Director's Welcome
Welcome to the website of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program! As one of the top programs in the country, we are proud of our commitment to physical therapy education, research, and service since our initial accreditation in 1947.
Our curriculum introduces students to a clinical education experience within their first semester and provides the option of a unique year-long, paid internship. Students are very involved in service opportunities, volunteering at the Stout Street Clinic for individuals that experience homelessness, DAWN Clinic for the high-needs Aurora community, and other non-profit organizations in the Denver metropolitan area.
We are deeply committed to our research endeavors, offering a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, leading the way with groundbreaking grants and clinical studies, and providing a number of opportunities for students to get involved with faculty research. Our CU Rehabilitation Science Consortium houses multiple laboratories, providing a space for research assistants, post-doctoral fellows and PhD students participating in faculty research.
Our partnerships on the Anschutz Medical Campus and surrounding greater Denver area enhance our research capabilities and strengthen our clinical partnerships. We have over 120 clinical partners throughout the region, with The Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Children’s Hospital and UCHealth located steps away.
I welcome prospective students and program alumni interested in physical therapy education to reach out to our program staff and faculty. Your active involvement is essential to the success of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program. We look forward to our continued growth and progress within the University and the profession!
Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA
Associate Dean for Physical Therapy Education and Director, Physical Therapy Program
The University of Colorado has established a tradition of excellence in the educational preparation of physical therapists for over 75 years. Our strong ranking is linked to our superb faculty, our location on the state-of-the-art Anschutz Medical Campus, commitment to the education of our students and a strong network of supportive alumni and clinical faculty throughout the Rocky Mountain Region and the country. The Physical Therapy Program is housed within the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, within the School of Medicine.
Mission
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program leads discovery and innovation to improve movement, participation, health, and wellness for individuals and society through excellence in education, research, clinical care, and service.
Vision
We transform health and foster wellness in individuals and society through education, discoveries, engagement and innovation.
Values
Respect: For all individuals’ safety, rights, dignity, and perspectives
Integrity: Because professional behavior reflects who we are
Altruism: In service to the individual, community, and organization
Diversity: For inclusivity in all endeavors
Accountability: To all those seeking care and providing care within our profession and health care systems
Passion: Because we are committed to lifelong learning, service, and community engagement
Collaboration: To leverage collective input from all individuals
Leadership: Within the university, profession and community at large
Quality: To attain excellence in all we do
Contact Info
ADMISSION INQUIRIES
Phone: (303) 724-9144
PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu
Learn more about PT Admissions
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Phone: (303) 724-CUPT (2878)
Fax: (303) 724-9016
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
CU Physical Therapy Program
Education 2 South
3rd Floor, Room 3106
Mail Stop C244
13121 E. 17th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Directions & detailed map
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program responds to the needs of the students and the community. We welcome your comments, suggestions, ideas and constructive criticism.
Careers
Find job openings with the Physical Therapy Program via CU Careers.
Accreditation
The Physical Therapy Program at University of Colorado is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org; http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 303-724-2878 or e-mail vonelle.kelly@cuanschutz.edu
On November 3, 2020, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reaffirmed the accreditation status based upon compliance with all of the evaluative criteria. The accreditation status remains in effect for the full 10-year period, until 2031, at which time the accreditation status will undergo a self-study report and on-site review.
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program is a member of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) which supports academic institutions to strive for excellence in physical therapist education. We encourage faculty, clinical educators, academic administrators and students interested in pursuing teaching to check out acapt.org.
Admissions
*IMPORTANT*: REQUIREMENTS BELOW ARE BASED ON THE CU ANSCHUTZ CATALOG PRINT DATE AND MAY NOT REFLECT ANY CHANGES MADE AFTER MARCH 1, 2023 FO THE 2023-2024 APPLICATION CYCLE - SEE THE PT PROGRAM WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.
For information on campus visit days, information sessions, virtual tours and more, click here.
Important Dates for Applicants - 2023-24 Application:
Date | Item |
---|---|
June 15, 2023 | 2023-2024 PTCAS Applications Open |
October 2, 2023 | Application deadline; PTCAS application must be submitted by this date by 11:59pm EST |
October 2, 2023 | Supplemental Fee Payment must be received by 11:59 PM MST on October 2nd, the same date as the PTCAS application deadline |
November 3, 2023 | PTCAS Verification Deadline (Applications not verified by PTCAS by this date will NOT be reviewed. The verification process may take up to 4-6 weeks, thus it is in an applicant's best interest to submit to PTCAS ahead of the Oct. 2nd deadline.) |
January 9-11, 2024 | Class of 2026 Interviews |
January 12, 2024 | Campus Visit for Interviewees (optional) |
Late January through Late March 2024 | Offers of admission sent |
April 2024 | Class finalized |
May 29-31, 2024 (tentative) | Orientation to DPT Program |
June 3, 2024 | Summer semester begins for the Class of 2026 |
The Program follows University policies to facilitate equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for faculty, staff and prospective/enrolled students, by following policies of the Office of Equity and the Regent's laws and Policies, Article 8, Part A: Nondiscrimination.
