Physical Therapy

K. Gibson, Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
College of Health Sciences
801 Clark Hall
(573) 882-7103
Fax: (573) 884-8369
https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/physical-therapy/

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The University of Missouri offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Admissions

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Regular Admissions

Most students admitted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will have a baccalaureate degree. Students who are interested in pursuing application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program are encouraged to work on an undergraduate degree that will allow them to fulfill application requirements.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Early Admissions

Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program may be available to a small group of students who have completed at least 90 credit hours, completed at least six full-time semesters of residential course work post-high school, all MU general education requirements and have shown excellent academic progress. Students who gain early admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be awarded the Bachelor of Health Science in Pre-Professional Physical Therapy upon completing one year of coursework in the physical therapy program.

Emeritus Professor M. Brown*, M. A. Minor*
Teaching Professor T. Briedwell*, K. Gibson*, D.E. Martin*
Associate Professor E. A. Dannecker**, T. M. Guess**, S. P. Sayers**
Associate Teaching Professor A. Campbell*, J. Hall*, K. Stephens*, B. Willis*
Assistant Teaching Professor J. Bridges*, D. Chole, G. Cox, K. Fandrey

*: Graduate Faculty Member - membership is required to teach graduate-level courses, chair master's thesis committees, and serve on doctoral examination and dissertation committees.
**: Doctoral Faculty Member - membership is required to chair doctoral examination or dissertation committees. Graduate faculty membership is a prerequisite for Doctoral faculty membership.

While MU does not offer undergraduate degrees specifically in physical therapy, the University does offer undergraduate opportunities in a number of related areas. The catalog provides a complete list of these degree options.

While MU does not offer graduate degrees specifically in physical therapy, the University does offer post-baccalaureate opportunities in a number of related areas. The catalog provides a complete list of these degree options.

DPT in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Doctoral Degree Program
College of Health Sciences
801 Clark Hall
573-882-7103
573-884-8369 (fax)
MUSHPPT@missouri.edu

Students who enter the MU Physical Therapy program will complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program.

Careers

The DPT degree is an entry-level clinical degree that prepares the student to enter the field of physical therapy as a general practitioner with a background in musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary and integumentary systems.

Financial Aid from the Program

The Department of Physical Therapy recognizes the financial commitment of attending PT school and how financial decisions can influence your future. MU is an exceptional value and it's understandable that financing your PT education can be daunting. The Financial Aid Office offers support in the area of student finances including financial aid, financial literacy as well as individual financial counseling.

It is important for students to review their finances and consider the resources available to pay for their DPT degree. Mizzou DPT students finance their education through savings, scholarships, and student loans. Financial aid resources are allocated on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Students may apply for scholarships at the end of their first and second year in the professional phase of the program. For PT scholarship information, download PT Scholarships: Application instructions.

PH_THR 1000: Introduction to Physical Therapy

Acquaints students with the physical therapy profession including the required educational preparation, practice settings, sample interventions, current issues, trends and research. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 4250: Human Kinesiology

Study of principles of physical laws, biomechanics and anatomic structure relative to human movement. Applications through analysis of daily functional performance, exercise, and sport.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: PTH_AS 2201

PH_THR 4420: Foundations of Therapeutic Exercise

Physiological basis of exercise throughout the lifespan with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary and integumentary systems and the effects of injury and disease on these systems.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5100: Introduction to Interprofessional Practice

(same as OC_THR 5100; cross-leveled with HTH_PR 7100, HTH_PR 4100, SLHS 4100, SLHS 7100). This course serves as a foundation and introduction to interprofessional education and collaboration. Students who enroll in this course will be assigned to mini-teams of students from a range of disciplines. Through this course, students will develop an understanding of their own unique role as a healthcare provider and the importance of client- and community-centered care and effective teamwork, as well as communication skills.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 5110: Fundamentals of Physical Therapy

Introduction to professional school and expectations, history of physical therapy; the profession, basic skills, first aid, infection control, vital signs, surface anatomy.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 5200: Problems in Physical Therapy

Organized study of selected content/topics in physical therapy, health and wellness, prevention of disease and disability, and the rehabilitation sciences. Specific content may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 5210: Applied Neurophysiology

Principles of basic neurophysiology, emphasizing correlation of structure and function of the nervous system.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5220: Biophysical Agents

Includes biophysics, theory and techniques concerning usage of biophysical agents as adjuncts to exercise programs. This entails the use of thermal, electrical, light, hydrotherapy, and mechanical agents.

