DPT 7000   Independent Study 1-4 credits

DPT 7100   Service Learning I 1 credit

This is the first course of a two course service learning sequence. Christian Service is an important component of the Lutheran tradition, a key element of the Concordia, St. Paul mission statement and the cornerstone of the CSP DPT Program. Service-learning I incorporates cultural competence, meaningful service, and critical reflective thinking to enhance student learning. The students will participate in lectures and discussion, interact with community leaders from different cultures, reflect on cultural and community topics and serve within the community. These activities are designed to reinforce the importance of life-long community and professional engagement, and strengthen the APTA core values of altruism and social responsibility.

DPT 7101   Anatomy 6 credits

This course is a comprehensive study of human anatomy, which includes dissection of a human cadaver. Skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urogenital systems will be covered, and emphasis will be placed on the relatedness of structure and function.

DPT 7102   Systems Physiology and Pathophysiology I 3 credits

This first course of a two-course sequence begins with a cell structure and function overview. The physiology and pathophysiology of the endocrine, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems are presented. Fundamentals of pathology for each system are presented from various perspectives: etiology; pathogenesis; signs and symptoms; medical diagnosis, including laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging; and treatment including pharmacological intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying "red flags" that would indicate to a physical therapist that treatment may be contraindicated or referral to another health care provider is appropriate. Class activities include lecture, discussion and problem solving scenarios.

DPT 7103   Applied Neuroscience 3 credits

This course provides an in-depth exploration of human movement, learning, communication, memory, and emotions. Topics include the components and neuroplasticity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In addition, clinical aspects of neurological conditions most applicable to the physical therapist are presented. Class activities include lecture, laboratory and working through case scenarios.

DPT 7104   Functional Anatomy/Biomechanics 3 credits

Regional functional and articular anatomy is explored and applied in a rehabilitation context. Principles of and instrumentation for motion analysis are utilized to develop a thorough understanding of human movement. Class activities include lecture, observation, and laboratory activities. Two movement analysis projects provide the student experience in analysis and interpretation of functional movement patterns.

DPT 7105   Systems Physiology and Pathophysiology II 3 credits

This is the second course of a two-course sequence. The physiology and pathophysiology of the integumentary, immune, rheumatic, pulmonary, hematologic, genitourinary, hepatic, pancreatic and biliary and gastrointestinal systems are presented. An overview of infectious diseases and oncology is provided. Fundamentals of pathology for each system are presented from various perspectives: etiology; pathogenesis; signs and symptoms; medical diagnosis, including laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging; and treatment including pharmacological intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying “red flags” that would indicate to a physical therapist that treatment may be contraindicated or referral to another health care provider is appropriate. Class activities include lecture, discussion and problem solving scenarios.

DPT 7106   Medical Screening 2 credits

This course is an introduction of medical screening of patients for conditions that may require examination by a physician or a physician-extender across the lifespan. The lecture and laboratory experiences will enhance professional communication between physical therapists, patients, and physicians facilitating patient referral outside physical therapy.

DPT 7111   Clinical Seminar I 2 credits

This is the first course of a three course sequence. The roles of the profession of physical therapy within the healthcare system, the healthcare team, and the Christian tradition are explored. Students begin to develop the professional behaviors and communication skills required to thrive in those roles. Emphasis is on the application of this material to real-world situations through multiple clinic visits that occur throughout the semester. Class activities include lecture, group activities, and clinic visits.

DPT 7112   Clinical Seminar II 2 credits

This is the second course of a three course sequence. Issues related to morals and values, cultural and socioeconomic diversity, and psychosocial aspects of disability are explored within the context of multiple clinical visits. Legal and ethical issues in physical therapy practice are introduced. Class activities include lecture, group activities, and clinic visits.

DPT 7121   Clinical Skills I/Foundations 4 credits

This is the first course of a three course sequence. The fundamental processes involved in physical therapy patient/client examination, evaluation, and intervention are introduced. Bed mobility, transfers, and wheelchair/assistive device management are included. A basic examination framework that can be utilized across diagnoses and throughout the lifespan is developed. Students begin to use medical terminology to document findings, using a variety of structured formats. Class activities include lecture, lab, interaction with community volunteer patients, and case studies.