University Strategic Priority
Affirmative Action
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Physical Therapy Program is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access, & Inclusion.
Eligibility
Baccalaureate degree
- Must be completed through a regionally-accredited institution prior to the start of orientation in late May.
- Note: Prospective applicants who attend quarter-based institutions typically need to complete all degree/prerequisite requirements by the end of the winter term (as Spring quarters often continue into mid-June).
GPA
- Qualified applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on all course attempts).
- GPA is one of several important factors in admissions decisions. It is important to consider that the average cumulative GPA of admitted applicants is above 3.6.
- Applicants with a minimum GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 may still be considered for admission only when there is evidence of a significant positive trend in grades over time (evidenced by a last 60-credit GPA of greater than or equal to 3.5) AND strong grades in courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and upper-division sciences (biomechanics, exercise physiology, etc), and there are other unique circumstances or characteristics the applicant brings forward through their application during the admissions process.
- To view competitive GPAs, visit our DPT Statistics Page
- Please see the PTCAS website to learn how to calculate GPAs at http://www.ptcas.org/GPA.
Graduate Record Exam
- GRE is NO LONGER REQUIRED for admission
English as a Foreign Language Applicants
- 80 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based test
COVID -19 Vaccination Requirements
Per CU Anschutz COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all new students, employees, badged affiliates, etc. are required to be fully vaccinated prior to their start date. (Read more about the vaccine requirement here) There are NO religious exemptions available to students, but students may seek a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, which will be reviewed at the campus level according to a strict review process for medical conditions that pose absolute contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination as outlined in the CU Anschutz Medical Campus policy and on the Vaccine Exemptions webpage. This policy states “Currently, the only absolute contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination are (i) severe immediate allergic reaction to a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine, ii) immediate reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine.” In the event a student receives an approved medical exemption, it should be noted that the exemption could impact (i) the program’s ability to place such a student in certain clinical sites, (ii) the student’s ability to engage in educational activities within close proximity of others (common in DPT lab skills courses), and (iii) the student’s overall progression in the educational curriculum with the cohort.
Prerequisites
2023-2024 Application Cycle
Observation Hours:
- Observation hours are not required.
- Becoming a physical therapist is a significant investment of both time and money and it is essential that applicants have broad knowledge about the profession prior to entering a DPT program to ensure being a physical therapist is the right career choice for them. There are many ways to learn about the profession including observing a licensed physical therapist in a variety of settings, conducting informational interviews, referencing the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website, listening to podcasts, observing other healthcare providers, and more.
References:
We require 2 letters from people who know the applicant well, with the exception of family, friends, and clergy. The most common references we receive are from professors, supervisors, and licensed physical therapists. Applications may not be verified by PTCAS until all materials are received, including letters of recommendation, thus it is in your best interest to have your references submit as early to the Oct 2nd deadline as possible.
Essays:
The application process requires both a standard PTCAS essay as well as University of Colorado specific program essays. We expect that all essays are written in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability and honesty, as well as our Program’s Honors code and copyright regulations. By submitting an application through PTCAS, applicants are affirming that their essays were written in their own words without the assistance of paid external resources, websites utilizing artificial intelligence (ex. ChatGPT), or copyrighted from another source.
Coursework Prerequisites
- All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to prior to the start of orientation (end of May), although an application may be submitted prior to completing all prerequisite coursework. Note that only one (1) prerequisite science course may be in progress in the spring semester prior to matriculation. Courses completed with a C- or below are not acceptable. It is recommended that all science and math courses be completed within the last five (5) years. Anatomy, physiology and at least one upper-division science must have been completed within the last ten (10) years, and preferably within the last five (5) years. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is accepted only if a transcript reflects the credit earned (applicants are encouraged to contact PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu if they are planning to use AP/IB credit to fulfill a prerequisite but the specific credit does not appear on their college transcript).
- All prerequisite courses must be completed through regionally accredited institutions. Courses in English and Psychology from nationally-accredited educational institutions may be considered upon individual review.
Note: Pass/fail grades received in courses taken in spring, summer, or fall 2020 are accepted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Options to fulfill Anatomy and Physiology:
- Option 1 of 2 Anatomy and Physiology
- Human or Mammalian Anatomy with lab (upper-division preferred) - 4 semester hours
- Human or Mammalian Physiology with lab (upper-division preferred) - 4 semester hours
- Option 2 of 2 Anatomy and Physiology
- Combined Human or Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology with labs (upper-division preferred) - 8 semester hours
*If your institution does not offer a Human Physiology lab, please contact PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu to discuss your options for fulfilling this requirement.
