Physical Therapy Curriculum

Design of the Curriculum

The University of Puget Sound Physical Therapy program embraces the concept that physical therapy embodies scientific and empirical knowledge to explain human motion disorders, and that such knowledge makes physical therapists the appropriate practitioners to develop interventions to restore motion homeostasis, or enhance adaptation to disability based on the results of systematic patient examination. Graduates will be prepared to function as independent practitioners collaborating within the health care environment.

The professional portion of the program is sequentially integrated. During the first year of academic coursework the student does intensive work in the areas of musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology, neurophysiology, cardiopulmonary function, and other foundations of human motor function. Building on this foundation during the second year of study, the student focuses on the theory and foundation, then the techniques of clinical practice. The second-year student applies this new knowledge treating patients in the on-site clinic under close supervision by the program faculty. In the summer following the second year, the student completes a full-time off-site clinical internship. In the fall of the third year, the student takes capstone courses that require integration and critical analysis while treating patients in the on-site clinic, and completes advanced clinical electives in areas of special interest. The semester of the program consists entirely of full-time clinical experiences, which take place primarily throughout the western United States. Two full-time experiences are required: a 15 week experience that takes place in the summer between the second and third year of the program and a 17 week experience that takes place the final semester of the program.

Physical Therapy Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students will be expected to:

1. Think logically, analytically and critically, and employ those skills in clinical decision making related to patient management based on current best evidence.
2. Perform comprehensive examinations/evaluations of individuals with physical or movement related disorders and recognize those patients that require consultation or collaboration with other health care professionals.
3. Contribute to a professional working environment by actively engaging in critical inquiry.
4. Contribute to society by engaging in activities that promote health and prevent illness or disability.
5. Adhere to the principles stated in the American Physical Therapy Association Core Values and Code of Ethics in all aspects of physical therapy practice.

Course Sequence

• Students must be admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program before taking the following course sequence. The unit value for each term will equal 4 units for full-time work with the current class schedule, excluding terms consisting only of clinical Experiences (PT 657 and PT 687).

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

The courses offered in the Physical Therapy program must be taken in the above-noted sequence. The program is designed for full-time enrollment only. All PT courses are only offered in the term listed.