DPT 7122   Clinical Skills II/Exercise 4 credits

This is the second course of a three course sequence. This is the second course of a three course sequence. This course further develops physical therapy examination processes and introduces postural control mechanisms and balance assessment. Principles of exercise prescription and progression are presented for a variety of impairments and functional limitations.

DPT 7123   Clinical Skills III/Modalities 4 credits

This is the third course of a three course sequence. Physical therapy interventions specific to therapeutic modalities and electrotherapy are developed, with emphasis on integrating these interventions into a comprehensive plan of care for patients across diagnoses and across the lifespan.

DPT 7131   Clinical Skills Assessment I 1 credit

This is the first course of a two course sequence. Throughout the semester, students will work with CSP DPT faculty members on developing and implementing evaluation and intervention techniques for commonly seen physical therapy patient presentations. The course culminates with a comprehensive assessment of clinical skills and professional behaviors developed in the first year of the curriculum. This takes place within the context of a benchmark examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

DPT 7141   Health Promotion I 1 credit

This is the first of a four course sequence related to the promotion of health to physical therapy clients and the community. This initial course will introduce DPT students to the determinants of health, a variety of theories related to the components of health and the APTA’s vision for health promotion within the Physical Therapy profession. Students will also explore the role of the physical therapist in promoting health in themselves, their clients and the community, the reduction of health disparities, and the improvement of quality of life across the lifespan. Within the context of this course students will design a Personal Needs Assessment for themselves and develop an analysis of an existing community health promotion program in which they will ultimately participate in under the guidance of a community liaison. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed upon evidence-based practice, learning styles, health theories, cultural competence, and tailored health education in order to provide effective patient education. Class activities include readings, lecture, group discussion, projects and presentations.

DPT 7151   Lifespan I 2 credits

This is the first course in a two course sequence. Theories of motor development across the lifespan are presented within the context of physical therapy practice. Normal age related change across childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later adulthood are explored. Health and motor planning across the lifespan, pediatric development, and normal physiological factors specific to the geriatric population will be reviewed. This will include changes in the cognitive, musculoskeletal and sensory systems. Changes in physical function are presented, compared, and contrasted between pediatric and geriatric patients through lecture, small group projects, and large group discussion. Students will develop pediatric and geriatric patient screening examinations.

DPT 7161   Research Methods/EBP 3 credits

Introduction to evidence based practice and clinical research. The skills learned will enable students to develop an initial, general research question, locate the evidence, review the scientific literature, and conduct critical appraisals of scientific articles. Course assignments require student application of the information. Class activities include lecture, discussion, and small group activities.

DPT 7200   Service Learning II 1 credit

This is the second course of a two course service learning sequence. Christian Service is an important component of the Lutheran tradition, a key element of the Concordia, St. Paul mission statement and the cornerstone of the CSP DPT Program. The students will participate in discussion, plan and participate in service activities. These activities are designed to reinforce the importance of life-long community and professional engagement, and strengthen the APTA core values of altruism and social responsibility.

DPT 7207   Integumentary/Medical 3 credits

Physical therapy examination and interventions for integumentary and medical conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care are addressed. Issues associated with the lymphatic system are included. Class activities include lecture, lab and case studies.

DPT 7208   Biopsychosocial Aspects 2 credits

The purpose of this course is to guide the student in the attainment of attitudes, behaviors, and values appropriate to a healthcare practitioner. This course introduces the student to the biopsychosocial aspects of physical therapy and to the clinical decision-making process, which is utilized by the physical therapist. It also covers managing individual needs during illness and disease as well as ways to successfully educate, interact with, and enhance wellness of patients and families in healthcare settings. A variety of topics will be presented through readings, lectures, discussions, videos, and experiential activities. Topics include a person’s needs during disability, acute and chronic pain and illness, mind-body relationship, complementary and alternative medicine, and death and dying along with communication and interpersonal skills, strategies for therapeutic intervention, and the ability to engage in reflective thinking are stressed.