Note: Most applicants complete their Anatomy and Physiology requirements through the biology, exercise science, or kinesiology departments of their institution.
Options to fulfill Upper-Division Science, Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics:
- Option 1: Any upper-division science (300/3000 level or higher) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units
- Option 2: Exercise Physiology (lower-division OR upper-division are acceptable; upper-division is strongly recommended) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units
- Option 3: Biomechanics (lower-division OR upper-division are acceptable; upper-division is strongly recommended) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units
While any upper division science in the biology, chemistry, physics or engineering departments will meet the upper division requirement, please note that field related content will provide better preparation. Examples include but are not limited to: cell biology, neuroanatomy/neurophysiology, genetics, microbiology, etc. Courses such as ecology, plant physiology, etc. are not field related.
Additional Course Prerequisites:
- Lab-based Chemistry - (survey or introduction to chemistry courses for non-science majors are NOT accepted) - 8 semester hours
- Lab-based Physics - (algebra or calculus-based; survey or introduction to physics courses for non-science majors are NOT accepted) - 8 semester hours
- 2 Psychology courses - (abnormal and developmental psychology preferred) - 6 semester hours total
- Statistics - 3 semester hours
- Writing or English Composition (any writing-intensive course) - 3 semester hours
Application Process
Please be aware that the PTCAS verification process is typically 4-6 weeks. It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm with PTCAS that all application materials have been received in order for verification to occur.
While the deadline to electronically submit an application is October 2, 2023 each year, it is highly advised to submit early enough to have PTCAS verification completed by November 3, 2023. Applications not verified by PTCAS by this deadline will NOT be reviewed.
Supplemental Fee
The supplemental fee is a one-time, non-refundable, $50 fee payable to the University of Colorado that must be paid by the PTCAS application deadline of October 2nd. Payment can be made directly using this link. (If you have difficulty with the supplemental fee site, please try using a different web browser before contacting CU PT.) This fee is due at the time the application is submitted to PTCAS (deadline is 10/2/2023). The Supplemental fee MUST be paid in order for your application to be reviewed and considered by our PT Program's Admissions Committee. The supplemental application fee supports a thorough review of each application, by a team dedicated to learning as much as possible about each applicant. If the applicant received a fee waiver from PTCAS, they are also eligible for a fee waiver from the University of Colorado. Documentation of the approved fee waiver must be sent to PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu.
Other Fees
- PTCAS Initial Program Designation fee: $160
- Each Additional Program PTCAS fee: $60
Virtual Interviews
- Class of 2026 Interviews will be held January 9-11, 2024 by invitation only. Applicants will complete two, one-on-on 20-25-minute interviews with a faculty member and/or clinical partner.
Campus Day (Optional)
- For those invited to interview, we will host an optional campus visit the morning of Friday, January 12, 2024. Attendance will not impact admissions decisions.
Invitations to interview will likely be sent in mid-December 2023.
Matriculation Requirements
Other program requirements upon acceptance:
Admissions Deposit
Students admitted into the program must submit a $1,000 confirmation deposit to hold their place in the class upon receiving an offer of admission. This deposit is applied to tuition and fees for the first semester of attendance and is non-refundable. Please use this form to pay online via credit card or checking account (ACH) your non-refundable tuition deposit for an academic program. These fees are non-refundable.
Technical Standards
All students must meet the technical standards of the DPT Program. Every applicant offered admission must sign a document indicating they are able to meet the technical standards in order to be admitted.
Completion of all outstanding prerequisite coursework
Only 1 science prerequisite may be in progress in the Spring/Winter semester prior to matriculation. All prerequisite coursework must be satisfactorily completed prior to matriculation.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from every higher education institution ever attended must be sent to the PT Program. This includes all Winter 2023/Spring 2024 course grades. Final transcript(s) showing a conferred degree must be on file prior to matriculation. For incoming students finishing their undergraduate degrees, transcript with a posted degree must be received by June 15, 2024 (or June 15th of the summer in which a student is starting the PT Program).
Financial Aid Application
If you intend to apply for financial aid, review the Steps for Applying. Also ensure you use school code 004508 on your FAFSA.
Current CPR certification - Health Professionals course
We require the BLS for Healthcare Providers. Go to the American Heart Association to find a course near you. WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT COURSES TAKEN THROUGH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.
Required Immunizations
All students in the School of Medicine must comply with required immunizations and tests. All students must be in compliance with updated vaccines and tests prior to matriculation. All PT students are tracked throughout the Program to make certain they stay in compliance, both regarding School of Medicine and the various clinical setting requirements.
The University of Colorado’s policies require full vaccination against COVID-19 for students, faculty and staff and the University of Colorado as a whole requires full vaccination against COVID-19 on all four CU campuses. This requirement would need to be met at least 4 weeks prior to Orientation, at the start of the PT Program. (Read more about the CU requirement, and find FAQs, here.)
