The Human Movement System Approach

Physical therapy is the science of human movement applied to rehabilitation, injury, fitness, injury prevention and overall health. Practicing in a variety of settings, physical therapists diagnose and treat movement dysfunction in patients with skill, competence and compassion. The Program in Physical Therapy is committed to providing students with excellent scientific and clinical education in an environment that strives to continually lead the industry in practice, research, innovation and advocacy of movement health.


Doctor of Physical Therapy (entry level DPT)
The Department offers the clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). The DPT program recognizes the importance of in-depth basic and applied science knowledge and the humanities. As such, the curriculum is carefully sequenced to allow students to develop skills in both classroom and clinical settings.
Faculty also understand the importance of presenting problem-solving skills in conjunction with fundamental physical therapy concepts so that students will develop the professional attitudes and insights required for sustained and continued growth throughout their careers.
The entry-level doctoral program (DPT) is offered under the auspices of the Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy (PhD)
The University of Miami Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy program develops physical therapist students for leadership positions in academic and research settings. Along with guiding students in the development of requisite knowledge and skills, the program promotes professional socialization into the role of academic faculty. We believe preparation to teach and undertake research in a physical therapy curriculum at the university level requires excellence in three dimensions: 1. Expertise in a specified content area; 2. Advanced knowledge and skill in research methods, design, and implementation of analysis and communication of results; and 3. Proficiency in instructional design, teaching methods, and evaluation.
The successful integration of these three dimensions, each complex in its own right, provides the means for the student to develop expertise in testing, analyzing, researching, and teaching about disorders that interfere with function. Unifying these three core areas is the process of socialization to the role of a faculty member, including an awareness of academic responsibilities and sensitivity to the needs of the adult learner.
In keeping with this philosophy, students develop breadth of knowledge through completion of coursework from three basic core areas: • Concentration Core • Research Core • Education Core They develop depth by completing elective courses with the intent to build expertise in their respective areas of concentration. The successful graduate of this program will have the requisite knowledge and skills to integrate research findings and scientific theory with clinical observations. On this basis, the graduate will be prepared to perform original research aimed at developing new knowledge to enhance the scientific basis of clinical practice and theoretical principles that will advance the profession of physical therapy. The program offers opportunities for the student to gain skill in communicating theories, concepts and research findings and to experience the roles and responsibilities of an academic faculty member. Students complete a dissertation project in which they develop and conduct a unique and significant research investigation with the guidance of a Physical Therapy faculty member as research advisor.

PTS 616. Clinical Research I. 3 Credit Hours.
This course provides a foundation for evidence based practice as a physical therapist. It presents the principles, concepts and basic skills required to identify, evaluate, create and apply research evidence to the practice of physical therapy.

PTS 775. Clinical Decision Making II. 3 Credit Hours.
This course will require the student to utilize: the patient management model, the ICF model, the role of disablement and enablement in the provision of physical therapy, all clinical and basic science course work, professional and third party documentation requirements, knowledge of healthcare delivery systems and legal/regulatory requirements, as well as the research literature to plan and document evidence-based care of patients in a variety of settings spanning the continuum of care. Cases will represent a sample of ages, diagnoses, and patient acuity and complexity. Requisite: Physical Therapy Majors Only. Components: LEC. Grading: GRD. Typically Offered: Fall.

PTS 777. Instructional Methods in Physical Therapy Education. 3 Credit Hours.
Overview of research in the professional education field, with specific applications to physical therapy academic and clinical education. Emphasis is placed on curriculum development, competency-based instructional design, testing, and instructional evaluation methods.

PTS 790. Models of Physical Therapy Practice. 3 Credit Hours.
Study of the integration of didactic knowledge, clinical skills, clinical problem solving and the intuitive process into the formation of a clinical diagnosis which will direct treatment in physical therapy. Diagnosis as a process in physical therapy is compared to diagnosis in nursing, psychiatry and medicine, and is distinguished from similar processes such as assessment, examination and screening. Various models of physical therapy practice currently being taught and published will be explored, including the ICF model