Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

The Messiah University Doctor of Physical Therapy program graduates ethical, compassionate, autonomous doctors of physical therapy who are competent to practice in diverse settings. Graduates are life-long learners informed by evidence-based practice who exemplify the values of Messiah University and the physical therapy profession.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

Students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of content knowledge and skills requisite to PT practice as a competent practitioner, including professional practice, clinical decision making, and patient management. 
  • Demonstrate lifelong learning and will provide patient/client management based on the principles of evidence-based practice.
  • Demonstrate attitudes and behaviors consistent with professional values and Christian principles. 
  • Practice in a manner consistent with established professional standards, legal, and ethical guidelines that govern the conduct of professional activities.
  • Exhibit cultural humility.
  • Demonstrate patient/client first approach to practice, adapting to the needs, preferences and values of patients with differences in health, culture and socioeconomic backgrounds.

110 credits

Complete the following:

PHTH 605Clinical Gross Anatomy and Biomechanics I

3
PHTH 605LLab: Clinical Gross Anatomy and Biomechanics I

0
PHTH 611PT Profession I: Self & Interprofessional Education (IPE)

2
PHTH 615Applied Physiology

2
PHTH 620Research I

1
PHTH 625Introduction to PT Diagnosis (Dx) and Management

3
PHTH 625LLab: Introduction to PT Diagnosis (Dx) & Management

0
PHTH 635Clinical Gross Anatomy and Biomechanics II

3
PHTH 635LLab: Clinical Gross Anatomy and Biomechanics II

0
PHTH 636PT Skills I: Basic Skills

3
PHTH 636LLab: PT Skills I:Basic Skills

0
PHTH 641PT Profession II: Teaching and Learning

1
PHTH 645Kinesiology

2
PHTH 645LLab: Kinesiology

0
PHTH 652Integrated Clinical Experience I (ICE)

1
PHTH 655Clinical Neuroanatomy

3
PHTH 655LLab: Clinical Neuroanatomy

0
PHTH 656PT Skills II: Therapeutic Exercise

3
PHTH 656LLab: PT Skills II:Therapeutic Exercise

0
PHTH 657Clinical Medicine I: Musculoskeletal

2
PHTH 665PT Diagnosis and Management I: Musculoskeletal I

4
PHTH 665LLab: PT Diagnosis and Management: Musculoskeletal I

0
PHTH 667Clinical Medicine II: Neurological

2
PHTH 674Comprehensive Written and Lab Practical Assessment I

1
PHTH 675PT Diagnosis & Management I: Musculoskeletal II

4
PHTH 675LLab: PT Diagnosis & Management I:Musculoskeletal II

0
PHTH 676PT Skills III: Therapeutic Modalities

2
PHTH 676LLab: PT Skills III: Therapeutic Modalities

0
PHTH 677Clinical Medicine III: Cardiopulmonary

2
PHTH 685PT Diagnosis & Management II: Neurological I

4
PHTH 685LLab: PT Diagnosis & Management:Neurological I

0
PHTH 695PT Diagnosis & Management II: Neurologic II

4
PHTH 695LLab: PT Diagnosis & Management:Neurological II

0
PHTH 696PT Continuum of Care I: Acute and Subacute

3
PHTH 696LLab: PT Continuum of Care:Acute and Subacute

0
PHTH 697Clinical Medicine IV: Integumentary & Other Systems

2
PHTH 705PT Diagnosis & Management III: Cardiopulmonary

3
PHTH 705LLab: PT Diagnosis and Management III:Cardiopulmonary

0
PHTH 720Research II

3
PHTH 725PT Diagnosis and Management IV: Integumentary and Other Systems

3
PHTH 725LLab: PT Diagnosis and Management IV:Integumentary and Other Systems

0
PHTH 735Concepts & Issues in PT I: Geriatrics

2
PHTH 735LLab: Concepts and Issues in PT I: Geriatrics

0
PHTH 741PT Profession III: Cultural and Global Diversity

1
PHTH 744Comprehensive Writtenand Lab Practical Assessments II

1
PHTH 746PT Continuum of Care II: Rehab and Home Health

3
PHTH 746LLab: PT Continuum of Care II:Rehab and Home Health

0
PHTH 751PT Profession IV: Service Learning in Action

1
PHTH 752Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) II

1
PHTH 755Concepts & Issues in PT II: Pediatrics

2
PHTH 755LLab: Concepts and Issues in PT II: Pediatrics

0
PHTH 756PT Continuum of Care III: Outpatient

2
PHTH 756LLab: PT Continuum of Care III:Outpatient

0
PHTH 760Research III

1
PHTH 761PT Profession V: Healthcare Issues and Trends

1
PHTH 772Clinical Experience I

3
PHTH 781PT Profession VI: Health Promotion, Wellness, Fitness

2
PHTH 786PT Skills IV: Manual Therapy

2
PHTH 786LLab: PT Skills IV:Manual Therapy

0
PHTH 788Selected Topics in PT

4
PHTH 791PT Profession VII: PT Administration & Management

2
PHTH 801PT Profession X: Leadership & Advocacy in Physical Therapy

1
PHTH 820Research IV

1
PHTH 832Clinical Experience II

4
PHTH 852Clinical Experience III

2
PHTH 872Clinical Experience IV

4
PHTH 880Research V

1
PHTH 881PT Profession VIII: Clinical Education Synopsis

1
PHTH 891PT Profession IX: Growth Beyond Graduation

2

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Messiah University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia, 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 717-796-1800 ext. 2126 or email dpt@messiah.edu.