Doctor of Physical Therapy - Program Overview

Program Overview

Welcome to Hawai'i's first and only Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Hawai'i Pacific University. The innovative, 24-month, hybrid program is built upon HPU's core values of HPU (Pono, Kuleana, and Aloha) and the core values of the physical therapy profession. Students will benefit from a blended learning format that combines best practices in distance education, on-campus lab immersion sessions, and clinical education experiences, set within a multicultural learning environment. The program provides students the opportunity to complete clinical education across the U.S., including unique experiences on O'ahu, Maui, Hawai'i, Kauai, and other Pacific Islands.

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Length of program: 24 months

Entry terms:  One cohort each fall 

Program delivery:  Hybrid, mostly online with 13 weeks in person (8 visits to campus), and 32 weeks of clinical education. The curriculum is divided into 8-week terms, 6 terms per year. Students take no more than four courses during each 8-week academic term to optimize learning. All in-person labs take place in Honolulu, during the final 1-2 weeks of each term (except the 4 clinical experience terms in the second year of the program).

Important Dates:

Candidate for Accreditation achieved: November 2, 2021

Application deadline: April 15, 2024 

Class of 2026 starts: August 26, 2024

Anticipated CAPTE accreditation decision: May 2024 

Anticipated program completion of the charter cohort: June 2024

Anticipated graduation of the charter cohort: August 2024

Class of 2024 is eligible to sit for the licensure exam: July 2024

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Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Mission Statement

Hawai`i Pacific University's innovative Doctor of Physical Therapy program develops movement specialists who provide evidence-informed, collaborative, and empathic care. We are committed to building a professional `ohana of diverse and open-minded leaders who anticipate and respond to the needs of the global community.

 

HPU DPT Program Goals 

HPU will deliver an accredited DPT program that embraces the core values of the profession and the university. 

 

Program Goal 1: Enroll and graduate a diverse student body to support the demand for physical therapists in Hawai`i and the Western US. 

Program Goal 2: Develop exemplary career-focused physical therapists through innovative educational and clinical learning experiences. 

Faculty Goal: Demonstrate a commitment to excellence and professionalism through lifelong learning, service, and scholarship.

Student Goal 1: Demonstrate professional behaviors of the physical therapy profession. 

Student Goal 2: Demonstrate a commitment to evidence-informed care in both academic and clinical preparation consistent with the professional scope of physical therapy practice. 

Graduate Goal: Demonstrate a commitment to professional leadership, lifelong learning, and evidence-informed care. 

 

PROGRAM Outcomes

HPU DPT will provide outcomes as this information becomes available.

 

Accreditation

Effective November 2, 2021, Hawai'i Pacific University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (808) 236-5830 or email dpt@hpu.edu.

Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.

 

Preparation for Professional Licensure

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:

CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website at www.fsbpt.org.

 

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINATION (NPTE)

Below is the U.S. Dept of Education (USDE) rule change which allows students enrolled in institutions with Candidate for Accreditation or "pre-accreditation" status to sit for the licensure exam immediately upon graduation. Further, because of this rule change, initial accreditation status is no longer required to sit for the exam. Additionally, cohort number two (2025 graduating class) may complete the program and take the exam if initial accreditation is not granted, due to the reconsideration and appeal processes (a year-long process). A third cohort may not be accepted if initial accreditation is not granted. 

From US Department of Education. Effective July 01, 2020: "All credits and degrees earned and issued by an institution or program holding pre-accreditation from a nationally recognized agency are considered by the Secretary to be from an accredited institution or program."

From CAPTE Changes in the Rules. April 2020. "Per USDE regulations, all credits and degrees earned and issued by a program holding candidacy are considered to be from an accredited program." 

 

National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

Hawai'i Pacific University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establish national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education.

 

Complaints to the Program

Any individual may file a complaint regarding aspects of the DPT Program. Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Program Director. The Program Director has the discretionary authority to gather additional information to take appropriate action or involve other university officials if necessary. If the complaint involves the Program Director, it should be submitted in writing to the HPU Provost.

