Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a growing field, and demand for physical therapists is high. Our Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is rigorous and time-intensive. The physical therapy program at Northern Arizona University is completed in 28 months.
Your instructors
You will gain clinical practice skills through teaching and mentoring opportunities with:
- core faculty
- clinical adjunct faculty
- clinical instructors
Your classes
Our innovative curriculum is organized around the four principle practice patterns of the following systems:
- musculoskeletal
- neuromuscular
- cardiopulmonary
- integumentary
Program requirements
If you’re interested in applying for our physical therapy program, learn more about our admission requirements and application process. Individuals apply to Northern Arizona University Physical Therapy and NOT to a specific campus, such as Phoenix or Flagstaff. View our degree progression to see all required classes. To find answers to more detailed questions about admission, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
Committed campuses
Physical Therapy Doctorate admission
If you’re interested in applying for our physical therapy program, learn more about our admission requirements and application process. Individuals apply to Northern Arizona University Physical Therapy and NOT to a specific campus, such as Phoenix or Flagstaff. To find answers to more detailed questions about admission, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
Degree progression
Our degree program will take 28 months of full-time study to complete. Your work in the classroom will be bolstered by extensive internship opportunities.
Year by year
Year 1 Accordion Closed
-
- Foundations of PT Evaluation (3) PT 510
- Clinical Anatomy I/Human Anatomy (4/5) PT 525/PT 535
- Human Physiology & Pathology/Pathophysiology (4) PT 545/PT 550
- Clinical Anatomy II/Functional Anatomy (4/3) PT 526/PT 536
- Integrated Clinical Experience (1) PT 601
- Neurosciences (4) PT 560
- Differential Diagnosis (3) PT 680
- Clinical Communication (2) PT 586
- Normal Human Gait (1) PT 511
- Abnormal Gait (1) PT 611
- Clinical Epidemiology & Population Health (2) PT 664
- Ethics & Professionalism in PT Practice (2) PT 644
- Therapeutic Exercise (4) PT 582
- Health Care Systems I (2) PT 670
- Professional Development Seminar (3) PT 687
- Innovations & Specializations (2) PT 687
- Graduate Research (3) PT 685
Year 2 Accordion Closed
- Contemporary Wellness Models in PT Practice (2) PT 599
- Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics (4) PT 630
- Musculoskeletal Therapeutics I (4) PT 620
- Neurophysiological Therapeutics I (4) PT 635
- Life Cycle I (2) PT 602
- Neurophysiological Therapeutics II (3) PT 636
- Musculoskeletal Therapeutics II (3) PT 621
- Medical Therapeutics (2) PT 675
- Organization and Administration (2) PT 668
- Life Cycle II (2) PT 603
- Innovations & Specializations (1) PT 657
- Integrated Clinical Experience (1) PT 601
- Capstone Project (3) 689
- Graduate Seminar (2) PT 698
- Clinical Internship – 10 weeks (6) PT 608
Year 3 Accordion Closed
- Clinical Internship – 20 weeks (12) PT 608
Degree total credits: 98
Program highlights
- 28-month entry-level degree
- Successful completion of the program prepares you to take the NPTE for licensure in any of the 50 states