Completed Background Check
All incoming students must give permission for a background check and students are responsible for any associated costs. The contact is made through PTCAS by an external vendor called Certiphi when PTCAS is notified of your accepted offer by the Program. The student will receive an email from Certiphi with the address, StudentEdition@ceriphi.com, that includes a verification code.
If you are planning on applying to the CU PT program and have previously been convicted of a misdemeanor related to any type of assault or have been convicted of any type of felony, please contact Dr. Lara Canham, Chair of PT Admissions, either by e-mail or at 303-724-9148 to discuss your situation confidentially.
Completed Residency Form
Completion of a Verification of Colorado Residency form is required. All students, even non-residents, must fill out all or part of this form. For information about how to establish Colorado residency visit this link. Please contact TuitionClassification@cuanschutz.edu with any questions regarding residency.
Completed Military Service Form (online) if applicable
Male students born after December 31, 1959 must certify that they have registered with Selective Service (or are exempt from Selective Service registration) in order to register at any state-supported institution of higher education. Please go to https://www.sss.gov/ and make sure you have complied with this law prior to your arrival on campus.
Completed Drug Screening
The program will pay for an initial 10-panel drug screening. All incoming students must take and pass a 10-panel drug screening. The screening will occur during the first month of summer semester. The student will be responsible for the cost of any additional screenings required by program or clinical sites.
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program offers five educational opportunities in clinical care and rehabilitation science.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Educating future leaders in the Physical Therapy profession and community.
University of Colorado's Physical Therapy Program is within the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation within the School of Medicine.
Residency in Pediatric Physical Therapy
An opportunity for specialization through clinical and didactic education.
University of Colorado's Residency in Pediatric Physical Therapy is in collaboration with JFK Partners.
PhD in Rehabilitation Science
An interdisciplinary program educating future scientists.
University of Colorado's PhD in Rehabilitation Science is within the Graduate School.
Orthopaedic Residency
The University of Colorado School of Medicine Physical Therapy Orthopaedic Residency in partnership with UCHealth is a structured, post-professional education program for licensed physical therapists who have graduated from an accredited DPT program. The orthopaedic residency will offer experiences in outpatient patient management through the UCHealth system and didactic as well as teaching experiences through the resources of the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program on the prestigious Anschutz Medical Campus. There is no tuition and residents earn a salary with a comprehensive benefits package. Residency graduates will be qualified to sit for the ABPTS orthopaedic clinical specialist exam. Learn more
Dual DPT/MPH (Master's of Public Health)
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus DPT-MPH track is a collaborative dual degree track between two well-established and successful degree programs: the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Learn more.
PT Degree Requirements
The DPT degree requires completion of 116 credit hours, which includes 38 weeks of clinical education. Students complete and present a capstone project in year 3 before the final clinical internship
The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program has established a tradition of excellence for over 70 years. Our 2.5 year graduate professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree boasts superb faculty, a location on the state-of-the-art Anschutz Medical Campus, commitment to the education of a diverse body of students and a strong network of supportive alumni and clinical faculty.
The PT Program educates competent, ethical physical therapists to assume the multi-faceted roles of clinical practitioner, patient manager, teacher, researcher, administrator, consultant and advocate. In addition to compassion, character and professionalism, certain essential skills are required in order to complete the PT Program. Upon successful completion of the PT Program, graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in any state.
