This three-year curriculum, which replaces the Master of Science in physical therapy program, will include the options of acquiring certificates in health care management or special education. The DPT program was designed to prepare clinicians for contemporary practice by helping them develop strong clinical and problem solving skills. Students will learn how to efficiently and accurately assess the patient, recommend and provide treatment, and communicate with patients, colleagues and the public. Courses in the program include Sports Physical Therapy, Aquatic Physical Therapy, Applied Clinical Psychology, Pediatric Physical Therapy, and Exercise Physiology.
Students learn from carefully constructed and directed clinical experiences.
Therefore, a physical therapy education program must focus on the ability to independently diagnose, treat and prevent movement dysfunction. The Widener DPT program will allow tomorrow's physical therapist to impact community health, contribute to the body of knowledge, and to participate in more self-governing healthcare delivery.