D.P.T. Curriculum

The primary course objective is for students to acquire a basic understanding of the structure and function of the human body, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. This course covers the foundational sciences of human anatomy and selected topic areas in histology and serves as a foundation for subsequent coursework in both foundational and clinical sciences.

The Kinesiology course provides the students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program with a forum in which they learn to apply the basic science knowledge they are acquiring in their Anatomy course in a clinically relevant manner. A major emphasis of the Kinesiology course is for the students to develop their knowledge base related to human movement, to develop the skills of identification and palpation of various musculoskeletal structures, and to develop the skill of observation of human movement, including gait. This is accomplished through a series of lectures, discussions, labs and demonstrations.

This course emphasizes therapeutic evaluation skill in the areas of musculoskeletal and functional assessments. Students are exposed to various evaluation techniques and critical clinical concepts required for Physical Therapy practice.

The three major purposes of this course are to provide students with an introduction to educational theory and group process; professionalism, ethics, and values; and the doctoring profession of physical therapy. Professionalism is explored in depth, including ethics and values, service, and the NYS practice act. Students become aware of the expectations, obligations, and responsibilities inherent to a doctoring profession, and the professional behaviors they will use to self-assess themselves and peers throughout professional development.

This course is a foundational science courses required of students in the DPT degree program in Physical Therapy during the fall semester of the first year of study. This course emphasizes a basic understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and the application of these areas to clinical assessment. Through lectures and laboratories students learn normal neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and the effects that neuroanatomical dysfunction has on the function of the central nervous system.

Students will be introduced to the underlying science of applied nutrition, cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, and neuromuscular physiology, therapeutic exercise, as well as short and long-term responses and adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic exercise testing & training, weight control, and psychology of motivation. Current issues in health and disease as they relate to genetics, gender, and age will be discussed. An emphasis will be the prevention of disease, and the ill effects of deficiency or excesses in areas of nutrition and exercise.

The course introduces students to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions applicable to physical therapy practice. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well develop clinical reasoning, critical analysis and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with musculoskeletal conditions.

This course emphasizes the understanding of basic research design and analysis, principles of epidemiology and critical analysis of research literature. Students will review and learn new research concepts, study designs, and statistical procedures. Students will learn effective and efficient research strategies, as well as basic writing and oral communication skills, to discuss and evaluate clinical research outcomes, and apply evidence to coursework and clinical practice.

The focus of this course is to introduce students to the major disease conditions and associated pharmacologic agents they will encounter and provide students with an overview of medical management in relation to physical therapy practice.

The course introduces students to a variety of cardiopulmonary and vascular diagnoses applicable to physical therapy. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well develop clinical reasoning, critical analysis and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.

This course introduces students to the clinical assessment and treatment of patients with impairments of the neurologic system. Students are exposed to various evaluation techniques and critical clinical concepts required for Physical Therapy practice and will learn foundational assessment and treatment skills while considering the neuroanatomical structures involved and the impact on neurophysiologic function.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the physical therapy practice management environment, be introduced to legal considerations within the current healthcare system, consider aspects of the culturally competent clinician, and prepare for the start of Clinical Education.

This course is designed to foster clinical reasoning, practical clinical skills, and critical analysis in the use and application of therapeutic modalities utilized for treating various clinically related patient problems.

Clinical Education I the first course in a series of four full-time clinical education experiences. It is eight weeks long and is a required course for all DPT students. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply their previously learned knowledge and skills to a physical therapy setting, under the supervision and mentorship of a licensed physical therapist (Clinical Instructor). Over the course of the Clinical Education course series, students will be exposed to inpatient and outpatient practice settings. As students’ progress through their four clinical education experiences, it is expected that they will evolve professionally, as demonstrated by their clinical performance. Culminating clinical education experiences are based on the unique needs and professional goals of students, and the availability of clinic sites.

The course introduces students to a variety of neurologic diagnoses applicable to physical therapy. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well develop clinical reasoning, critical analysis and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with neurologic conditions with rehabilitative potential.

The course introduces students to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions applicable to physical therapy practice. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well as develop clinical reasoning and critical analysis, and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with musculoskeletal conditions.

The course introduces students to a variety of medical surgical conditions applicable to physical therapy practice. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well develop clinical reasoning, critical analysis and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with medical surgical conditions.

This course is designed to address physical therapy skills and services in the areas of preventative healthcare and wellness. The physical therapist’s role in screening, and disease and injury prevention, are discussed in lecture and practiced through a series of laboratories.

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the American Health Care Delivery Systems, current critical health care issues related to behavioral and environmental sciences, and the impact of genomics on health. Additionally, students will engage in community outreach and participate in a community service project.

The course introduces students to a variety of neurologic diagnoses applicable to physical therapy. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well develop clinical reasoning, critical analysis and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with neurologic conditions of degenerative nature. Genetics, genomics and precision medicine will be explored as well.