DPT 7209   Cardiopulmonary/Acute Care/Trauma 3 credits

Physical therapy examination and interventions for cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care including acute care and trauma are addressed. Class activities include lecture, lab, and case studies.

DPT 7210   Women's Health 2 credits

Basic and clinical science elements of evaluation and intervention of women's health conditions are introduced. Students will be introduced to treatment of pregnancy related musculoskeletal conditions, continence assessment and pelvic floor muscle training, and assessment of risk factors for osteoporosis. Topics covered include anatomy, endocrinology, and physiology, breast health, disease processes with gender differences, incontinence, obstetrics, and osteoporosis.

DPT 7213   Clinical Seminar III 2 credits

This is the final course of a three-course sequence. Issues related to role models, ethics, mentoring, appropriateness of PT interventions, practice supervision, delegation, clinical decision making, and changes in PT payment systems will be explored. Class activities include lecture and collaborative learning activities.

DPT 7232   Clinical Skills Assessment II 1 credit

A comprehensive assessment of clinical skills and professional behaviors developed in the first two years of the curriculum. This assessment takes place within the context of a clinical environment.

DPT 7242   Health Promotion II 1 credit

This is the third of a four course sequence related to the promotion of health to physical therapy clients and the community. Within the context of this course, DPT students will complete and present their finalized Community Health Promotion Project from Health Promotion Ib. DPT students will also explore how to design, promote and implement a successful health promotion event in the community based on the lifestyle and needs of their audience. Class activities include readings, lecture, group discussion, projects and presentations.

DPT 7252   Lifespan II 2 credits

This is the second course of a two course sequence. Students learn best through active learning and critical thinking strategies. Course material will be augmented by in-class discussions, written reflections and interactive opportunities. For example in the first session, function related to health across the life span will be introduced didactically followed by small group discussions to reflect on these elements by implementing the “Circle of Voices” technique (Brookfield, 2011). Students will then be asked to reflect on function related to health across the life span as it relates to the deeper perspective gained through course material and group discussion.

DPT 7262   Capstone I 2 credits

Introduction to the capstone project. Each student will complete one of two tracks: research or professional development. Each of the tracks require six credits of student work. Research - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of scholarly methods. Together they will design a research project that is faculty generated or approved and student implemented. Teaching methods include discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools. Professional Development - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of the PT profession or health related topic. Together they will design and implement a project in conjunction with faculty and/or potentially a community partner. Teaching methods include literature review, discussion, small group learning activities, community service participation, needs assessments and interviews. The project must have a service component.

DPT 7263   Capstone II 1 credit

Continuation of the research or professional development project. Research - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of scholarly methods. Together they will design a research project that is faculty generated or approved and student implemented. Teaching methods include discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools. Professional Development - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of the PT profession or health related topic. Together they will design and implement a project in conjunction with faculty and/or potentially a community partner. Teaching methods include literature review, discussion, small group learning activities, community service participation, needs assessments and interviews. The project must have a service component.

DPT 7264   Capstone III 1 credit

Continuation of the research or professional development project. Research - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of scholarly methods. Together they will design a research project that is faculty generated or approved and student implemented. Teaching methods include discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools. Professional Development - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of the PT profession or health related topic. Together they will design and implement a project in conjunction with faculty and/or potentially a community partner. Teaching methods include literature review, discussion, small group learning activities, community service participation, needs assessments and interviews. The project must have a service component.

DPT 7271   Musculoskeletal I 3 credits

The role of the physical therapist in examining musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care is introduced. Examination processes are regionally applied and students gain initial exposure to differential diagnosis and interventions. Class activities include lecture, lab, and case studies.

DPT 7272   Musculoskeletal II 3 credits

Students further develop concepts of differential diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for patients with musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan and continuum of care. Class activities include lecture, lab, and case studies.

DPT 7281   Neuromuscular I 3 credits

The framework for examination and intervention is applied and expanded to patients with neuromuscular diagnoses across the lifespan and continuum of care. The course focuses on functional areas of importance including mobility, transfers, wheelchair skills, balance, gait and upper extremity function. Class activities include lecture, lab and case studies.