DPT Curriculum
Year 1 Curriculum
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
DPTR 5001 | Clinical Anatomy I | 5 |
DPTR 5171 | Health Promotion and Wellness I | 1 |
DPTR 5201 | Examination & Evaluation I | 2 |
DPTR 5211 | Foundations of Intervention I | 2 |
DPTR 5711 | Professional Development I | 2 |
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 12 |
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
DPTR 5011 | Neuroscience | 3 |
DPTR 5101 | Movement Science I | 3 |
DPTR 5141 | Human Growth & Development | 2 |
DPTR 5151 | Motor Control & Motor Learning | 2 |
DPTR 5202 | Examination and Evaluation II | 2 |
DPTR 5212 | Foundations of Intervention II | 2 |
DPTR 5621 | Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
DPTR 5901 | Integrated Clin Experience I | 1 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring | ||
DPTR 5111 | Exercise Science | 2 |
DPTR 5161 | Psychosocial Aspects of Care I | 1 |
DPTR 5301 | Medical Conditions I | 4 |
DPTR 5401 | Musculoskeletal Conditions I | 4 |
DPTR 5501 | Neuromuscular I | 3 |
DPTR 5631 | Clinical Reasoning I | 1 |
DPTR 5731 | Healthcare Delivery I | 1 |
IPCP 5000 | Interprofessional Collaborative Practice | 1 |
Hours | 17 | |
Total Hours | 35 |
Year 2 Curriculum
Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
DPTR 6002 | Clinical Anatomy II | 3 |
DPTR 6402 | Musculoskeletal Conditions II | 2 |
DPTR 6502 | Neuromuscular Conditions II | 2 |
DPTR 6931 | Clinical Education I | 5 |
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 12 |
Year 2 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
DPTR 5162 | Psychosocial Aspects Care II | 2 |
DPTR 6102 | Movement Science II | 2 |
DPTR 6302 | Medical Conditions II | 2 |
DPTR 6403 | Musculoskeletal Conditions III | 2 |
DPTR 6404 | Musculoskeletal Conditions IV | 2 |
DPTR 6503 | Neuromuscular Conditions III | 4 |
DPTR 6632 | Clinical Reasoning II | 1 |
DPTR 6712 | Professional Development II | 2 |
IPHE 6000 | IPE Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity | 0 |
DPTR 6902 | Integrated Clinical Experience II | 1 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring | ||
DPTR 6303 | Medical Conditions III | 3 |
DPTR 6633 | Clinical Reasoning III | 2 |
DPTR 6713 | Professional Development III | 1 |
DPTR 6732 | Healthcare Delivery II | 3 |
DPTR 6932 | Clinical Education II | 6 |
DPTR 7112 | Applied Exercise Science | 3 |
Hours | 18 | |
Total Hours | 36 |
Year 3 Curriculum
Year 3 | ||
---|---|---|
Summer | Hours | |
DPTR 7171 | Health Promotion and Wellness II | 3 |
DPTR 7212 | Elective | 1 |
DPTR 7641 | Integrated Practice | 3 |
DPTR 7651 | Clinical Reasoning Capstone | 4 |
Hours | 11 | |
Total Hours | 11 |
Year 3 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
DPTR 7933 | Clinical Education III | 10 |
Hours | 10 | |
Total Hours | 10 |
- 90% of our graduates will pass the NPTE on their first attempt to become licensed physical therapists.
- 85% of our graduates will feel competent to practice autonomously as Doctors of Physical Therapy within their first year post-graduation.
- All of our graduates will use critical thinking, evidence, and clinical reasoning in physical therapy patient management.
- All of our graduates will be prepared to provide physical therapy care to meet the needs of patients across the lifespan.
Course Descriptions
This course follows a regional approach to gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous systems of the upper and lower extremities, thorax and head and neck. Supplemented by cross sectional anatomy, radiographic and digital imaging.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course provides a framework for understanding the structural and functional organization of the human nervous system. Principles and applications of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and functional correlates are included. Finally, diseases and dysfunctions of the nervous system that are relevant to current practice are introduced.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course investigates movement science with emphasis on foundational biomechanical principles related to human posture and movement. Qualitative and quantitative movement analysis is presented with emphasis on clinical application.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course will provide students with the current state of knowledge in the physiology of exercise. A systems approach will be used to provide a thorough understanding of the acute and chronic adaptations to exercise training, with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying these adaptations.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course addresses functional movement across the life span in healthy individuals. Emphasis is on stages in life when the greatest changes in motor behavior occur and the factors that influence those changes. Developmental changes in all systems and their contributions to functional movement will be explored.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course presents the foundation of motor learning and control as it applies to optimal movement across the lifespan. Emphasis is on variables related to the individual task composition, the environment and augmented information that enhance practice of motor skills. These principles are applied to physical therapist practice.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course is focused from the perspective of the practitioner as a person.General psycho-emotional issues and specific theories related to: practitioner self-awareness, emotions, spirituality, grief-loss-mourning, psych factors associated with the experience of pain will be presented.Introduction to motivational interviewing is included
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Builds on knowledge, skills and attitudes gained in DPTR 5161 with additional focus on general issues and theories related to: changing behaviors, depression and anxiety, sexuality in rehabilitation, suicidal behavior, addiction in society, stress management and conflict resolution.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
Disease prevention and health promotion are recognized as integral aspects of physical therapist practice. In this first of two courses, students will use current models of behavior change, disability, and population health to understand the multiple determinants of health and wellness. Using oneself as the client, students will complete an individual health assessment, identify areas of growth, and generate a plan to promote their own health and wellness.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course introduces the physical therapist’s examination of the patient. This course will familiarize the student with the ICF framework and emphasize foundational examination skills including, manual muscle testing, goniometry and surface palpation.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course emphasizes developing a process of hypothesis generation to direct clinical decision making during the examination part of the patient encounter. Skill development includes examination techniques of the integumentary, cardiovascular/pulmonary, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal systems, including analysis of human movement.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course introduces basic intervention principles, including foundations of tissue healing and adaptation principles. Intervention techniques for posture and positioning, basic mobility with and without assistive devices and thermal physical agents, for improving functional mobility and for managing a variety of clinical populations are introduced.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
