Post-professional doctor of physical therapy menu
The following courses are required for students to receive the doctor of physical therapy degree (DMU alumni do not need to take PPDPT 1608, 1609 or 1610). PPDPT 1600 Orientation must be completed prior to enrollment in the first class in the post-professional doctor of physical therapy program. PPDPT 1607 Clinical Applications may only be taken once all other courses have been completed.
PPDPT 1600 – Orientation – 1 semester hour
An orientation to the components of Des Moines University and the post-professional doctor of physical therapy 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 post-professional doctor of physical therapy program.
PPDPT 1601 – Business management – 2 semester hours
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.
PPDPT 1602 – Individual and family aspects of care – 2 semester hours
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.
PPDPT 1603 – Clinical decision making – 3 semester hours
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.
PPDPT 1604 – Health promotion and prevention – 3 semester hours
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.
PPDPT 1605 – Clinical imaging and pharmacology – 2 semester hours
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.
PPDPT 1606 – Motor control theory and analysis – 2 semester hours
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.
PPDPT 1607 – Clinical applications (capstone course) – 3 semester hours
This course represents the culmination of the Post-Professional DPT Program. Each student will develop an individual capstone project to demonstrate competence with the components of the patient/client management model, the processes of clinical decision-making, and the effective/efficient use of evidence based resources.
PPDPT 1608 – Clinical medicine systems – 2 semester hours
This online course focuses upon the understanding of the alterations of human health in response to various pathophysiological states. In this course the principals of pathophysiology underlying major diseases will be studied to understand the human response to disease and the implications for physical therapy management. This course will address the topics of lab tests and values, genetics and oncology. Various system pathology including; hepatic, pancreatic biliary, gastrointestinal, hematology, genitourinary and reproductive will be covered in this course.
PPDPT 1609 – Manual therapy intervention – 2 semester hours
This course investigates the use of manual therapy interventions in neuromusculoskeletal physical therapy patient management. The course will focus on evidence-based interventions encompassing all regions of the body and as applicable to diverse patient populations. Material will be presented using both online and on-campus formats. Participants will be asked to learn the basic concepts of manual therapy interventions and to demonstrate their knowledge via the completion of assignments, discussion board dialog, and laboratory participation. The laboratory will be held on the Des Moines University campus over 2 days and will focus on psychomotor skills based on the online course content. Individuals unable to attend the laboratory may complete an optional assignment if recent laboratory or advanced training in manual therapy is demonstrated. Learn more about manual therapy intervention exemptions.
PPDPT 1610 – Pathology of clinical medicine – 2 semester hours
In this course the principals of pathophysiology underlying major diseases will be studied to understand the human response to disease and the implications for physical therapy management. This course will address the topics of psychosocial spiritual impact on chronic illnesses, immunity, infectious disease, problems affecting multiple systems, lab tests and values and the metabolic and endocrine systems.