expand your knowledge & opportunities

POSTgraduaTe STudieS in

PHYSiCaL THeraPY

expand your

knowledge &

opportunities

Page 2

A variety of options to fit your needs

ABOUT THE UNVIERSITY Founded in 1898, Des Moines

University has three colleges – Health Sciences, Osteopathic Medicine, and Podiatric Medicine and Surgery – that offer graduate degree programs in physical therapy, health care administration, public health, physician assistant studies, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, anatomy and biomedical sciences. Continuing medical education is also offered on a variety of topics. Total University enrollment is approximately 1,800 full- and part-time students. All DMU programs focus on medicine and the health sciences, so students and faculty share a commitment to patient-centered care with an emphasis on

evidence-based practice and the discovery of knowledge.

r

egardless of where you are in your physical therapy career, lifelong

learning is critical to your continued competence and success. You want

to provide your patients with the most effective and efficient care possible.

As their needs change and as evidence-based practice evolves, you also can

advance with Des Moines University’s post-professional, graduate-level

online learning opportunities.

DMU OffERS OpTIONS TO fIT YOUR pERSONAl AND pROfESSIONAl gOAlS:

Option 1 -

If you hold a master’s or bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and want to take the next step in your education, DMU offers a post-professional doctor of physical therapy (PPDPT) degree to advance your expertise, abilities and practice.

See pages 5-8.

Option 2 -

Want to further your knowledge without pursuing a degree? • You also may take courses in the University’s PPDPT program as a professional

development (non-degree) student.

• DMU offers online self-study modules designed for physical therapists to enhance current practice or demonstrate initial or continuing competence for licensure.

Option 3 -

The DMU physical therapy department offers course work and

continuing medical education units that may be applicable toward physical therapist licensure requirements pending individual state review and approval.

All these options will enable you to achieve continuing competence, a tenet of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Vision Statement. They’ll also let you interact

with and learn from expert faculty and classmates, who are also practicing physical therapists, further enriching your education. Even if you live

thousands of miles from Des Moines, these colleagues in learning are just a few mouse clicks away. You’ll gain knowledge and skills you can apply immediately in your practice.

Unsure which option is best for you?

Let’s talk: Prior to submitting an application, all individuals – whether

seeking a degree or not – are encouraged to discuss their options with DMU’s postgraduate studies program coordinator.

Page 4

FOR ALL OPTIONS

getting started

all enrollees – whether they are seeking a degree or professional development – must complete an orientation tutorial before beginning course work in the PPdPT program. The orientation provides an introduction to dMu and its postgraduate studies program. it includes overviews of applicable policies and procedures, information on the dMu library and an introduction to the technology used throughout the program.

Technology that enhances

The dMu Help desk is available to address technical problems students could encounter with online activities. The university’s web-based instructional system is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers, although the PC format is preferred. Mac users may experience limited functions within dMu’s online student portal and may need to save documents and presentations in formats compatible with the current Microsoft Office Suite for the PC.

Evidence-based practice

dMu programs incorporate evidence-based practice (eBP) in the curriculum. You’ll use these skills throughout the program and in your daily practice. eBP has five distinct elements: 1) ask clinically important questions; 2) find the evidence to answer questions; 3) critically appraise the evidence; 4) integrate the evidence with professional experience and patient values; and 5) evaluate the outcome for the patient. You will have opportunities to learn and practice these skills.

library resources

Many of the dMu library resources are available online, including multiple databases, full text articles, and some course textbooks. The interlibrary loan service allows you to order journal articles and receive materials from other libraries.

Time is of the essence: The American Physical

Therapy Association has put forth the vision

that physical therapy will be provided by doctors

of physical therapy by the year 2020. Patients

increasingly will seek out these autonomous care

providers to optimize their movement, function

and health.