Further introduction and advancement of foundational intervention principles and techniques including soft tissue mobilization, physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities. Emphasis is on the application of exercise as an intervention for improving functional mobility and for managing a variety of clinical problems.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course highlights the physical therapy management of patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic disorders across the lifespan and healthcare settings. Physiology, medical management, diagnostic testing, clinical decision making and medical screening are covered with implications for physical therapist’s practice.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course introduces the examination, physical therapy management and clinical reasoning necessary for the management of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders across the life span. This course covers the lower quarter from the lumbopelvic region to the foot and ankle. Medical management, including radiology and pharmacology, are covered with implications for physical therapy.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
Clinical decision-making frameworks are discussed for management of people with neurologic conditions with an emphasis on stroke and cerebral palsy. Clinical skills are taught for examination, evaluation and intervention across the lifespan and across settings. Evidence based practice and manual guidance are emphasized for intervention.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course covers and applies concepts and steps of evidence-based practice to a variety of clinical settings, including: searching; selection; and appraisal of the literature. Emphasis is on searching the literature to answer clinical questions regarding physical therapy tests and measures, interventions, and patient prognosis.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This introductory course teaches students to integrate current evidence with critical reasoning in the ICF framework to facilitate patient-centered decision making in the examination, prognosis, and intervention for elementary patient cases across a variety of clinical practice settings.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course is the first in a series of courses on professional development. Students will explore self and begin the journey of becoming a physical therapist. This course emphasizes reflecting on personal and professional values, examining professional communication behaviors, and developing foundational writing skills.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Typically Offered: Summer.
The course will include a basic overview of healthcare systems and payment systems. Concepts relevant to supervision and applicable laws to physical therapist practice will be reviewed, and patient quality improvement and safety will be introduced.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue study and learning content of their own choosing or a special clinical interest under guidance of a faculty mentor.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue study and learning content of their own choosing or a special clinical interest under guidance of a faculty mentor.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue study and learning content of their own choosing or a special clinical interest under guidance of a faculty mentor.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Short-term clinical education experience providing initial foundation and understanding of clinical practice with emphasis on integration of didactic and clinical learning while working in a student team. Prerequisites: DPT Program students only
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course follows a regional approach to gross anatomy of the systems of the abdomen and pelvis and supplemented by cross sectional anatomy radiographic and digital imaging. An in-depth study of upper and lower extremity arthrology through whole-body donor dissection is included.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Summer.
Application of movement science in physical therapy practice with emphasis on human movement related to aging, clinical analysis, tests & measures, and prosthetics & orthotics.The prosthetic & orthotic unit is designed to build student competency in clinical management of individuals who require use of common prosthetic & orthotic devices
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course continues the physical therapy management of patients with varied medical conditions (cancer; rheumatic) occurring across the lifespan and health care settings. Physiology, medical management, diagnostic testing, clinical decision making and medical screening are covered with implications for physical therapist’s practice.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course continues the physical therapist management of medical conditions. Integumentary, endocrine, transplant, geriatric and ICU care are emphasized. Physical therapist’s clinical decision-making and differential diagnosis are advanced while integrating physiology, medical and pharmacological management and diagnostic testing.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course continues the examination, physical therapy management and clinical reasoning necessary for the management of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders across the life span, focusing on the cervicothoracic spine and temporomandibular disorders. Medical management, radiology and pharmacology are covered with implications for physical therapy management.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course continues the examination, physical therapy management and clinical reasoning necessary for the management of individuals with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders across the life span, focusing on upper extremity conditions. MSK medical management, radiology and pharmacology are covered with implications for physical therapy management.