Program Overview

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.

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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

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

For more information about the DPT Program, please review the

2023-2024 DPT STUDENT HANDBOOK