The course introduces students to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions applicable to physical therapy practice. Students are provided with opportunities to apply skills previously learned, as well as develop clinical reasoning and critical analysis, and learn additional psychomotor skills in the areas of examination, evaluation, goal development, intervention design, intervention implementation and discharge planning for persons with musculoskeletal conditions.

The course is designed to address the area of pediatric physical therapy practice, including an overview of normal and abnormal development. The course introduces students to a variety of conditions affecting pediatric clients and applicable to physical therapy. This course exposes students to various pathologies and provides opportunities for learning physical therapy evaluation and intervention procedures.

This course is designed to emphasize clinical decision making and problem solving for patients with complex clinical presentations. Students will consider complex patient situations as they work on refining higher level skills in clinical reasoning and decision making. Students will be exposed to various patient presentations across clinical settings and diagnostic categories.

Clinical Education II is the second in a series of four full-time clinical education experiences. It is eight weeks long and is a required course for all DPT students. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply their previously learned knowledge and skills to a physical therapy setting, under the supervision and mentorship of a licensed physical therapist (Clinical Instructor). Over the course of the Clinical Education series, students will be exposed to inpatient and outpatient practice settings. As students’ progress through their four clinical education experiences, it is expected that they will evolve professionally, as demonstrated by their clinical performance. Culminating clinical education experiences are based on the unique needs and professional goals of students, and the availability of clinic sites.

Clinical Education II is the second in a series of four full-time clinical education experiences. It is eight weeks long and is a required course for all DPT students. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply their previously learned knowledge and skills to a physical therapy setting, under the supervision and mentorship of a licensed physical therapist (Clinical Instructor). Over the course of the Clinical Education series, students will be exposed to inpatient and outpatient practice settings. As students’ progress through their four clinical education experiences, it is expected that they will evolve professionally, as demonstrated by their clinical performance. Culminating clinical education experiences are based on the unique needs and professional goals of students, and the availability of clinic sites.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at New York Medical College trains graduates to be competent and caring entry-level practitioners who can practice in diverse clinical environments. Because many students are ready to choose a practice area of focus prior to graduation, the program offers an opportunity for students to develop additional skills in an area of interest. This occurs through taking elective courses during year 3. The area of interest may include clinical research, psychomotor skill development and advanced clinical decision-making in a specialty practice area, public health-related topics, and other topical areas. The offering of specific elective courses may vary year-to-year depending on faculty availability and student interest.

Clinical Education III is the third in a series of four full-time clinical experiences. It is a 10-week rotation and is a required course for all DPT students. There is a 12-week option which is preferred for some pediatric rotations. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply their previously learned knowledge and skills to patient care, under the supervision and mentorship of a licensed physical therapist (Clinical Instructor). Over the course of their four clinical education experiences, students will be exposed to inpatient and outpatient practice settings. Culminating experiences will be chosen based upon the unique needs and professional goals of students, and the availability of clinic sites. As students’ progress through the Clinical Education course series, it is expected that they will evolve professionally, as demonstrated by their clinical performance. It is expected that students will have the opportunity to practice relevant administrative and screening skills during this clinical education experience (CE III).

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at New York Medical College trains graduates to be competent and caring entry-level practitioners who can practice in diverse clinical environments. Because many students are ready to choose a practice area of focus prior to graduation, the program offers an opportunity for students to develop additional skills in an area of interest. This occurs through taking elective courses during year 3. The area of interest may include clinical research, psychomotor skill development and advanced clinical decision-making in a specialty practice area, public health-related topics, and other topical areas. The offering of specific elective courses may vary year-to-year depending on faculty availability and student interest.

Clinical Education IV is the fourth and terminal full-time clinical experiences. It is a 10-week rotation and is a required course for all DPT students. There is a 12-week option which is preferred for some for pediatric rotations. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply their previously learned knowledge and skills to a physical therapy setting, under the supervision and mentorship of a licensed physical therapist (Clinical Instructor). Over the course of their four clinical education experiences, students will be exposed to inpatient and outpatient practice settings. Culminating experiences will be chosen based upon the unique needs and professional goals of students, and the availability of clinic sites. As students’ progress through the Clinical Education course series, it is expected that they will evolve professionally, as demonstrated by their clinical performance. It is expected that students continue to have the opportunity to practice relevant administrative and screening skills during this clinical experience (CE IV). Upon completion of the Clinical Education IV, the student is expected to have demonstrated ‘Entry Level” competency. In a specialized setting (i.e. pediatric experience), student may be at the minimum Advanced Intermediate level of performance.

This course will prepare students for the national physical therapy licensure examination. This course will be taught by all core faculty who will serve as various content experts. Content areas will be preidentified by specific cohorts of class and agreed upon by faculty. This course will culminate in a comprehensive exam that the student must pass to graduate from the program.