Option 1 -

dOCTOraTe

d

MU offers one of the few transitional doctor of physical therapy programs with course work offered entirely online. This means you can experience rigorous, relevant professional preparation while working uninterrupted, immediately applying the knowledge you’re gaining. You’ll be prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of becoming a leader in your profession, in health care and in your community.

Another distinctive element of the program is its focus on evidence-based practice, the thoughtful integration of the best available evidence combined with clinical expertise and client preferences. The program’s intensive combination of didactic and clinically applicable education and experience will equip you to address health care questions and issues with an evaluative and qualitative approach, using current and past research, clinical guidelines and other information – skills you will use your entire career.

Curriculum

You must successfully complete all 11 courses* in the program to fulfill degree requirements. Students in the PPDPT program may request to transfer up to six hours of graduate credit from a previously attended, accredited institution.

* DMU alumni complete 10 courses.

Keep in mind:

• The format of each course depends on the instructor, but each course requires that you take primary responsibility for learning.

• You will complete assigned readings and then contribute to online discussions and projects with classmates relating to questions posed by the instructor. • Quizzes and exams are given online.

program organization

Unlike self-paced programs, each course has specific start and stop dates along with due dates for assignments. One of the goals is for you to gain new knowledge and in-sights by sharing professional experiences and resources. Working with classmates through online discussions and group projects extends the reach of the online classroom while mirroring the profes-sional collaborations increasingly common and important in health care today.

Time commitment

For a two-credit-hour course delivered over eight weeks, plan to study an average of six to 10 hours per week. For a

three-credit-hour course, plan to study an average of nine to 15 hours per week.

graduation requirements

Non-DMU physical therapists complete 24 credit hours to earn the

post-professional DPT degree. DMU alumni complete 22 credit hours.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to DMU’s PPDPT program, you must:

• be a graduate of an accredited physical therapy program and possess current U.S. licensure as a physical therapist • have at least six months of full-time employment as a physical therapist • have access to a computer with

appropriate hardware, software and Internet connectivity.

A candidate for the doctor of physi-cal therapy degree must meet techniphysi-cal standards with abilities and skills in six areas: communication; motor; sensory; intellectual (including conceptual, integra-tive and quantitaintegra-tive abilities); behavioral and social. For details on these technical standards for admission and graduation, visit www.dmu.edu/ppdpt/admission-requirements/technical-standards.

In addition, employment as a physical therapist while enrolled in the program is encouraged and highly recommended. Your employment will enhance discussions of case studies and application of required projects to a physical therapy practice setting.

THe POST-PrOfeSSiOnaL

Page 6

Option 1 -

dOCTOraTe

cont’d

physical therapy courses at DMU

The following post-professional doctor of physical therapy (PPDPT) courses are required for degree completion. These courses are available for academic and continuing education credit for professional development opportunities

See pages 5-8.

PPDPT 1601: Business Management

This course introduces students to health care administration and management principles. Topics include aspects of business planning, compliance and quality programs, and organizational and human resources concepts. Students develop an understanding of the role of manager/ supervisor relative to the goals and objectives of a physical therapy practice or department. Supervision of personnel and ethical and legal issues associated with physical therapy practice are presented. A review of current topics in regulatory and reimbursement guidelines is explored.

2 credit hours.

PPDPT 1602: Individual and Family Aspects of Care

This course covers the individual characteristics of the patient/client that need to be taken into consideration in the management of a patient/client’s care. Family dynamics are explored in relation to their impact on the health and health care decisions of a patient/client along with the physical therapist’s role with respect to issues of violence and abuse.

2 credit hours.

PPDPT 1603: Clinical Decision Making

This course includes models for clinical decision making, including the patient/ client management model as presented in the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. Evidence-based practice and the critical evaluation of research related to health care practice are covered as well as concepts in outcome assessment.

3 credit hours.