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course addresses the examination, physical therapy management and clinical reasoning necessary for the management of individuals with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders across the life span, focusing on pediatric, adolescent, geriatric, working adults and gender-specific conditions within the continuum of care. MSK medical management, radiology and pharmacology are covered with implications for physical therapy management.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course includes an in-depth exploration of people with neurodegenerative conditions across the lifespan, specifically as related to tests and measures, prognoses, and intervention approaches. Radiology and pharmacology as related to neuropathy are included.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course progresses and synthesizes clinical skills, decision-making and reasoning using frameworks and evidence applied the physical therapy management for people with neurological conditions across the lifespan. Primary topics include vestibular disorders, traumatic/acquired brain injury, developmental and genetic disorders, and spinal cord injury.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
This advanced course teaches students to integrate current evidence with critical reasoning in the ICF framework to facilitate patient-centered decision making in the examination, prognosis, and for intervention for complex patient cases across a variety of clinical practice settings.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
This course requires students to integrate evidence, patient values, and clinical expertise with the ICF model of clinical decision making for actual patient cases. Students will identify and answer focused questions regarding examination, intervention, and prognosis through literature searches and online collegial discussion forums. Requirement: DPT Students only
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Explores professional roles and responsibilities related to the DPT. Extends beyond patient management to policy, advocacy, teamwork and practice settings. Overview of history of profession and our professional organization, current issues and trends. Looks at career options and post-professional opportunities.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
Introduction to leadership in healthcare including leadership styles/characteristics. Explores preparation for professional development opportunities following licensure including continuing education, consideration of salary/benefits/debt/etc., and the first position as a new professional. Discussion about career expectations, moving through the continuum of novice to expert, debate, and developing one’s professional identity/potential.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Continued from HCD I. Focus on issues impacting the practice of physical therapy in diverse health care settings. Applicable laws will be revisited and expanded. Administration of physical therapist practice including management, marketing, human resources, risk management and financial management will be introduced.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue study and learning content of their own choosing or a special clinical interest under guidance of a faculty mentor.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Summer.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue content of their own choosing under guidance of a faculty mentor.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue content of their own choosing under guidance of a faculty mentor.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Two-week clinical education experience with emphasis advancing clinical reasoning. Students will also gain breadth of experience and apply practical skills and psychosocial aspects of care through a team-based approach.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Eight-week, full time clinical experience providing students with the opportunity to take on responsibilities of the professional physical therapist, including beginning to manage a caseload and participating in a healthcare team. Requirements: DPT Students only.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
This is a 10-week, full-time supervised clinical experience. Experience with emphasis on increasing independence in management of patients, becoming an integral member of the healthcare team and using self-assessment for professional development.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course will focus on exercise prescription for complex patients with multi-system disease. Emphasis will be on clinical decision-making to tailor appropriate rehabilitation interventions to medically-complex patient populations.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
Students will apply fundamental concepts learned in HPWI to further understand individual, social and structural determinants of health. Equipped with this knowledge, they will work to design interventions and programs that promote health at the individual and community level.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Summer.
Various topics: provides students with the opportunity to explore selected topics, related to clinical practice, in depth or topics that are outside of the scope of the set curriculum. DPT students only.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 1.
Typically Offered: Summer.
A synthesis of curricular content applied to highly complex situations illustrative and inclusive of clinical practice across the lifespan. Through retrospective and prospective reasoning, students will analyze and articulate decisions based on reasoning, evidence, and contextual realities with colleagues across health care professions. Requirement: DPT Student Enrollment Only
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
Final course in the clinical reasoning sequence requires students to articulate and defend their clinical decision-making process in the exam, eval, management, and outcome assessment for a selected patient. Students will synthesize and integrate the evidence to inform decision making throughout each aspect of the patient mgmt process. Requirement: DPT Student Enrollment Only
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Summer.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Summer.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
Terminal clinical experience with emphasis on professional identity formation and functioning as an entry-level clinician within the complexities of the healthcare system. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the role of the physical therapist within the profession and broader society. First phase of the yearlong internship.
Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory w/IP
Typically Offered: Fall.
Michael Harris-Love PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA
Program Director, CU Physical Therapy Program
Associate Dean, Physical Therapy Education, School of Medicine