 

Complaints to the Accrediting Body

Any individual who would like to file a complaint with CAPTE regarding what appears to be the DPT Program’s inability to meet an evaluative criterion may do so by following the directions provided on the CAPTE website (http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/ ) or may call the Department of Accreditation of APTA at 703-706-3245.

Protection Against Retaliation

No University faculty or staff member may interfere with the good faith reporting of suspected or actual wrongful conduct. No individual who makes such a good faith report shall be subject to unlawful retaliation, including harassment or adverse employment consequence because that individual has made a good faith report. 

Clinical Education Overview

The HPU DPT Clinical Education curriculum offers a variety of experiences across the United States and the Pacific islands. Each experience is full-time and occurs in the second year of the DPT program. Students have the opportunity to spend 32 weeks in a clinical setting and apply their skills and knowledge under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

 

Clinical Education Courses

During the 2nd year in the HPU DPT program, the curriculum contains four, 8-week clinical courses: DPT 8910, 8920, 8930, and 8940. The final two courses, DPT 8930 and 8940, will be combined into a 16-week terminal clinical experience. Students are expected to participate in multiple clinical settings over the course of the program, with a minimum of 1 outpatient and 1 inpatient experience.

DPT 8910, the first clinical experience, starts at the beginning of the 2nd year in our program. Students have completed all foundational coursework prior to participating in this experience. Clinical placements may include outpatient orthopedic, inpatient acute care, post-acute, long-term rehabilitation, or other non-advanced clinical sites.

DPT 8920, 8930, & 8940 occur after all foundational and management coursework has been completed. Students will complete DPT 8920 as an 8-week experience followed by a 16-week experience, or they may combine these courses into one, 24-week terminal experience. There are no restrictions on what type of setting students may participate in during these courses.

 

CLINICAL EDUCATION PLACEMENT

Students will have the opportunity to rank-order their preference for clinical education experiences. The clinical education team will do their best to limit travel, but students should anticipate participating in 1 or more experiences that are not within driving distance of their home. Travel and housing are at the expense of the student and are not included in the DPT Program tuition.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS

Students must submit proof of a physical examination and updated immunization information prior to entering the HPU DPT program. The DPT program has additional immunization requirements for clinical education experiences. Health and immunization forms are to be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider. The State of Hawai‘i law mandates that certain health requirements be cleared before students can enter into postsecondary institutions (Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Department of Health, Chapter 157 Examination and Immunization). Health requirements are further outlined in the DPT student handbook. 

 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AND DRUG TESTING

Criminal background checks and drug testing are becoming mandatory at medical institutions as a requirement of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Individuals working in health care facilities often must consent to and be cleared to work through criminal background investigations and/or drug screenings. This is also a common policy/requirement in many physical therapy corporate entities and individual clinics.  

The HPU DPT Program requires all students to complete a criminal background check prior to formal enrollment or matriculation in the DPT program. An additional background check and/or drug test may be required prior to beginning clinical experiences in year two of the program. Applicants should be aware that a prior criminal background could restrict the ability to obtain professional state licensure. Acceptance into the DPT program does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain such licensure. 

Year One

Summer 8B-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8210 Physical Therapy Fundamentals

3 semester credits

DPT 8110 Human Anatomy I

4 semester credits

DPT 8220 Movement Science

2 semester credits

DPT 8410 Professional Competencies I

1 semester credits

Fall 8A-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8310 Evidence-based Practice I

2 semester credits

DPT 8230 Therapeutic Interventions I

3 semester credits

DPT 8120 Human Anatomy II

3 semester credits

DPT 8130 Human Physiology

3 semester credits

Fall 8B-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8240 Therapeutic Interventions II

3 semester credits

DPT 8510 Musculoskeletal Practice I

3 semester credits

DPT 8250 Health Promotion & Fitness Management

2 semester credits

DPT 8140 Clinical Neuroscience I

1 semester credit

Spring 8A-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8150 Clinical Neuroscience II

2 semester credits

DPT 8520 Musculoskeletal Practice II

3 semester credits

DPT 8630 Bracing, Orthotics, and Prosthetics

2 semester credits

DPT 8710 Pharmacology

2 semester credits

Spring 8B-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8530 Musculoskeletal Practice III

