Post-Professional DPT Program

KU's post-professional DPT program utilizes Web-based education to provide practicing physical therapists the opportunity to advance their knowledge and career. The program focuses on differential diagnosis, medical imaging, and evidence-based practice. A degree in physical therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is required.

Students are required to take the following core courses:
• PTRS 712 Pathophysiology and the PT Diagnosis (4)
• PTRS 815 Case Studies in Pathophysiology (2)
• PTRS 828 Medical Imaging (3)
• OTMS 835 Quantitative Research for Applied Science (3)
• PTRS 880 Differential Diagnosis of General Medical Conditions (3)
• PTRS 817 Ethics in Health Care (3)
• PTRS 855 Pharmacology for Physical Therapists (1)

Students then choose a special area of concentration:
1. Neurology Track
   PTRS 851 Control of Human Movement (2)
   PTRS 858 Evidence-Based Rehabilitation of Patients Post-CVA (3)
   Independent Study (1)
2. Orthopedic Track
   PTRS 715 Applied Musculoskeletal Anatomy (3)
   PTRS 740 Evidence-Based Orthopedic Rehab (3)
3. Administration Track
   PTRS 835 Rehabilitation Administration I (3)
   PTRS 836 Rehabilitation Administration II (3)

Post-Professional
DPT Program Curriculum
The post-professional DPT program is a 28-credit-hour program (see courses below). Recent graduates of a physical therapy program may qualify for a reduced credit-hour program, provided their degree was received no more than seven (7) years prior to starting the post-professional program.

Here is a listing of classes offered
during each of the semesters (credit hours):

Summer
PTRS 828 Medical Imaging (3)
PTRS 855 Pharmacology for Physical Therapists (1)
 
Fall
PTRS 712 Pathophysiology and the PT Diagnosis (4)
PTRS 715 Applied Musculoskeletal Anatomy (3)
PTRS 815 Case Studies in Pathophysiology (2)
PTRS 817 Ethics in Health Care (3)
PTRS 836 Rehabilitation Administration II (3)
PTRS 880 Differential Diagnosis of General Medical Conditions (3)
 
Spring
OTMS 835 Quantitative Research for Applied Science (3 )
PTRS 740 Evidence-Based Orthopedic Rehab (3)
PTRS 835 Rehabilitation Administration I (3)
PTRS 851 Control of Human Movement (2)
PTRS 858 Evidence-Based Rehabilitation of Patients Post-CVA (3)

To remain eligible during the program, students must maintain a good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must complete at least one course per year (beginning with the year of their starting semester). Students failing to complete one course per year will be removed from the program. Exceptions will be considered on an individual basis following a written letter from the student to the program committee. Students must complete the program within a 5-year period from the start of their first class.

Our Mission

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas Medical Center is to prepare highly competent, critically thinking physical therapists committed to lifelong professional development. Through an evidenced-based clinical and didactic curriculum, our mission is to foster autonomous, professional practitioners, who provide high-quality, efficient, ethical and compassionate care to diverse and underserved populations.