Joanne Posner-Mayer Endowed Chair in Physical Therapy
Health Scientist, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Director, Muscle Morphology, Mechanics, and Performance Laboratory
Vice Chair of Learning, Development, and Inclusion, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Email Address: michael.harris-love@cuanschutz.edu
Primary Phone: 309-724-0687
Michael Bade, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6632 Clinical Reasoning II, DPTR 6633 Clinical Reasoning III
Phone Number: 303-724-9025
Email: michael.bade@cuanschutz.edu
Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, OCS
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5201 Examination & Evaluation I, DPTR 5212 Foundations of Intervention II, DPTR 5901 Integrated Clin Experience I, DPTR 6902 Integrated Clinical Experience II
Phone number: 303-724-0496
Email: catherine.bilyeu@cuanschutz.edu
Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS
Senior Instructor, Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6713 Professional Development III
Phone number: 303-724-9135
Email: lara.canham@cuanschutz.edu
Cory Christiansen, PT, PhD
Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5151 Motor Control & Motor Learning, DPTR 6102 Movement Science II
Phone number: 303-724-9101
Email: mailto:cory.christiansen@cuanschutz.edu
Elliot (EJ) Gann, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Instructor
Email: elliot.gann@cuanschutz.edu
Robyn Gisbert, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5011 Neuroscience, DPTR 5161 Psychosocial Aspects of Care I, DPTR 5162 Psychosocial Aspects Care II, DPTR 7641 Integrated Practice, Humanities
Phone number: 303-724-9361
Email: robyn.gisbert@cuanschutz.edu
Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, PCS
Senior Instructor, Pediatric Residency Director
Email: meghan.hernandez@cuanschutz.edu
Holly Ingham, PT, DPT, ATP
Clinical Instructor
Email: holly.ingham@cuanschutz.edu
David James, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS
Senior Instructor, Orthopaedic Residency Coordinator
Phone number: 303-724-8409
Email: david.james@cuanschutz.edu
Dana Judd, PT, DPT, PhD
Associate Professor, Section Director of Student Affairs, Faculty Residency Director
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5211 Foundations of Intervention I, DPTR 5201 Examination & Evaluation I, DPTR 5202 Examination and Evaluation II, DPTR 5631 Clinical Reasoning I
Phone number: 303-724-8814
Email: mailto:dana.judd@cuanschutz.edu
Anthony “Toby” Kinney, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, MBA, PhD(c)
Senior Instructor
Email: Anthony.kinney@cuanschutz.edu
Wendy Kriekels, PT, DPT, NCS
Senior Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5141 Human Growth & Development, DPTR 5151 Motor Control & Motor Learning, DPTR 5501 Neuromuscular I, DPTR 6502 Neuromuscular Conditions II, DPTR 6503 Neuromuscular Conditions III
Phone number: 303-724-9100
Email: wendy.kriekels@cuanschutz.edu
Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor, CEI-CE Coordinator
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5171 Health Promotion and Wellness I, DPTR 7171 Health Promotion and Wellness II
Phone number: 303-724-8597
Email: dawn.magnusson@cuanschutz.edu
Daniel Malone, PT, PhD, CCS
Associate Professor, Associate Program Director
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5301 Medical Conditions I, DPTR 6302 Medical Conditions II, DPTR 6303 Medical Conditions III
Phone number: 303-724-9321
Email: daniel.malone@cuanschutz.edu
Mark Mañago, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS
Assistant Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5621 Evidence Based Practice
Phone number: 303-724-0247
Email: mark.manago@cuanschutz.edu
Ryan Marker, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5111 Exercise Science
Phone number: 303-724-0819
Email: ryan.marker@cuanschutz.edu
Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Associate Professor, Section Director of Curriculum
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5401 Musculoskeletal Conditions I
Phone number: 303-724-1906
Email: amy.mcdevitt@cuanschutz.edu
Amy Nordon-Craft, PT, DSc
Associate Professor, Interprofessional Education Coordinator, Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE) Coordinator
Course Coordinator: IPCP 5000 Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, DPTR 6502 Neuromuscular Conditions II, IPHE 6000 IPE Healthcare Ethics & Health Equity, IPE Clinical Transformations
Phone number: 303-724-8433
Email: amy.nordon-craft@cuanschutz.edu
Joe Palmer, PT, DPT
Senior Instructor, Assistant Director of Clinical Education
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6931 Clinical Education I, DPTR 6932 Clinical Education II
Phone number: 303-724-9326
Email: joe.palmer@cuanschutz.edu
Mike Pascoe, PhD
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5001 Clinical Anatomy I, DPTR 6002 Clinical Anatomy II
Phone number: 303-724-5978
Email: mike.pascoe@cuanschutz.edu
Jennifer Rodriguez, PT, DPT, DCE
Director of Clinical Education
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5711 Professional Development I, DPTR 7933 Clinical Education III
Phone number: 303-724-9136
Email: jenny.rodriguez@cuanschutz.edu
Eric Sawyer, PT, DPT, OCS, STC
Senior Instructor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 6403 Musculoskeletal Conditions III, DPTR 6404 Musculoskeletal Conditions IV
Phone number: 303-724-9597
Email: eric.sawyer@cuanschutz.edu
Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Phone number: 303-724-0181
Email: andrew.c2.smith@cuanschutz.edu
Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Program Director
Professor, Section Research & Development
Course Coordinator: DPTR 7112 Applied Exercise Science
Phone number: 303-724-9170
Email: jennifer.stevens-lapsley@cuanschutz.edu
Tamara Struessel, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC
Associate Professor
Course Coordinator: DPTR 5731 Healthcare Delivery I, DPTR 6732 Healthcare Delivery II
Phone number: 303-724-9140
Email: tami.struessel@cuanschutz.edu
Learning Outcomes
Doctor of Physical Therapy Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes for the DPT Program are founded on 5 Curricular Elements: 1) Patient-Centered Care, 2) Clinical Reasoning and Evidence Based Practice, 3) Movement for Participation, 4) Teamwork and Collaboration, and 5) Quality Improvement and Safety. Specifically, the learning outcomes are that all (100%) of program graduates and their employers will be competent in:
- Delivery of patient-centered clinical care.
- Clinical reasoning and decision-making.
- Applying foundational science knowledge to clinical care to promote patient/population movement for life participation.
- Applying principles of teamwork and collaboration within healthcare systems.
- Providing quality patient-centered health care that is safe, effective, ethical, equitable, and takes cost into account.