3 semester credits

DPT 8610 Neuromuscular Practice I

2 semester credits

DPT 8720 Cardiopulmonary Practice

4 semester credits

DPT 8320 Evidence-based Practice II

2 semester credits

Summer 8A-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8540 Musculoskeletal Practice IV

3 semester credits

DPT 8620 Neuromuscular Practice II

3 semester credits

DPT 8640 Management of the Aging Adult

3 semester credits

Total Credits Year One

59 semester credits

Year Two

Summer 8B-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8910 Physical Therapy Practice I

8 semester credits

Fall 8A-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8730 Management of Complex Patients

4 semester credits

DPT 8650 Management of the Pediatric Patient

3 semester credits

DPT 8810 Advanced Diagnostics

2 semester credits

Fall 8B-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8260 Advanced Therapeutic Interventions

2 semester credits

DPT 8270 Integrative Pain Sciences

2 semester credits

DPT 8660 Primary Care Physical Therapy

2 semester credits

DPT 8440 Business Management & Entrepreneurship

3 semester credits

Spring 8A-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8920 Physical Therapy Practice II

8 semester credits

DPT 8420 Professional Competencies II

2 semester credits

Spring 8B-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8930 Physical Therapy Practice III

8 semester credits

DPT 8330 Capstone I

1 semester credits

Summer 8A-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8940 Physical Therapy Practice IV

8 semester credits

DPT 8340 Capstone II

1 semester credit

Total Credits Year Two

54 semester credits

Total Program Credits

113 semester credits

Year One

FALL 8A-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8210 Physical Therapy Fundamentals

3 semester credits

DPT 8110 Human Anatomy I

4 semester credits

DPT 8220 Movement Science

2 semester credits

DPT 8410 Professional Competencies I

1 semester credits

FALL 8B-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8310 Evidence-based Practice I

2 semester credits

DPT 8230 Therapeutic Interventions I

3 semester credits

DPT 8120 Human Anatomy II

3 semester credits

DPT 8130 Human Physiology

3 semester credits

SPRING 8A-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8240 Therapeutic Interventions II

2 semester credits

DPT 8510 Musculoskeletal Practice I

3 semester credits

DPT 8250 Health Promotion & Fitness Management

2 semester credits

DPT 8140 Clinical Neuroscience I

2 semester credits

Spring 8B-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8150 Clinical Neuroscience II

2 semester credits

DPT 8520 Musculoskeletal Practice II

3 semester credits

DPT 8630 Bracing, Orthotics, and Prosthetics

2 semester credits

DPT 8710 Pharmacology

2 semester credits

SUMMER 8A-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8530 Musculoskeletal Practice III

3 semester credits

DPT 8610 Neuromuscular Practice I

2 semester credits

DPT 8720 Cardiopulmonary Practice

4 semester credits

DPT 8320 Evidence-based Practice II

2 semester credits

Summer 8B-1 (8 weeks)

DPT 8540 Musculoskeletal Practice IV

3 semester credits

DPT 8620 Neuromuscular Practice II

3 semester credits

DPT 8640 Management of the Aging Adult

3 semester credits

Total Credits Year One

59 semester credits

Year Two

FALL 8A-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8910 Physical Therapy Practice I

8 semester credits

Fall 8B-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8730 Management of Complex Patients

4 semester credits

DPT 8650 Management of the Pediatric Patient

3 semester credits

DPT 8810 Advanced Diagnostics

2 semester credits

SPRING 8A-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8260 Advanced Therapeutic Interventions

2 semester credits

DPT 8270 Integrative Pain Sciences

2 semester credits

DPT 8660 Primary Care Physical Therapy

2 semester credits

DPT 8440 Business Management & Entrepreneurship

3 semester credits

Spring 8B-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8920 Physical Therapy Practice II

8 semester credits

DPT 8420 Professional Competencies II

2 semester credits

SUMMER 8A-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8930 Physical Therapy Practice III

8 semester credits

DPT 8330 Capstone I

1 semester credits

Summer 8B-2 (8 weeks)

