Post-Professional DPT – Plan of Study (33 Credit Hours)

Program Format: Online | Self-Paced | Designed for Licensed BS and Internationally-Prepared Physical Therapists

Program Focus: Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy with an Emphasis on Aging Care

DPT 6301 – Evidence-Based Practice (3.0 credits)

This course equips students with tools to locate, appraise, and apply clinical research into everyday practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and the best available evidence—particularly in aging care settings.

DPT 6302 – Bioethics (3.0 credits)

Explores ethical principles and frameworks guiding decision-making in complex clinical situations. Topics include patient autonomy, end-of-life care, informed consent, and provider responsibilities in aging and vulnerable populations.

DPT 6303 – Advanced Clinical Reasoning (3.0 credits)

Develops higher-order decision-making skills using case-based learning and models of clinical reasoning. Students refine diagnostic thinking and adapt treatment strategies for multifactorial, age-related, and chronic conditions.

DPT 6304 – Nutrition and Pharmacology (3.0 credits)

Focuses on the role of nutrition and pharmacological agents in rehabilitation, especially for older adults. Students explore medication side effects, polypharmacy, nutritional deficiencies, and their effects on mobility and recovery.

DPT 6305 – Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults (3.0 credits)

Examines pathophysiology, prevention, and management of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, osteoporosis, heart failure) that impact aging patients. Students design interventions to improve quality of life and reduce healthcare utilization.

DPT 6306 – Leadership in Healthcare and Academia (3.0 credits)

Prepares students to lead in clinical, educational, and policy-making settings. Focus is on strategic leadership, academic mentorship, and the transformation of aging care through advocacy and innovation.

DPT 6307 – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (3.0 credits)

Centers on population health strategies, preventive screening, and behavior change interventions for aging populations. Students design community outreach and wellness programs to address modifiable risk factors.

DPT 6308 – Ergonomics (3.0 credits)

Provides principles of ergonomic design, assessment, and intervention to reduce injury risk and enhance function in older adults and working populations. Topics include workplace modifications, assistive technology, and human factors.

DPT 6309 – Holistic and Environmental Health with Aging (3.0 credits)

Explores the intersection of environment, lifestyle, and wellness. Students analyze environmental toxins, social determinants, housing, and lifestyle choices that influence the functional aging process.

DPT 6310 – Instructional Methods for Healthcare Professionals (3.0 credits)

Equips physical therapists to educate patients, students, and peers using evidence-based teaching strategies. Students learn to design, deliver, and evaluate instruction across clinical and academic environments.

DPT 6311 – DPT Capstone Project (3.0 credits)

The culminating scholarly project integrates knowledge across the curriculum. Students identify a real-world problem, apply evidence-based methods, and deliver a product or presentation that contributes to clinical practice, education, or systems improvement.