PPDPT 1604: Health Promotion and Prevention

The health promotion/prevention needs of diverse populations are the focus of this course. Content includes theories on wellness, health behavior models,

motivational strategies and the provision of services by physical therapists that promote the health and quality of life of individuals and groups. Epidemiology is introduced for the purposes of planning health promotion/prevention services. Standardized tests and measures, interpretation of data and development of a plan of care related to health promotion/ prevention are primary components of this course. 3 credit hours.

PPDPT 1606: Motor Control Theory and Analysis

Students investigate traditional and contemporary theories of motor control and their application to movement in this course. Opportunities to review current technology utilized in motion analysis are considered with regards to clinical applications. Kinetic and kinematic data from motion analysis devices are incorporated into movement analysis. Emerging evidence in motor control is discussed. 2 credit hours.

PPDPT 1607: Clinical Applications (PPDPT students only)

In this culminating course, students select an individual capstone project and apply knowledge gained throughout the PPDPT program. Students demonstrate the efficient use of evidence-based resources and effective decision-making in developing the capstone project. Students use self-reflection to plan for professional development following program

completion. 3 credit hours.

PPDPT 1609: Manual Therapy Interventions

This course investigates the use of manual therapy interventions in neuromusculo-skeletal physical therapy patient man-agement. It focuses on evidence-based interventions encompassing all regions of the body and, as applicable, to diverse patient populations. Course material includes online and on-campus formats. Participants are asked to learn the basic concepts of manual therapy interventions and to demonstrate their knowledge via the completion of assignments, discussion board dialogue and laboratory participa-tion. 2 credit hours.

Exemption for on-campus requirement: To provide optimal learning experiences, the on-campus portion of the course is designed to expose students to various manual therapy skills. Students demonstrating previous exposure to manual therapy may request to be excused from the course’s campus component. Students eligible for exemption from this component must meet one of the following: • Documented certification in manual

therapy or a particular manual therapy intervention. Examples include but are not limited to certifications in NDT, ONF, Maitland, Paris, McKenzie and Lymphedema.

• Documentation of 16 hours of approved manual therapy continuing education credits or related course work completed within three years prior to the first day of class. Examples of course topics/ approaches include but are not limited to NDT, PNF, Maitland, Paris, McKenzie, Mulligan, Barnes, Cyriax, Upledger, Muscle Energy Technique, Joint Mobilizations, Strain/Counterstrain and Lymphedema

PPDPT 1612: Clinical Imaging

This course is organized into units cover-ing the technical and interpretive aspects of diagnostic imaging/radiology results related to diagnoses commonly treated

by physical therapists. The focus is on the musculoskeletal system including skeletal development and growth. The use of clini-cal decision rules/guidelines are incorpo-rated. Additional units address imaging associated with neurological, vascular and pulmonary disorders. 1.5 credit hours.

PPDPT 1613: Pharmacology

This course introduces the basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of various drug classes. These principles provide a foundation in understanding the action, adverse effects and clinical usefulness of

key drug classes often seen in the rehabilitation setting. Instruction combines the use of pharmacology readings and case-based scenarios to illustrate and highlight the relevance of agents to the practice of physical therapy.

1.5 credit hours.

PPDPT 1614: Clinical Medicine Systems I

This course addresses some of the underlying aspects of disease processes with an emphasis on differential diagnosis. The effect of immune, endocrine and metabolic disorders on the body’s homeostasis are a primary focus. An introduction to the role genetics play in the development of disease and subsequent treatment is included. The use of data

obtained from clinical lab and imaging studies in the screening process to determine appropriate plans of care is incorporated. Consideration also is given to the influence of psychosocial and spiritual beliefs on health and illness. This course provides a foundation for the subsequent Clinical Medicine II course.

2 credit hours.

PPDPT 1615: Clinical Medicine Systems II

This course is the follow-up to Clinical Medicine I. It addresses the pathophysiol-ogy and medical management of common conditions that occur in primary organ systems. Content includes etiology, epide-miology, tests and measures, and interven-tions related to the cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, reproductive and integumentary systems. There is a focus on understanding the human response to disease and the implications for the physi-cal therapist’s management of patient care.