DPT 8940 Physical Therapy Practice IV

8 semester credits

DPT 8340 Capstone II

1 semester credit

Total Credits Year Two

54 semester credits

Total Program Credits

113 semester credits

YEAR ONE

 

DPT 8210 Physical Therapy Fundamentals                                                              3 credits

Prepares students for patient care activities including, patient-centered communication, assessing vital signs, body mechanics awareness, patient positioning and draping, transfers, assistive device training, and basic exercise. Learners will be introduced to fundamental physical therapy skills for various clinical settings and a patient management framework used throughout the curriculum. Psychomotor skills that are foundational to examination and evaluation are introduced, including vital signs, goniometry, range of motion, muscle testing, and anthropometric measures. Students will develop patient interview and documentation skills, perform examination tests and measures, and use standardized patient outcome measures.

Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

 

DPT 8110 Human Anatomy I                                                                                               4 credits

Introduces foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy. Explores the clinical application of embryology, histology, and joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan within a systems approach emphasizing the musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological aspects of the extremities, cervical, and lumbar regions. Course activities include 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, and cadaver prosections as available. This course addresses the content of the muscular, vascular, and neurological systems across regions, including the lumbar and cervical spines, pelvis, and extremities. Emphasis is on the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal anatomy.

Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

 

DPT 8220 Movement Science                                                                                           2 credits

Introduces students to the fundamentals of movement science, offers a framework for understanding normal and abnormal movement, and includes kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, motor control, and motor learning concepts. The course will integrate theory and basic principles of motor behavior, motor development, motor control, and motor learning as they relate to human motor performance and gait across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the integration of theory, structured movement analyses of activities performed in daily life, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to inform clinical decision-making in physical therapist practice.

 

DPT 8410 Professional Competencies I                                                                     2 credits

Introduces students to the professional roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist and the interprofessional healthcare team. Integrates emotional/social intelligence, concepts of flourishing, learning theories, learning styles, characteristics of learners through the lifespan, and literacy and communication issues for patients. This course prepares students for the professional curriculum and clinical practice as life-long learners.

Prerequisite: Admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

 

DPT 8230 Therapeutic Interventions I                                                                       3 credits

Introduces and integrates musculoskeletal biomechanical principles to joint structure and function, movement analysis, and therapeutic interventions. Introduces the principles and application of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy for the management of patients with pain and mobility impairments. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, assessment, and progression of interventions.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8120 Human Anatomy II                                                                                              3 credits

Expands upon the foundational knowledge of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy of Human Anatomy I. Explores the clinical application of embryology, histology, and joint structure and function and the forces that affect human movement across the lifespan within a systems approach emphasizing the musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological aspects of the thorax, abdominal, pelvic, and cranio-facial regions.  Course activities include 3-dimensional anatomy software, living/surface anatomy, and anatomical models. Students will have the opportunity to study the gross anatomy of the central and autonomic nervous systems, along with the muscular, vascular, and neurological systems of the thorax and craniofacial regions. Selected vascular, neurological and visceral components of the digestive, cardiopulmonary, and urogenital systems are also included in this course.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8130 Human Physiology                                                                                           3 credits

Explores the physiology and pathophysiology of the cellular, integumentary, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems. Studies medical physiologic principles necessary for physical activity and the associated effects of physical activity on health and wellness across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8310 Evidence-based Practice I                                                                           2 credits

Introduces the foundation to general research and evidence-based principles by exploring research methodologies and outcome measures used in health care. Introduces foundational concepts of scientific inquiry for clinicians with creating clinical questions, searches appropriate literature sources, and assesses the evidence quality.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

  

DPT 8240 Therapeutic Interventions II                                                                    2 credits

Introduces the principles and application of selected physical agents for the management of patients with pain and tissue injury while addressing impairments related to mobility, strength, and motor control. Integrates current evidence and clinical decision-making to emphasize appropriate selection, instruction, and progression of interventions.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8510 Musculoskeletal Practice I                                                                      3 credits

Initiates the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip regions. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8250 Health Promotion & Fitness Management                                            2 credits