Credit Hours: 2

PH_THR 5230: Clinical Evaluation and Procedures

Principles and procedures of basic evaluation methods and documentation: transfers, body mechanics, muscle strength, range of motion, muscle length, neurologic tests.

Credit Hours: 4

PH_THR 5240: Foundations of Therapeutic Exercise

Physiologic basis of exercise throughout the lifespan with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/ pulmonary and integumentary systems and the effects of injury and disease on these systems.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5250: Human Kinesiology

PH_THR 5260: Introduction to Clinical Education I

Introduction to the aspects of clinical education. Development of foundational clinical skills and behaviors. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 5270: PhysZOU I

Professional development and part time clinical education activities. First course in a series of six experiences. Mentored clinical experiences, written reflections, peer feedback. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 0.5

PH_THR 5310: Applied Therapeutic Exercise

Application of therapeutic exercise with an emphasis on evidenced-based exercise prescription, modes and techniques of exercise typically seen in rehabilitation.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5320: Clinical Kinesiology

Advanced Kinesiology addressing functional mobility; specifics of normal human gait; pathokinetics of gait. Assistive devices; wheelchairs; orthoses and prostheses.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5330: Clinical Pathophysiology

Interdisciplinary and case-based examination of the pathophysiology, prevention and general health management of disease/injury across the lifespan encountered in rehabilitation.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5340: Introduction to Clinical Education II

Continuation of Introduction to Clinical Education I with further emphasis on current events in the Physical Therapy profession as well as the professional attributes of communication, teamwork and problem solving. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 5350: Introduction to Orthopedic Physical Therapy

The physical therapy management of musculoskeletal disorders. a systematic clinical decision making model is introduced that considers the stage of inflammation and repair, impairments, and the symptomatic anatomical structure.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 5360: Pharmacology in Rehabilitation

Principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology of common drugs encountered in rehabilitation. Emphasis on pharmacology related to the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/ pulmonary and integumentary systems across the lifespan.

Credit Hours: 2

PH_THR 5370: PhysZOU II

Professional development and part time clinical education activities. Second course in a series of six experiences. Mentored clinical experiences, written reflections, peer feedback. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 0.5

PH_THR 6000: Topics in Physical Therapy

Organized study of selected topics in physical therapy, health and wellness, prevention of disease and disability, and the rehabilitation sciences. Specific content may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-99

PH_THR 6010: Problems in Physical Therapy

PH_THR 6410: Clinical Education I

Full time, supervised clinical experience addressing application of basic skills in patient evaluation and treatment, documentation and professional behaviors.

Credit Hours: 5

PH_THR 6510: Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy

Evidence-based clinical decision making emphasizing health screenings and system review to determine physical therapy diagnosis/need for referral to other health care professionals.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 6520: Evidence-Based Practice

This course focuses on improving students' knowledge and skills for asking clinical questions, accessing and appraising research evidence, and integrating research, patient preferences, clinical expertise, and context into clinical decision making.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 6530: Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Physical therapy diagnosis, management, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal systems; continuation of Introduction to Orthopedic Physical Therapy emphasizing physical therapy interventions.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 6540: Pediatric Physical Therapy

Physical therapy evaluation and treatment of children with movement dysfunction. Emphasis on therapeutic exercise.

Credit Hours: 4

PH_THR 6550: PhysZOU III

Part-time clinical experience through PhysZOU clinic. Students will work as a team with peers and a clinical instructor to develop, perform and document physical therapy sessions.

Credit Hours: 0.5

PH_THR 6560: Rehabilitation of the Neurologically Impaired Adult

Physical Therapy evaluation and treatment of adults who have incurred neurological deficits; emphasis on the restorative care of individuals following spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic head injury.

