Physical Therapy
| Degree Offered: | D.P.T. |
| Director (D.P.T.): | Jennifer Christy, PT, PhD |
| Phone: | (205) 934-3566 |
| Website: | www.uab.edu/shp/pt |
Program Information
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a course of study for students who hold baccalaureate degrees in fields of study other than Physical Therapy. Completion of the program after nine semesters leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and serves as initial preparation for practice as a physical therapist.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Physical therapists provide services to patient/clients who have body structure and function impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. Physical therapists also address risk and provide prevention services and promote health, wellness, and fitness. Physical therapists interact and practice in collaboration with a variety of professionals. Physical therapists also function in consultative, education, administrative and supervisory roles in many different types of practice, research, and education settings.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (www.capteonline.org/home.aspx)
Credentials Conferred: The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is awarded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
License: Graduates are eligible for the physical therapist licensure examination. Note that state law regulates the practice of Physical Therapy; contact a specific state’s Board of Licensure for Physical Therapy to obtain information on that state’s eligibility requirements. https://www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/Licensing-Authorities-Contact-Information
Length of Study: Nine semesters.
Program Entrance Date: Spring semester.
Application Procedure: This program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Please consult www.ptcas.org for more information regarding specific PTCAS application requirements, procedures and fees. The PTCAS application needs to be completed by the PTCAS deadline. Applicants should send all application materials directly to PTCAS. PTCAS will verify the application information and send completed applications to the program.
Requirements for Admission: The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States in a field other than physical therapy. Acceptance will be based on the student’s academic ability and aptitude for a career as a physical therapist. The candidate is expected to satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete the PTCAS application based on the PTCAS deadline.
- 75% of prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the year of application.
- Complete at least 40 hours of documented observation of physical therapy. Various settings are recommended. Documentation should be submitted to PTCAS.
- Submit three letters of recommendation to PTCAS.
- Letters 1 and 2: Written by a physical therapist who has interacted with the applicant for at least 20 hours in a clinical setting.
- Letter 3: Written by a professor with whom the applicant had significant interaction in an academic setting.
- Have a minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) overall, prerequisites, and last 60 semester hours grade point averages. For prerequisite courses, no grade lower than a C will be accepted.
- If invited, complete a personal interview with the Department of Physical Therapy.
Students who are accepted into the UAB Doctor of Physical Therapy program must:
- Complete the UAB Graduate School application to include the Graduate School fee.
- Complete the UAB medical history questionnaire and physical.
- Provide proof of required immunizations, and receive satisfactory screening by the UAB Medical Center Student Health Service.
- Send all official transcripts to the UAB Graduate School.
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen before program matriculation and as specified by the Department of Physical Therapy.
State law regulates the practice of Physical Therapy. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to review the nonacademic eligibility requirements for licensure to practice physical therapy prior to application to the program. These may be obtained from each individual state’s Board of Licensure for Physical Therapy. https://www.fsbpt.org/Free-Resources/Licensing-Authorities-Contact-Information
Program Prerequisites–UAB Equivalents
(Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours)
Arts and Humanities
English Composition (6)
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Psychology (6)
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Biology (12)
Human/Mammalian Physiology (4)
Chemistry for Science Majors (8)
Physics for Science Majors (8)
Pre-Calculus With Trigonometry (3)
Psychology (6)
Statistics (3)
Medical Terminology (1-3)
It is strongly recommended that applicants take the following courses: practical reasoning or logic course, biomechanics or kinesiology and upper level biology (physiology).
Essential Requirements: Fundamental tasks, behaviors, and abilities necessary to successfully complete the academic and clinical/residency requirements of the program and to satisfy licensure/certification requirements, if any, have been outlined and are available on the program's website: https://www.uab.edu/shp/pt/programs/dpt/admissions. Students requesting disability accommodations must do so by filing a disability accommodation request with the UAB Office of Disability Support Services.