Introduces prevention, health, wellness, and fitness as they relate to injury prevention, nutritional influences, fitness testing, and exercise prescription in a healthy population. Students develop injury prevention and exercise programs based on test results and adapt the execution to specific healthy populations using proper clinical procedures.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8140 Clinical Neuroscience I                                                                                 2 credits

Explores the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures and neurophysiological functions of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8150 Clinical Neuroscience II                                                                               2 credits

Applies the neuroscience of the movement system, with emphasis on the neuroanatomical structures and neurophysiological functions of the motor and sensory systems that regulate movement. Lab activities emphasize elements of the neurologic examination and an introduction to common outcome measures and assessment tools.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 6440 Musculoskeletal Practice II                                                                     3 credits

Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction of the lower extremities. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

 

DPT 8630 Bracing, Orthotics, and Prosthetics                                                    2 credits

Introduces concepts of materials, design, fabrication, and technology of braces/orthotic/prosthetic devices and provide opportunities for clinical decision making relating to using these devices in physical therapy practice. Course activities emphasize gait analysis, movement analysis, residual limb management, wearing/fitting of orthotics/prosthetics, the importance of interprofessional collaboration, and the psychological considerations of the patient with orthotic/prosthetic devices through the lifespan.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8710 Pharmacology                                                                                                 2 credits

Introduces pharmacologic principles, the study of prescription and/or over-the-counter medications used in the management of a variety of patient conditions encountered during physical therapy management, and their impact on patient management across the lifespan. The impact of medications on patient presentations, timing of rehabilitation sessions, and physical therapy outcomes are emphasized. Content included cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, rheumatologic, and integumentary systems.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8530 Musculoskeletal Practice III                                                                    3 credits

Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction of the cervicothoracic region. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8610 Neuromuscular Practice I                                                                          2 credits

Focuses on the physical therapy management of common neurological health conditions that result in impairments in body structure/function, activity limitations and participation restrictions.  Emphasis is placed on interventions utilizing a functional task-oriented approach with the application and integration of motor control/learning, neuroplasticity, movement analysis, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8720 Cardiopulmonary Practice                                                                        4 credits

Explores the management of patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary causes of movement system dysfunction across a variety of clinical settings. Course activities include, but are not limited to, ECG analysis, exercise testing, heart and lung auscultation, lung function testing, and chest examinations. Case discussions are presented to enhance communication, safety, patient management skills, and discharge planning. 

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8320 Evidence-based Practice II                                                                          2 credits

Expands elements of applied research design and statistics that foster students to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature. Items related to measurement, research design, statistical analysis, critical inquiry, and strength of evidence are presented.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8540 Musculoskeletal Practice IV                                                                   3 credits

Explores the clinical application of biomechanics, functional movement, and examination principles for neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper extremities. Concentrates on the application of psychomotor skills related to regional palpation, examination, and evidence-based interventions emphasizing patient education, manual physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise in a patient-centered approach across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8620 Neuromuscular Practice II                                                                         3 credits

Continues with the physical therapy management of neurological health conditions that result in impairments in body structure/function, activity limitations and participation restrictions and expands to include specialty areas of neurologic physical therapy. Emphasis is placed on interventions utilizing a functional task-oriented approach with the application and integration of motor control/learning, neuroplasticity, movement analysis, evidence-based practice, and the patient/client management model.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8640 Management of the Aging Adult                                                              3 credits

Introduces the physiologic changes of aging and sociologic and economic consequences of an aging population. Reviews natural aging processes and how complicating factors such as vascular compromise, fall risk, and comorbidities negatively impact the aging adult. Course activities focus patient management skills on the aging adult patient.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

 

YEAR TWO

 

DPT 8910 Physical Therapy Practice I                                                                       8 credits

Develops student examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student begins to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other professionals in healthcare and begins to appreciate the role of each team member. This is an integrated clinical experience which builds on the didactic and psychomotor courses within the curriculum. This clinical experience is the first practice experience where students are exposed to evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director and demonstrated readiness for clinical education (as determined by faculty)

 

DPT 8730 Management of Complex Patients                                                           4 credits

