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Physical Therapy
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Our Courses

In the DPT Program, students learn to:

  • Respond to the changing health care environment
  • Integrate the principles of teaching and learning in professional practice
  • Use ethical and moral principles in professional practice
  • Incorporate the principles of research in physical therapy practice
  • Practice physical therapy incorporating scientific knowledge and critical analysis
  • Value lifelong learning through personal and professional growth

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree prepares students to diagnose and treat movement dysfunction in patients they serve. Students who successfully complete this 2 year and 9 month graduate program will be prepared to practice as generalist clinicians in a variety of PT practice settings. Graduates will also be eligible to take the national licensing exam to practice as a physical therapist.

Semester by Semester Curriculum
Fall 1 18
ANATOMY 1
and ANATOMY 1 LAB
NEUROSCIENCE
and NEUROSCIENCE LAB
INTRO TO PT EXAM
and INTRO TO PT EXAM LAB
INTRO TO PT PROCEDURES
and INTRO TO PT PROCEDURES LAB
PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 1
Spring 118
ANATOMY 2
and ANATOMY 2 LAB
CLINICAL KINESIOLOGY
and CLINICAL KINESIOLOGY LAB
NEURO MANAGEMENT 1
and NEURO MANAGEMENT 1 LAB
APPLIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
and APPLIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY LAB
SCREENING FOR DISEASE
Summer 1 9
PHARMACOLOGY FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
RESEARCH METHODS
PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 2
Fall 218
MUSCULOSKELETAL 1
and MUSCULOSKELETAL 1 LAB
NEURO MANAGEMENT 2
and NEURO MANAGEMENT 2 LAB
CARDIOPULMONARY
and CARDIOPULMONARY LAB
CLINICAL RESEARCH 1
PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 3
Spring 2 18
MUSCULOSKELETAL 2
and MUSCULOSKELETAL 2 LAB
MEDICALLY COMPLEX PATIENTS
and MEDICALLY COMPLEX PATIENTS LAB
PEDIATRICS
and PEDIATRICS LAB
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 4
Summer 2 8
ADVANCED PT PRACTICE (must be repeated)
PT PRACTICE SEMINAR 5
PT ADMINISTRATION
Fall 3 18
CLINICAL RESEARCH 2
CLINICAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE 1
CLINICAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE 2
Spring 314
CLINICAL RESEARCH 3
CLINICAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE 3
Total Credits121

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Applied Laboratory Work: Build hands-on clinical skills in anatomy, neuroscience, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, and musculoskeletal labs.
  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Develop clinical reasoning through patient simulations, case studies, role playing, and other hands-on activities in the classroom.
  • Clinical Experiences: Complete supervised clinical education experiences in various healthcare settings—such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers—where you evaluate and treat patients under licensed physical therapists.
  • Integrated Clinical Experiences: Hone your skills in structured field placements that prepare you for full-time clinical work and licensure.
  • Service-Learning Experiences: Connect with local communities through health promotion, injury prevention, and wellness initiatives.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at EWU: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, athletics, or clubs.
  • Volunteerism: Make a meaningful impact while gaining hands-on experience, building professional connections, and applying your physical therapy skills in real-world settings.
Professor and student in front of presentation.