Physical Therapy Profession and Degree Program
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Curriculum

The graduate professional physical therapy education program at the University of Washington includes eleven consecutive quarters of instruction with a new class beginning each autumn. Normally, attendance is full-time during the day on Monday through Friday. Enrolled students complete over 140 required credits and the average load per quarter is 15 credits. Clinical internship assignments are full-time, requiring at least 35 hours per week attendance.

The first phase of the curriculum includes the following courses: clinical pathology, exercise patho-physiology, functional anatomy, gross anatomy lab, assessment procedures, modalities, medical sciences, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, clinical clerkship, professional seminar, therapeutic exercise procedures, and physical restoration. The second phase of the program includes courses in management of musculoskeletal disorders, motor control, neuro-rehabilitation, physical therapy administration, psychological aspects of rehabilitation, lifespan issues, professional practice matters, differential diagnosis, pharmacology, prosthetics/orthotics, graduate project, and internships.

Clinical experiences begin between the first and second year of the program, with a 4-week clinical clerkship. The final autumn, winter and spring quarters are spent entirely on clinical internships. During this time, students complete three eleven-week assignments of supervised full-time clinical work. The program culminates with the award of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

View the DPT curriculum plan (pdf file 35kb)

A more detailed listing of courses for the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (including the physical therapy program) may be found in the University of Washington Course Catalog, www.washington.edu/students/crscat/rehab.html

Clinical Internships

The final phase of the curriculum includes at least 33 weeks of full-time clinical internships in affiliated health care facilities located primarily in the western United States. Internships are also available in some other areas throughout the country. Because of class size and the number of internship positions available in the Seattle vicinity, a student should be prepared to relocate for a minimum of one internship. Students will also be required to complete one clinical experience in a non-urban/rural setting. Availability of a car will give the student access to the greatest number of facilities for possible placement. All travel and living expenses incurred during clerkships and internships are the responsibility of the student. Outside employment during internships is discouraged.

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Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA on required courses (with a minimum of 2.7 in each course) during the professional phase of the program. A required course with a grade below 2.7 may need to be repeated. Students whose performance falls below this level will be placed on academic probation and allowed two quarters to raise their GPAs. Students must have demonstrated professional behavior and a very high rate of attendance throughout the program. In addition, they must have received acceptable grades in each required course, as well as receiving credit for their clinical education experiences, in order to graduate. Failure to meet minimum standards will result in dismissal from the program. Decisions regarding student achievement and promotion are made by the PT Faculty and the Advisory & Evaluation Committee.

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