Academic Programs

Doctor of Physical Therapy

The curriculum leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree requires three calendar years of full-time enrollment and consists of 125 credits. Courses include anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, pathology, ethics, leadership and administration, and practice management courses for the practice areas of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and integumentary. The curriculum has integrated and final clinical education experiences. The emphasis of the curriculum is evidence-based practice across the lifespan in order to produce excellent clinicians who are prepared to assume leadership roles in the profession.

• Evidence Based Courses
  
  All course-work in the DPT program includes the evidence base for the material presented.  Faculty members in the Department of Physical Therapy continually update themselves regarding the latest evidence including legislative, clinical, and didactic information so you, the future practitioner are prepared to enter today’s physical therapy profession.
  
  
• Research
  
  You will participate in research activities with faculty including assignments based upon your interests and talents.  You will complete a series of courses intended to develop the critical skills necessary to evaluate the evidence for physical therapy practice and to participate in faculty directed research.
  
  
• Clinical Education
  
  The Chapman University DPT program is designed to provide regularly spaced clinical education so you are able to apply and integrate the didactic information from your course-work to clinical setting under the supervision of practicing clinicians.  These clinical experiences will be provided through partnerships with a growing national network of clinical sites.
  
  
• Curriculum Grid
  
  The curricum grid is a tool by which students can track their course load semester-by-semester over the enitre three year DPT program. Click here for full size version.

See Catalog for course descriptions and other general program information. For information on how to apply to the program, visit our Prospective Students section.

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

The post-professional, transition DPT degree offered at Chapman University combines on-line and weekend, non-traditional courses to allow flexibility for practicing physical therapists.  The program strives to be consistent with American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) plan to meet the practice and professional needs of practitioners, offer flexible and accessible curricula appropriate for a doctoring profession, and build upon the knowledge and experience of the practitioner.

For more information on how to apply to the program, visit our tDPT section.