Introduces patient management strategies for the medically complex patient. Community-based strategies and outpatient management for patients with primary disease or comorbidities of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, oncologic, lymphatic, and integumentary systems are emphasized. Students will design individual and community-based interventions for effective screening and disease management.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8650 Management of the Pediatric Patient                                                    3 credits

Using a framework of normal development from birth to young adulthood, this course presents fundamental concepts for the physical therapy management of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Topics include atypical developmental and associated impairments, functional limitations and participation restrictions. Topics of family centered care, advocacy, and assistive technologies are implicit in this course.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8810 Advanced Diagnostics                                                                                  2 credits

Integrates concepts of advanced diagnostic testing and imaging of the major systems of the body regions related to physical therapy practice. Specific content reviews diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and radiographs.  Rationale and guidelines for examination selection are introduced, and clinical scenarios provide an emphasis on critical thinking regarding the utility and interpretation of medical diagnostic tests.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8260 Advanced Therapeutic Interventions                                                   2 credits

Expands on the students’ management of patients with movement system dysfunctions including techniques related to spinal stabilization, movement impairments, and soft tissue dysfunction. Interventions include a progression of contemporary therapeutic exercise and manual therapy skills. Emphasis will be placed on analysis and integration of current best evidence into the patient’s plan of care. Course activities include case scenarios to challenge clinical reasoning for the progression of comprehensive treatment plans.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8270 Integrative Pain Sciences                                                                          2 credits

This course provides an overview of managing people with chronic pain syndromes associated with neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors using emerging and contemporary concepts of pain assessment, treatment, and outcomes. This course builds on the previous courses within the curriculum on the pain management domains and core competencies that were integrated within the body systems. Built from contemporary models, this course reflects the interprofessional consensus of core competencies for prelicensure health professions education in patient management. This course emphasizes the core knowledge necessary for offering best care of patients and provides integrated interprofessional discussion on comprehensive pain management designed to improve patient outcomes.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8660 Primary Care Physical Therapy                                                                2 credits

This course explores the therapist's role as an interdependent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. Presenting the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to more efficiently and effectively collect, evaluate, and communicate examination data while promoting differential diagnostic principles and clinical decision-making. This course will have a service-learning experience for the students' annual wellness and screening to improve the health of the HPU community.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8440 Business Management & Entrepreneurship                                       3 credits

This course provides an overview of basic business principles, as it relates to the practice of physical therapy with a systems-based thinking healthcare approach. Students will gain knowledge on various topics related to healthcare business management. There is a specific focus on understanding payer relationships, diagnostic coding, current procedural terminology, clinical productivity, and operating margin. The course will prepare students to be stewards of fiscal responsibility in the field of physical therapy.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8920 Physical Therapy Practice II                                                                      8 credits

This course advances the student’s ability to perform examination, evaluation, and intervention skills during an 8-week mentored clinical internship. The student further develops the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and other healthcare professionals. Emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)

 

DPT 8420 Professional Competencies II                                                                   2 credits

This course prepares students professionally and emotionally for physical therapy clinical practice, including roles as a lifelong learner, clinical research, advocacy roles, and clinical educator. The student explores major forms of health care delivery and how they interact with physical therapy services, including but not limited to, medical ethics, health care regulations, and risk management strategies. This course blends topics through case applications that explore communication, individual and cultural differences, professional behavior and abilities, ethics, legal issues, and risk management within patient care.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8930 Physical Therapy Practice III                                                                   8 credits

This is the first of two courses that progress students to entry-level patient management skills during an 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals. The student develops advanced evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)

 

DPT 8330 Capstone I                                                                                                           1 credit

This is the first of two courses that integrate and apply cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Throughout this course, students will be engaged in reflective practice in three main areas including integration of content learned through the curriculum, direct application relative to patients managed in the clinical experiences, and professional growth since commencing their DPT education. Students will also articulate how they will uphold the 8 core values for physical therapists as outline by the American Physical Therapy Association. Finally, students develop a plan of study for the National Physical Therapy License Exam. 