Credit Hours: 4

PH_THR 6610: Assessment and Neuropsychology of Pain

Pain is a common problem that impairs people's quality of life and costs millions of dollars annually. Yet, an investigation of physical therapy education programs in the U.S. supported inadequate coverage of pain. This course focuses on the assessment and neuropsychology of pain in order to help future health care providers and scientists to improve the health and well-being of people with impaired quality of life due to pain.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 6620: Case Management: Acute and Chronic Medical and Surgical Conditions

Evaluation and team approach to physical therapy management for persons of all ages with medical and surgical conditions: cardiopulmonary, rheumatic, oncologic, integumentary or wound care, including major burn injury. Psychosocial and ethical issues incorporated.

Credit Hours: 5

PH_THR 6630: Clinical Education II

Continuation of full time, supervised clinical experiences addressing application of clinical skills in patient evaluation, treatment, documentation and professional behaviors. Progression of performance expectations from prior Clinical Education courses.

Credit Hours: 6

PH_THR 6640: Diagnostic Imaging in Rehabilitation

Diagnostic imaging used by disciples within and outside of physical therapy. Emphasis placed on basic skills for analyzing images to determine interpretation of results as they apply to physical therapy examination and intervention.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 6650: PhysZOU IV

Continuation of part-time clinical experience through PhysZOU clinic. Students work as a team with peers and a clinical instructor to develop, perform and document physical therapy sessions.

Credit Hours: 0.5

PH_THR 6660: Psychosocial Issues for Health Promotion

Psychological and social factors impact people's health and the American Physical Therapy Association has called for interprofessional approaches for the provision of fitness, health promotion, wellness, and risk reduction programs to enhance quality of life for persons across the life-span. This course focuses on psychosocial issues for health promotion in order to help future health care providers and scientists to improve the health and well-being of people.

Credit Hours: 2

PH_THR 6710: Case Management: Neurological Impairments Across the Lifespan

Traditional and contemporary theories of physical therapy in advanced rehabilitation of children and adults with neurologic disorders; education/employment, ethical/legal issues; patient/client advocacy.

Credit Hours: 5

PH_THR 6810: Case Management: Geriatrics and Orthopedics

Complex orthopedic problems in older adults; supervision, reimbursement, ethical/legal situations; community programs for injury prevention.

Credit Hours: 5

PH_THR 6820: Clinical Education III

Continuation of full time, supervised clinical experiences addressing application of clinical skills in patient evaluation, treatment, documentation, and professional behaviors. Progression of performance expectations from prior Clinical Education courses.

Credit Hours: 6

PH_THR 6830: Health Policy and Leadership in Physical Therapy

This course will introduce health policy along with an overview of the health care system in the United States, including its structures, financing mechanisms, and outcomes. The course will feature analysis of the U.S. health care system, and the current and future impact of U.S. health care reform. Students will be challenged to consider their future roles as physical therapists in health care, health policy, and health advocacy. The course will provide students an opportunity to create a process improvement proposal aimed at rehabilitation leaders. Through creation of this proposal, students will prepare to impact the policies and processes of their future workplaces.

Credit Hours: 2

PH_THR 6840: PhysZOU V

Continuation of part-time clinical experience through PhysZOU clinic. Students will work as a team with peers and a clinical instructor to develop, perform and document physical therapy sessions.

Credit Hours: 0.5

PH_THR 6850: Professional Issues

The physical therapist as health care professional, administrator, and educator; legal, ethical, and political issues. Service delivery management; delegation of care; rural vs. urban health care needs.

Credit Hours: 3

PH_THR 6910: Clinical Education IV

PH_THR 6920: PhysZOU VI And Professional Development Plan

PH_THR 6930: Seminar in Physical Therapy

Integrate previously learned content in unique patient cases and comprehensive review and evaluation of readiness for entry level physical therapist practice, in both didactic and psycho-motor domains. Enrollment is limited to students in professional physical therapy program.

Credit Hours: 4

PH_THR 6940: Special Skills in Physical Therapy

This course will offer a menu of options to students to develop additional knowledge about specific skills in the physical therapy profession. Students may choose topics of interest in addition to the mandatory sessions.

Credit Hour: 1

PH_THR 7250: Human Kinesiology

(same as HTH_PR 4250). Study of principles of physical laws, biomechanics and anatomic structure relative to human movement. Applications through analysis of daily functional performance, exercise, and sport.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Human Anatomy

PH_THR 7420: Foundations of Therapeutic Exercise

PH_THR 7550: Psychosocial Issues for Health Promotion

PH_THR 7850: Assessment and Neuropsychology of Pain

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