Typical Program
(Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Term | Hours | ||
| PT 700 | 3 | ||
| PT 702 | 4 | ||
| PT 710 | 3 | ||
| PT 730 | 3 | ||
| PT 760 | 2 | ||
| 15 | |||
| Total credit hours: 15 | |||
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Term | Hours | ||
| PT 701 | 2 | ||
| PT 711 | 2 | ||
| PT 712 | 3 | ||
| PT 720 | 3 | ||
| PT 731 | 3 | ||
| PT 790 | 2 | ||
| 15 | |||
| Total credit hours: 15 | |||
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | ||
| PT 704 | 3 | ||
| PT 706 | 3 | ||
| PT 714 | 3 | ||
| PT 715 | 3 | ||
| PT 721 | 3 | ||
| 15 | |||
| Total credit hours: 15 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Term | Hours | ||
| PT 707 | 3 | ||
| PT 716 | 3 | ||
| PT 740 | 5 | ||
| PT 761 | 3 | ||
| PT 798 | 1 | ||
| 15 | |||
| Total credit hours: 15 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Term | Hours | ||
| PT 743 | 4 | ||
| PT 744 | 3 | ||
| PT 770 | 4 | ||
| PT 791 | 2 | ||
| PT 798 | 1 | ||
| 14 | |||
| Total credit hours: 14 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | ||
| PT 741 | 5 | ||
| PT 746 | 5 | ||
| PT 762 | 3 | ||
| PT 798 | 1 | ||
| 14 | |||
| Total credit hours: 14 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Term | Hours | ||
| PT 763 | 2 | ||
| PT 764 | 2 | ||
| PT 770 | 9 | ||
| 13 | |||
| Total credit hours: 13 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Term | Hours | ||
| PT 770 | 9 | ||
| 9 | |||
| Total credit hours: 9 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | ||
| PT 770 | 9 | ||
| 9 | |||
| Total credit hours: 9 | |||
Total Credit Hours for Program: 119
Additional Information
For detailed information, contact the Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, SHPB, Room 375, 1716 9th Avenue South (mailing address: SHPB 375, 1720 2nd Avenue South), Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1212.
Telephone 205-934-4363
E-mail DPTAdmissions@uab.edu
Doctor of Physical Therapy
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| PT 700 | Human Gross Anatomy | 3 |
| PT 702 | Functional Anatomy | 4 |
| PT 710 | Physical Therapy Intervention I | 3 |
| PT 730 | Essentials of Human Physiology | 3 |
| PT 760 | PT Professional Practice I | 2 |
| PT 701 | Human Gross Anatomy II | 2 |
| PT 711 | PT Examination I | 2 |
| PT 712 | Physical Therapy Examination II | 3 |
| PT 720 | Pathology and Pharmacology for Movement Disorders I | 3 |
| PT 731 | Human Performance Physiology | 3 |
| PT 790 | Scientific Inquiry I | 2 |
| PT 704 | Analysis of Human Movement | 3 |
| PT 706 | Neuroscience I | 3 |
| PT 714 | Physical Therapy Intervention II | 3 |
| PT 715 | Physical Therapy Intervention III | 3 |
| PT 721 | Pathology and Pharmacology for Movement Disorders II | 3 |
| PT 716 | Clinical Evaluation in Physical Therapy | 3 |
| PT 707 | Neuroscience II | 3 |
| PT 740 | PT Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I | 5 |
| PT 761 | PT Professional Practice II | 3 |
| PT 798 | Doctoral Level Non-Thesis Research | 1 |
| PT 743 | PT Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction | 4 |
| PT 744 | PT Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction I | 3 |
| PT 770 | Clinical Education | 4 |
| PT 791 | Scientific Inquiry II | 2 |
| PT 798 | Doctoral Level Non-Thesis Research | 1 |
| PT 741 | PT Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II | 5 |
| PT 746 | PT Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction II | 5 |
| PT 762 | PT Professional Practice III | 3 |
| PT 798 | Doctoral Level Non-Thesis Research | 1 |
| PT 763 | PT Professional Practice IV | 2 |
| PT 764 | Professional Practice V - Capstone Experience | 2 |
| PT 770 | Clinical Education | 9 |
| PT 770 | Clinical Education | 9 |
| PT 770 | Clinical Education | 9 |
| Total Hours | 119 | |
Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Physical Therapy for Underserved Populations
Approved December 10, 2021 - Admissions beginning Summer term 2023.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| PTC 790 | Challenges in American Healthcare: Physical Therapy as a Part of the Solution | 2 |
| PTC 791 | Physical Therapist Role in Primary Care | 2 |
| PTC 792 | Health-Focused Physical Therapy Care I | 2 |
| PTC 793 | Advanced Physical Therapy Management of Priority Health Conditions I | 2 |
| PTC 794 | Health Focused Physical Therapy II | 2 |
| PTC 795 | Advanced Physical Therapy Management of Priority Health Conditions II | 2 |
| PTC 796 | Physical Therapists' Role in Disaster Emergency Preparation and Management | 1 |
| PTC 797 | Community Engagement and Program Planning for Physical Therapists | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Courses
PT 700. Human Gross Anatomy. 3 Hours.
