The DPT curriculum is constructed to meet the needs of the health care community by producing graduates who are readily able to diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities.
To accomplish this purpose, the curriculum contains components of didactic and clinical education, leading the entry-level clinician to an understanding and demonstration of competence in his/her ability to engage in specific and complex cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors when providing professional service to patients/clients, families, and caregivers.
The DPT curriculum is a rigorous and progressive course of study, comprising first of foundational sciences and followed by study in the clinical sciences.
Clinical education experiences allow students to practice and incorporate information learned through didactic instruction and to further develop the skills necessary to become efficient and effective practitioners. The new curriculum will include a clinical aspect that will integrate a total of 32 weeks of clinical practice in various patient/client management venues, culminating in a 14-week clinical experience. The student then returns to campus for the remainder of their coursework and preparation for the National Physical Therapy Exam.
The entire curriculum has been designed with the learner in mind, with each course carefully designed to accomplish the mission of the DPT program: to educate entry-level physical therapists to assume the role of health care practitioner through the provision of competent, evidence-based practice in a variety of clinical settings; and to promote active participation and effective leadership in all aspects of personal and professional life.
Curriculum for 2025 Incoming Students
Previous Curriculum/Current Enrolled Student Curriculum
Clinical Experience
The curriculum’s clinical aspect integrates 40 weeks of clinical practice in various patient/client management venues, culminating in a 16-week clinical experience. The student then returns to campus for the remainder of their coursework and preparation for the National Physical Therapy Exam.
Ability and Accommodation
The DPT program at the University of Lynchburg, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. A person qualified for the DPT program has met academic standards and can meet the Technical Standards and Essential Functions of the DPT Program with or without reasonable accommodations.
