Course Descriptions

The following courses are required for students to receive the DPT degree (DMU alumni do not need to take PPDPT 1608 or PPDPT 1609). PPDPT 1600/Orientation must be completed prior to enrollment in the first class in the Postprofessional DPT Program. PPDPT 1607/Clinical Applications may only be taken once all other courses have been completed.

PP DPT 1600 - Orientation
PP DPT 1601 - Business Management
PP DPT 1602 - Individual and Family Aspects of Care
PP DPT 1603 - Clinical Decision Making
PP DPT 1604 - Health Promotion and Prevention
PP DPT 1605 - Clinical Imaging and Pharmacology
PP DPT 1606 - Motor Control Theory and Analysis
PP DPT 1607 - Clinical Applications (Capstone Course)
PP DPT 1608 - Clinical Medicine (required for non-alumni)
PP DPT 1609 - Manual Therapy Intervention (required for non-alumni) Manual Therapy Exemption

PP DPT 1600 - Orientation

An orientation to the components of Des Moines University and the Postprofessional DPT Program that the student will utilize over the course of the curriculum. Content includes overviews of: applicable policies and procedures; access to the DMU library and bookstore; and the technology to be used throughout the curriculum. This orientation must be completed by the student prior to beginning his/her first class in the Postprofessional DPT Program. (0 credit hours)

PP DPT 1601 - Business Management

Covers aspects of managing a business. Emphasis is placed on the design of a business plan, community needs analyses, financial management, marketing and public relations, quality improvement, the role of technology, and networking. The roles of the physical therapist as a consultant, conflict manager, negotiator and advocate are also explored. (3 credit hours)

PP DPT 1602 - Individual and Family Aspects of Care

Individual characteristics of the patient/client that need to be taken into consideration in the management of a patient/client's care. Family dynamics are also explored in relation to their impact on the health and health care decisions of a patient/client. Another component of this course is the physical therapist's role with respect to issues of violence and abuse. (2 credit hours)

PP DPT 1603 - Clinical Decision Making

Presents models for clinical decision-making including the patient care management model as presented in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Evidence-based practice and the critical evaluation of research related to health care practice is a component of this course. Also covered are concepts in epidemiology and outcome measurement. (2 credit hours)

PP DPT 1604 - Health Promotion and Prevention

Concentrates on the health promotion and prevention needs of a diverse population. Content includes theories on wellness, health behavior models, motivational strategies, and the provision of services by physical therapists that promote the health and quality of life of individuals and groups. Epidemiology is introduced for the purposes of planning health promotion and prevention services. The impact of nutrition on health is also a component of this course. An introduction to standardized tests and measures, interpretation of data collected, and development of a plan of care related to health promotion and prevention are primary components of this course. (3 credit hours)

PP DPT 1605 - Clinical Imaging and Pharmacology

Covers the technical and interpretive aspects of diagnostic imaging as related to diagnoses commonly treated by physical therapists. The second component of this course covers the concepts of pharmacologic management of patients/clients and the interrelationship of pharmacologic management with physical therapy interventions. (2 credit hours)

PP DPT 1606 - Motor Control Theory and Analysis

Investigates various theories and differences between central and peripheral mechanisms of motor control. Identification of functional and dysfunctional movement patterns will be covered. Possible mechanisms underlying gait changes in various pathologic conditions will be explored. Opportunities to study different forms of motion analysis and motion analysis devices will be included. Kinetic and kinematic data from motion analysis devices will be used to analyze motion. (2 credit hours)

PP DPT 1607 - Clinical Applications (Capstone Course)

Case scenarios are used to refine and integrate the components of the patient/client management model, the processes of clinical decision-making, and the effective and efficient use of resources. Cases will include patients/clients from the four categories of conditions that make up the preferred practice patterns in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. This will include content in the areas of genetics and the immune system. NOTE: All other courses must be completed prior to enrollment in this course. (3 credit hours)

PP DPT 1608 - Clinical Medicine
Study of the alterations of human health in response to various pathophysiological states. The principles of pathophysiology underlying major diseases will be discussed to gain an understanding of human responses to disease states and the implications of this for physical therapy management of patients. (3 credit hours)

PP DPT 1609 - Manual Therapy Intervention

Various joint mobilization and manipulation theories and concepts as related to the spine and extremities. Joint biomechanics and neural control mechanisms as related to these manual techniques will be included. (3 credit hours)

The course is comprised of two components: an online component and an on campus lab component. The online component is required for all non- alumni students. The on campus lab component is optional. You must qualify for the exemption if you chose not to attend the on campus lab component. Please see accompanying link.

Manual Therapy Exemption