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

DPT 8940 Physical Therapy Practice IV                                                                    8 credits

This is the second of two courses that progress students to entry-level patient management skills during a final 8-week mentored clinical experience. The student refines the ability to communicate with patients/clients, family, and healthcare professionals. The student develops advanced evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills. This course emphasizes evidence-based patient management and clinical reasoning skills as an adult learner and a healthcare professional as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director and demonstrated readiness for continued clinical education (as determined by faculty)

 

DPT 8340 Capstone II                                                                                                          1 credit

This is the second of a two courses that integrate and apply cumulative knowledge gained from all previous didactic courses and clinical internship experiences. Throughout this course, students will be engaged in reflective practice in three main areas including integration of content learned through the curriculum, direct application relative to patients managed in the clinical experiences, and professional growth since commencing their DPT education. Students will also articulate how they will uphold the 8 core values for physical therapists as outline by the American Physical Therapy Association. Students will take a comprehensive exam simulating the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination.  

Prerequisite: Permission of DPT Program Director

 

HPU DPT CATALOG

HPU DPT Academic Calendar – Class of 2024 (subject to change) 

Summer 2022: 8B 

  Orientation 

June 29 – July 1, 2022 

  Term begins 

July 4, 2022 

  Holiday: Independence Day 

July 4, 2022 

  Travel/Arrive for Lab Immersion

August 13, 2022

  Onsite Student Orientation

August 14, 2022

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

August 15-27, 2022 

            DPT 8210 PT Fundamentals

August 15-20, 2022

            DPT 8220 Movement Science

August 21-23, 2022

            DPT 8110 Anatomy I

August 24-27, 2022

  Travel from Lab Immersion

August 28, 2022

  Term ends 

August 28, 2022 

Fall 2022: 8A 

  Term begins 

August 29, 2022 

  Holiday: Labor Day 

September 5, 2022 

  Travel/Arrive for Lab Immersion

 October 16, 2022

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

October 17-22, 2022 

            DPT 8120 Anatomy II        

October 17-19, 2022

            DPT 8230 Therapeutic Interventions I

October 20-22, 2022

  Travel from Lab Immersion

October 23, 2022

  Term ends 

October 23, 2022 

Fall 2022: 8B 

  Term begins 

October 24, 2022 

  Holiday: Veteran’s Day 

November 11, 2022 

  Holiday: Thanksgiving 

November 24-25, 2022 

  Travel/Arrive for Lab Immersion

December 4, 2022

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

December 5-17, 2022 

            DPT 8510 Musculoskeletal Practice I

December 5-10, 2022

            DPT 8240 Therapeutic Interventions II

December 11-13, 2022

            DPT 8250 Health Promotion & Fitness

December 15-17, 2022

  Travel from Lab Immersion

December 18, 2022

  Term ends 

December 18, 2022 

Spring 2023: 8A 

  Term begins 

January 9, 2023 

  Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr Day 

January 16, 2023 

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

February 20 – March 4, 2023 

  Term ends 

March 5, 2023 

Spring 2023: 8B 

  Term begins 

March 13, 2023 

  Holiday: Kuhio Day (Observed) 

March 27, 2023 

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

April 24 – May 6, 2023 

  Term ends 

May 7, 2023 

Summer 2023: 8A 

  Term begins 

May 8, 2023 

  Holiday: Memorial Day 

May 29, 2023 

  Holiday: Kamehameha Day (Observed) 

June 9, 2023 

  Holiday: Juneteenth (Observed) 

June 19, 2023

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

June 19 – July 1, 2023 

  Term ends 

July 2, 2023 

Summer 2023: 8B 

  Term begins 

July 3, 2023 

  Clinical Experience I  

July 3 – August 26, 2023 

  Holiday: Independence Day 

July 4, 2023 

  Term ends 

August 27, 2023 

Fall 2023: 8A 

  Term begins 

August 28, 2023 

  Holiday: Labor Day 

September 4, 2023 

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

October 2-7, 2023 

  Term ends 

October 22, 2023 

Fall 2023: 8B 

  Term begins 

October 23, 2023 

  Holiday: Veteran’s Day (Observed) 

