discussion, integration of written/video case studies, review of evidence-based practice, practice of psychomotor skills, assessment of children with and without disability, and practice establishing goals and plan of care will be used to facilitate learning. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6290 - Contemporary Physical Therapist Practice
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
This course will include learning experiences and project assignments related to contemporary physical therapy practice. Topics included are legal and regulatory aspects of practice management, the contemporary practice environment, professional development, and the integration of professional practice in the various practice settings. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6295 - Clinical Internship I
Credits: 9.0 [max 27.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Communication skills, team participation, and evaluation/treatment. Predicting outcomes. Managing patient diagnoses/problems. Selected specialty area of physical therapy practice. Prereq Registered 3rd yr PT student.
PT 6296 - Clinical Internship II
Credits: 9.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Second of four courses. Students must demonstrate proficiency in communication, team participation, evaluation and treatment, predicting outcomes, and managing patient diagnoses and problems. Selected specialty area of physical therapy practice.
PT 6297 - Clinical Internship III
Credits: 10.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Third of four courses. Students must demonstrate proficiency in communication, team participation, evaluation and treatment, predicting outcomes, and managing patient diagnoses and problems. Selected specialty area of physical therapy practice. prereq: Registered PT student
PT 6298 - Clinical Internship IV
Credits: 10.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fourth of four courses. Students must demonstrate proficiency in communication, team participation, evaluation and treatment, predicting outcomes, and managing patient diagnoses and problems. Selected specialty area of physical therapy practice.