DPT Curriculum

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Kean follows a hybrid curricular model including many planned, advanced learning experiences such as: problem-based learning, integrated clinical experiences, clinical grand rounds, and hybrid course delivery. The program includes a total of 42 weeks of full-time clinical practice experiences. In addition, the program will include 176 hours of integrated clinical experiences for students, to accompany their major clinical-didactic courses, and have the application of knowledge reinforced throughout the duration of the program. 
 

Through this curricular model, students will progress from the acquisition of, to the application of knowledge and psychomotor skill during each semester of the program. Students will have an early introduction to the application of knowledge in clinical settings, beginning in their second semester. They will gain an early understanding of clinical practice environments and the importance of clinical outcomes in physical therapy. Throughout their varied classroom and clinical practice experiences, students will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of autonomy, advocacy, leadership, and management within physical therapy practice, as part of an evolving heath care system. 
 

Curriculum highlights include:

• Team-based human gross anatomy course with cadaver dissection
• Systems-based approach to clinical evaluation, differential diagnosis and intervention
• Problem-based learning component within clinically oriented courses
• Interprofessional Grand Rounds series 
• Research and Evidence-based practice series, with emphasis on clinical outcomes, culminating in a faculty-mentored project focused on patient outcomes
• Management and Leadership Development series emphasizing business acumen required for business leadership development within the profession
• 42 weeks of full-time clinical education, and 176 hours of integrated clinical education, specifically linked to clinical content within a given curricular year