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Curriculum

The FIU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum features a progressive, problem-oriented approach and includes rigorous coverage of the full range of basic medical and clinical sciences, hands-on skills and research relevant to the current practice of physical therapy.

Courses & Syllabi

Visit the FIU Catalog for full course descriptions and program requirements

  • Navigate to the current academic year
  • Enter the Course Code in the “Search Bar” OR select “Graduate”
  • Select “Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences”

 

Doctor in Physical Therapy Curriculum as of Fall of 2025

  • First Year

    Fall Semester 1: (15 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 5070

    Principles of Diagnostic Imaging

    1

    PHT 5174

    Analysis of Movement and Function

    3

    PHT 5174L

    Analysis of Movement and Function Lab

    1

    PHT 5244C

    Principles of Therapeutic Exercise

    3

    PHT 5523

    Dimensions of Professional Practice Seminar I

    3

    PHT 5180

    Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management I

    3

    PHT 5180L

    Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management I Lab

    1

    Spring Semester 1: (14 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 5181

    Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management II

    3

    PHT 5181L

    Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management II Lab

    1

    PHT 5205

    Clinical Skills

    3

    PHT 5205L

    Clinical Skills Lab

    1

    PHT 5303

    Principles of Pathophysiology in Physical Therapy

    3

    PHT 6353

    Principles of Diagnostics and Pharmacology in Physical Therapy

    2

    PHT 6725L

    Orthopedic Test and Measures

    1

    Summer Semester 1: (12 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 5027

    Clinical Education Seminar

    1

    PHT 5182

    Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management III

    3

    PHT 5182L

    Musculoskeletal Diagnosis & Management III Lab

    1

    PHT 6165

    Applied Clinical Neuroanatomy

    3

    PHT 6341

    Diagnosis and Management of Disease

    3

    PHT 6341L

    Diagnosis and Management of Disease Lab

    1

  • Second Year

    Fall Semester 2: (14 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 5805

    Clinical Internship I

    3

    PHT 6125

    Clinical Biomechanics

    3

    PHT 6163

    Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management I Lecture

    3

    PHT 6163L

    Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management I Lab

    1

    PHT 6905

    Independent Study

    1

    PHT 6625

    Advanced Physical Therapy Clinical Research Methodologies and Design

    3

    Spring Semester 2: (12 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 6164

    Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management II Lecture

    3

    PHT6164L

    Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management II Lab

    1

    PHT 6381

    Diagnosis and Management of Cardiopulmonary Systems Lecture

    3

    PHT 6381L

    Diagnosis and Management of Cardiopulmonary Systems Lab

    1

    PHT 6970C

    DPT Project I

    3

    PHT 6547C

    Case Management in Physical Therapy I

    1

    Summer Semester 2: (14 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 5373

    Advanced Therapy Assessment of the Elderly

    3

    PHT 6169

    Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management III Lecture

    3

    PHT 6169L

    Neurorehabilitation Diagnosis & Management III Lab

    1

    PHT 6127

    Advanced Pathological Movement Analysis

    3

    PHT 6972C

    DPT Project II

    3

    PHT 6548C

    Case Management in Physical Therapy II

    1

  • Third Year

    Fall Semester 3: (13 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 5505C

    Physical Therapy Constructs in Health and Wellness

    3

    PHT 6009

    Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy

    3

    PHT 6817

    Clinical Internship II

    3

    PHT 6973C

    DPT Project III

    3

    PHT 6549C

    Case Management in Physical Therapy III

    1

    Spring Semester 3: (14 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 6716C

    Advanced Orthopedics

    3

    PHT 6325

    Advanced Clinical Pediatric Physical Therapy

    3

    PHT 5639

    Physical Therapy Administrative Techniques and Methods

    1

    PHT 6827

    Clinical Internship III

    3

    PHT 5336C

    Theories in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

    1

    PHT 5960

    Comprehensive Exam I

    3

    Summer Semester 3: (5 Credits)

    Course#

    Description

    Credits

    PHT 6828

    Clinical Internship IV

    3

    PHT 6905

    Independent Study

    1

    PHT 6961

    Comprehensive Exam II

    1

The above curriculum schedule is subject to change.

DPT Project

You have three semesters of DTP project. You will be assigned to a faculty member to assist in their research. Please remember that there is no assigned time for this course so please work closely with your faculty mentor to make sure you are available when requested. Plan your work around the course and not the course around your work. The culmination of this research experience will be a paper formatted for publication and/or oral/poster presentation of your work.

Graduation

Students may apply for graduation in accordance with University-wide procedures.

The Chair, or his or her designee, will support the application if the student shows evidence of the ability to complete their program of studies by the graduation date applied for.

Informed consent relative to participation in instructional activities.

Students are required to participate in lecture-demonstrations, laboratory classes, clinical observation, and participation in clinical treatments as part of their training to become physical therapists. Many of these activities may pose more than a trivial risk to student's physical and/or mental health and comfort.

Students should expect to come into close physical contact with fellow students as well as wear clothing that maximizes exposure while maintaining modesty.