A study of the anatomical structure of the human body includes limbs, back, abdominal wall and cavity. Specific emphasis includes regional study of the relationships between musculoskeletal, nervous, and vascular systems, joint structure, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and surveys of selected viscera. Includes surface anatomy.
PT 701. Human Gross Anatomy II. 2 Hours.
A study of the anatomical structure of the human body includes limbs, back, abdominal wall and cavity. Specific emphasis includes regional study of the relationships between musculoskeletal, nervous, and vascular systems, joint structure, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and surveys of selected viscera.
Prerequisites: PT 700 [Min Grade: C]
PT 702. Functional Anatomy. 4 Hours.
Integrated study of anatomy, kinesiology, muscle biology, and biomechanics to develop an understanding of and ability to analyze normal and pathologic human movement. Includes palpation and surface anatomy.
PT 704. Analysis of Human Movement. 3 Hours.
Study of human movement through an examination of the movement patterns during common motor skills (eg: walking). The kinematics and kinetics related to movement will be studied across the lifespan.
PT 705. Human Movement Dysfunction. 3 Hours.
Study of human movement dysfunction including recovery processes related to injury, impairments associated with pathology and behavior and kinematic/kinetic descriptions of movement dysfunction related to cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular pathology across the lifespan.
PT 706. Neuroscience I. 3 Hours.
A study of structures and functions of the human nervous system with emphasis on sensory/motor function.
PT 707. Neuroscience II. 3 Hours.
Study of the theories of motor control and motor learning will serve as a foundation for the understanding how the CNS is organized in relation to human movement.
PT 710. Physical Therapy Intervention I. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the basic components of physical therapy practice applicable to those with acute and chronic conditions. Emphasis placed on basic procedural interventions and equipment.
PT 711. PT Examination I. 2 Hours.
Introduction to the physical therapy examination process. Emphasis on exploring the human movement system as the foundation of patient/client management.
PT 712. Physical Therapy Examination II. 3 Hours.
Continuation of Physical Therapy I with focus on knowledge and skills needed to test and measure strength, range of motion, and posture.
PT 713. Physical Therapy Intervention I. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the components and process of physical therapy intervention. Emphasis on beginning communication & documentation skills and basic procedural interventions of patient transfers, gait with assistive devices, superficial physical agents, massage, and passive range of motion. Overview of major categories of procedural interventions utilized by physical therapists.
PT 714. Physical Therapy Intervention II. 3 Hours.
Procedures and techniques for the design and implementation of fundamental therapeutic exercise; recognizing impairments in body function and structure and activity limitations amenable to physical therapy; students will utilize therapeutic exercise interventions for prevention and rehabilitation of movement dysfunction and disability.
PT 715. Physical Therapy Intervention III. 3 Hours.
The study and use of knowledge and skills needed to select and use both electrodiagnostic and electrotherapeutic modality interventions for various impairments and functional limitations. Emphasis will be placed on integrating electrical evaluation, electrical and deep heat therapy with previously learned examination, evaluation, and intervention skills. An overview of integument system repair and the management of chronic wounds will be discussed with an emphasis on examination, clinical decision making, and intervention.