DPT 7282   Neuromuscular II 3 credits

Students build on their examination and intervention framework and neuroscience foundation to approach patients within the neuromuscular practice patterns across the lifespan and continuum of care. Specific examination and intervention techniques, special topics and prognosticating related to the practice patterns are covered. Class activities include lecture, lab and case studies.

DPT 7291   Administration Roles 3 credits

The roles of the physical therapist in administration and management are explored. Health care economics, budgeting, supervision, planning, marketing, and public relations are specifically addressed.

DPT 7301   Complex Medical 2 credits

This course is designed to further develop DPT students' ability to perform Physical Therapy examination and intervention for critically ill patients, those with multi-organ involvement, and those with complicating psychosocial and environmental issues. Class activities include Grand Round Case presentations, inter-professional collaborations and discussion.

DPT 7365   Capstone IV 1 credit

Continuation of the research or professional development project. Research - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of scholarly methods. Together they will design a research project that is faculty generated or approved and student implemented. Teaching methods include discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools. Professional Development - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of the PT profession or health related topic. Together they will design and implement a project in conjunction with faculty and/or potentially a community partner. Teaching methods include literature review, discussion, small group learning activities, community service participation, needs assessments and interviews. The project must have a service component.

DPT 7366   Capstone V 1 credit

Students complete their doctoral projects. Activities include an oral defense presented to faculty, peers, the next PT program cohorts, and the community. The capstone project culminates with faculty approval of the final product. Research - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of scholarly methods. Together they will design a research project that is faculty generated or approved and student implemented. Teaching methods include discussion, small group activities, and use of computer data analysis tools. Professional Development - Students work with a faculty member in small groups to further their knowledge of the PT profession or health related topic. Together they will design and implement a project in conjunction with faculty and/or potentially a community partner. Teaching methods include literature review, discussion, small group learning activities, community service participation, needs assessments and interviews. The project must have a service component.

DPT 7373   Musculoskeletal III 2 credits

Students are exposed to musculoskeletal topics in greater depth to facilitate a global understanding of the role of the musculoskeletal physical therapist across the lifespan and continuum of care. Class activities include lecture, lab, and complex case studies.

DPT 7374   Specialty Seminar 2 credits

Groups of students work with individual faculty members to investigate specialized aspects of physical therapy practice.

DPT 7383   Neuromuscular III 2 credits

Advanced topics related to the examination and intervention of patients with neuromuscular dysfunction across the lifespan and continuum of care are presented. Emphasis is placed on intervention techniques, communication/coordination of care and management of complex patients. Class activities include lecture, lab and case studies.

DPT 7392   Ethics and Professional Issues 1 credit

Ethics and professional issues for physical therapy professionals are explored. Students will critically analyze ethical concepts and major issues facing the profession of physical therapy. These will be presented in discussion and debate format. Students develop a plan for professional development and lifelong learning.

DPT 7501   Clinical Education Experience I 4 credits

This first 8-week clinical experience will provide the student the opportunity to practice professional communication and therapeutic skills. Active participation and integration of course content begins as professional behaviors and clinical decision-making improves throughout the internship. Close supervision is expected while students work at 25-50% of therapist caseload.

DPT 7502   Clinical Education Experience II 4 credits

In this second 8-week clinical course the student is assigned specific clinical tasks under the supervision of the CI. The student is expected to function with up to a 50-75% caseload; develop patient-client management skills, professional behaviors and clinic decision-making skills. Students will be exposed to more complex patient cases. Students will be evaluated on all 18 performance criteria of the CPI.

DPT 7503   Clinical Education Experience III 4 credits

In this third 8-week internship, you will be given the opportunity to apply more advanced theories and treatment procedures to a selected patient caseload with guidance from a CI. You will continue to develop professional behaviors and effectiveness in all aspects of the patient client management model.

DPT 7504   Clinical Education Experience IV 6 credits

In this final 12-week internship, you will be given the opportunity to focus on development of entry-level patient management skills from examination through intervention, as well as development of other skills related to practice such as consultation and administration. This is the culminating full-time clinical rotation after which you are expected to possess the skills and behaviors required to enter practice as a physical therapist.