November 10, 2023 

  Holiday: Thanksgiving 

November 23-24, 2023 

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

December 4-9, 2023 

  Term ends 

December 17, 2023 

Spring 2024: 8A 

  Term begins 

January 8, 2024 

  Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr Day 

January 15, 2024 

  Clinical Experience II  

January 8 – March 2, 2024 

  Term ends 

March 3, 2024 

Spring 2024: 8B 

  Term begins 

March 11, 2024 

  Clinical Experience III  

March 11 – May 4, 2024 

  Holiday: Kuhio Day  

March 26, 2024 

  Term ends 

May 5, 2024 

Summer 2024: 8A 

  Term begins 

May 6, 2024 

  Clinical Experience IV  

May 6 – June 29, 2024 

  Holiday: Memorial Day 

May 27, 2024 

  Holiday: Kamehameha Day (Observed) 

June 11, 2024 

  Term ends 

June 30, 2024 

HPU DPT Academic Calendar – Class of 2025 (subject to change) 

Fall 2023: 8A 

  Orientation

August 23-25, 2023

  Term begins 

August 28, 2023 

  Holiday: Labor Day 

September 4, 2023 

  Onsite Orientation

October 8th, 2023

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

October 9-21, 2023 

  Term ends 

October 22, 2023 

Fall 2023: 8B 

  Term begins 

October 23, 2023 

  Holiday: Veteran’s Day (Observed) 

November 10, 2023 

  Holiday: Thanksgiving 

November 23-24, 2023 

  Onsite Lab Immersion  

December 11-16, 2023 

  Term ends 

December 17, 2023 

Spring 2024: 8A 

  Term begins 

January 8, 2024 

  Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr Day 

January 15, 2024 

  Onsite Lab Immersion

February 19 - March 2, 2024 

  Term ends 

March 3, 2024 

Spring 2024: 8B 

  Term begins 

March 11, 2024 

  Holiday: Kuhio Day  

March 26, 2024 

  Onsite Lab Immersion

April 22 - May 4, 2024

  Term ends 

May 5, 2024 

Summer 2024: 8A 

  Term begins 

May 6, 2024 

  Holiday: Memorial Day 

May 27, 2024 

  Holiday: Kamehameha Day (Observed) 

June 11, 2024 

  Holiday: Juneteenth

June 19, 2024

  Onsite Lab Immersion

June 16 - June 29, 2024

  Term ends 

June 30, 2024 

SUMMER 2024: 8B

 

Term begins

July 1, 2024

Holiday: Independence Day

July 4, 2024

Onsite Lab Immersion

August 12-24, 2024

Term ends

August 25, 2024

FALL 2024: 8A

 

Term begins

August 26, 2024

Clinical Experience 

August 26 - October 20, 2024

Holiday: Labor Day

September 2, 2024

Term ends

October 20, 2024

FALL 2024: 8B

 

Term begins

October 21, 2024

Holiday: Veteran's Day

November 11, 2024

Holiday: Thanksgiving 

November 28-29, 2024

Onsite Lab Immersion

December 2-7, 2024

Term ends

December 15, 2024

SPRING 2025:8A

 

Term begins

January 6, 2025

Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 20, 2025

Onsite Lab Immersion

February 10-15, 2025

Term ends

March 2, 2025

SPRING 2025: 8B

 

Term begins

March 10, 2025

Clinical Experience II

March 10, 2025 - May 3, 2025

Holiday: Kuhio Day

March 26, 2025

Term ends

May 4, 2025

SUMMER 2025: 8A

 

Term begins

May 5, 2025

Clinical Experience III

May 5, 2025 - June 28, 2025

Holiday: Memorial Day

May 26, 2025

Holiday: Kamehameha Day

June 11, 2025

Holiday: Juneteenth 

June 19, 2025

Term ends

June 29, 2025

SUMMER 2025: 8B

 

Term Begins

June 30, 2025

Clinical Experience IV

June 30 - August 23, 2025

Holiday: Independence Day 

July 4, 2025

Term ends

August 24, 2025

For more information about the DPT Program, please review the

2023-2024 DPT STUDENT HANDBOOK