PT 716. Clinical Evaluation in Physical Therapy. 3 Hours.
Study of comprehensive clinical evaluation concepts through use of the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) model framework with application in health conditions across the lifespan.
PT 720. Pathology and Pharmacology for Movement Disorders I. 3 Hours.
Overview of clinical medicine related to management of movement disorders. Basic principles of pathology and pharmacology. Explores physical therapy implications associated with medical and surgical management of disorders with emphasis on clinical manifestations, management, and physical therapy implications.
PT 721. Pathology and Pharmacology for Movement Disorders II. 3 Hours.
Exploration of medical and surgical disorders with emphasis on clinical manifestations, management, and physical therapy implications.
PT 730. Essentials of Human Physiology. 3 Hours.
Fundamental principles and concepts of human physiology are covered regarding cell physiology, the cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, and skeletal muscle systems as well as thermo-regulation of the body. Both cellular and systemic issues are addressed with an emphasis on a mechanistic and integrative approach to understanding function.
PT 731. Human Performance Physiology. 3 Hours.
Course provides fundamental knowledge about the adaptability of human physiological systems in meeting a range of exercise demands. Areas covered include energy transfer during rest and exercise, physiologic and performance adaptations, exercise prescription for healthy adults, and body composition. Research evidence regarding how exercise and physical activity impact health, wellness, and disease is included.
PT 740. PT Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction I. 5 Hours.
Application of biological and physical sciences in understanding musculoskeletal disorders. Diagnosis of common musculoskeletal dysfunctions; clinical decision making concerning treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment procedures with implications for rehabilitation. Focus for one course is on the lower quarter and the thoracic spine; focus of the other course is on the upper quarter.
PT 741. PT Management of Musculoskeletal Dysfunction II. 5 Hours.
Application of biological and physical sciences in understanding musculoskeletal disorders. Diagnosis of common musculoskeletal dysfunctions; clinical decision making concerning treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment procedures with implications for rehabilitation. Focus for one course is on the lower quarter and the thoracic spine; focus of the other course is on the upper quarter.
PT 743. PT Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction. 4 Hours.
Physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention for patients with primary and secondary disorders involving the cardiovascular/pulmonary system.
PT 744. PT Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction I. 3 Hours.
Application, analysis, and synthesis of principles of neuromuscular rehabilitation in physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention.
PT 746. PT Management of Neuromuscular Dysfunction II. 5 Hours.
Application, analysis and synthesis of principles of neuromuscular rehabilitation in physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention.
PT 760. PT Professional Practice I. 2 Hours.
Introduction to the profession of physical therapy, including history, APTA, and scope of practice. Introduction to legal, ethical and other regulatory mechanisms that guide the practice of physical therapy. Presentation of cultural diversity issues related to physical therapy practice.
PT 761. PT Professional Practice II. 3 Hours.
Synthesis and application of regulatory mechanisms, legal mandates and ethical principles and theories to issues facing the physical therapy student and the physical therapist functioning in a multifaceted role; values clarification and decision making related to current professional issues. Strategies for dealing with diverse cultures and conflict. Utilization of documentation strategies to promote effective physical therapy practice and payment.
PT 762. PT Professional Practice III. 3 Hours.
Forces contributing to the health care environment and the effects of this environment on physical therapy practice, research and education. Concepts of health promotion (including wellness and patient education) and the role of the physical therapist in promoting healthy lifestyles in the health care and community settings. Theoretical basis for health behaviors and application of theories to physical therapy practice. Concepts of consultation, program planning, implementation, and evaluation applied to health promotion-oriented physical therapy programs.
PT 763. PT Professional Practice IV. 2 Hours.
Study of management and supervisory principles and current issues related to physical therapy practice: Practical concepts of marketing , organizational structure, fiscal management, facility planning, design and entrepreneurship.
PT 764. Professional Practice V - Capstone Experience. 2 Hours.
Integration of all previous coursework applied to reflection of the scope of physical therapy practice: direct patient care, professional growth/development, professional issues, education, consultation, evidence based practice (EBP), communication and cultural competency. Development and presentation of an individual portfolio that reflects core values, personal and professional growth and accomplishments, and appropriate plans for future professional development.
PT 770. Clinical Education. 1-9 Hour.
Supervised clinical education in patient care skills and practice issues related to physical therapy.
PT 778. Special Topics in Physical Therapy. 1-9 Hour.
Exploration of current issues in Physical Therapy.
PT 790. Scientific Inquiry I. 1-2 Hour.
Introduction to sources of evidence; measurement principles, experimental design, and basic statistical concepts are combined to build analytical skills required for evidence-based practice.
PT 791. Scientific Inquiry II. 2 Hours.
This course combines concepts of measurement principles, experimental design, qualitative, survey outcomes research and a review of basic statistical concepts that will prepare the graduate to critically analyze and use the scientific literature to improve clinical practice. Emphases will be placed on understanding the components of a research report and the concepts associated with judging quality of research design as applied to clinical practice.
PT 798. Doctoral Level Non-Thesis Research. 1-9 Hour.
Implementation of project activities with data collection, analysis, and preparation of manuscript of scholarly activity project. Student and mentor work together to identify specific project components to be completed during each specific term the course is taken.
Faculty
| Bullard, Cara, Assistant Professor, 2017, D.P.T.(University of Pittsburgh), Education & Health Promotion |
| Capo'-Lugo, Carmen, Assistant Professor, 2018, Ph.D., (Northwestern University), Identifying and optimizing processed of care associated with rehabilitation in order to promote long-term patient recovery |
| Christy, Jennifer Braswell, Associate Professor, Director of the DPT Program, 2004, Ph.D.(University of Miami), Identification of and interventions for vestibular related impairments in children |
| Han, Areum, Assistant Professor, 2015, OTR. /L (University of Kansas School of Medicine), Psychological and behavioral interventions for caregivers of older adults and people with neurological disorders. |
| Hurt, Christopher, Assistant Professor, 2015, Ph.D.(University of Illinois Chicago), Mechanisms for reduced mobility by individuals with neurological disorders. |
| Lein, Donald, Associate Professor; Director of Continuing Education & and Community Outreach, 2010, Ph.D. (UAB), Physical therapy education and health promotion; osteoporosis intervention |
| Lowman, John, Associate Professor, Director of Residencies, 2005, Ph.D. (Virginia Commonwealth), Skeletal muscle changes associated with cystic fibrosis, as well as other chronic cardiac and pulmonary diseases |
| Morris, David, Professor; Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, 1991, Ph.D. (UAB), Constraint induced movement therapy, health promotion, aquatic rehabilitation |
| Parrish, Ashley, Assistant Professor, 2019, DPT (UAB), Physical implications for children with cardiovascular and pulmonary compromise. |
| Pearce, Tara, Associate Professor; Director of Clinical Education, 2014, D.H.S.(UAB), Clinical education, health literacy, neurological rehabilitation, and simulation in physical therapy education. |
| Perez, Patty, Associate Professor, 2001, D.Sc. P.T., (UAB), Musculoskeletal physical therapy, health promotion, simulated patient encounters, readiness for clinical education, interprofessional team training. |
| Reed, William, Associate Professor and Program Director, 2016, Ph.D. (University of Louisville), Understanding neural mechanisms underlying the manual therapy interventions of spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and joint dysfunction. Physiological mechanisms of manual therapy |
| Sing, Harshvardhan, Assistant Professor, 2015, PhD (University of Delaware), Aging associated osteoporosis, osteoporosis-related fractures, and sarcopenia in various populations with low exercise tolerance. |
| Thompson, William, Director of the PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program, 2021, D.P.T., Ph.D. (University of Delaware) , Mechanisms by which bone adapts to exercise and mechanical forces. |
| York, Sheree, Assistant Professor, 2019, D.P.T (Rocky Mountain College), Pediatric physical therapy |