2 credit hours. ©i STO CK PH OTO /BL aC Kr ed

Page 8

Option 1 -

dOCTOraTe

cont’d

How to apply to

DMU’s ppDpT program

To complete the application process: 1. Apply online at www.dmu.edu/ppdpt. 2. Submit the $60 nonrefundable

application fee.

3. Submit two letters of recommendation (see guidelines below).

4. Submit a personal statement of not more than one page explaining your reasons for pursuing the post-professional DPT. 5. Individuals who earned their physical

therapy degree outside the United States must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL). A total score of 100 (Internet-based test) is recommended. Waivers of the TOEFL requirement are given to applicants who completed their PT degree in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding French Quebec), New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Graduates from English-speaking countries in Africa are also included in the waiver.

Alumni of the DMU master of science in physical therapy program need only

complete the online application to be considered for admission.

After DMU receives all of your required application materials, your file will be reviewed and you will be notified by e-mail within several weeks whether you are accepted into the PPDPT program. If you are accepted, the following steps are required to complete the process: • Submit a $250.00 tuition deposit to

secure your seat. This deposit will be credited toward your tuition for your first course.

• Receive access to DMU e-mail, the learning management system, and the library through the University’s Intranet system.

You may register for courses online after you have been accepted and complete the brief orientation tutorial. It includes an introduction to DMU and overviews of applicable policies and procedures, the DMU library and the technology used throughout the program.

Contact DMU at [email protected] if you have questions about the status of your application. All requirements for the PPDPT program must be completed by the end of the Fall Term in the 2017 calendar year.

guidelines for letters of

recommendation

Each of the two letters must be printed on the writer’s business stationery or letterhead and must be received in a sealed envelope from the letter writer. Each letter also must be accompanied by the recommendation for admission form, available online at www.dmu.edu/ppdpt.

One letter of recommendation must be from a U.S.-trained and licensed physical therapist, and the other from another health care provider. The letter writers should address these topics regarding the applicant:

• length of acquaintance • length of employment

• type of employment (e.g., full-time, part-time, PRN)

• description of the facility • quality of service provided • skills and qualities in organization,

administration, collaboration, and written and oral communication • leadership

Option 2 -

PrOfeSSiOnaL deveLOPMenT

L

ifelong learning is a positive and imperative reality of our world, especially in health care. Practice and research reveal new knowledge. Health care reform and organizations require greater accountability, effectiveness and teamwork among clinicians and administrators. Advancing technology continues to change practice and delivery of care. Demographics among patients and the health care workforce are becoming increasingly diverse. These trends and many other factors demand continuing education to ensure competency among health care professionals.

Des Moines University can help you stay on the cutting edge of your profession with courses and continuing education that fit your professional goals and needs. Whether you want to enhance and expand your knowledge, obtain or maintain licensure, prepare for a graduate program or otherwise advance in your career, DMU offers rigorous, real-world options.

Courses for individuals

admitted to DMU as professional

development students

These courses may benefit individuals who –without being admitted into a DMU degree program – wish to expand their knowledge in a certain subject matter, obtain or maintain licensure, or prepare for a graduate program.

PPdPT COurSeS: See pages 6-7 for

descriptions.

indePendenT PT STudY COurSeS:

(available for academic and continuing education credit): Topics have included cardiopulmonary, teaching and learning, cultural competence, and legal/ethical issues. Individuals must be admitted to DMU as professional development students to enroll in these courses.

OTHer OPPOrTuniTieS: Courses in

DMU’s master of public health and master of health care administration programs can enrich your professional development. Course topics include the U.S. health system, financial and human relations management, statistics and research, grant writing and global health.

How to apply

Individuals who wish to enroll in postgraduate physical therapy course work for professional development must plan to submit the following application materials at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the course. Standard tuition rates, fees and academic policies apply to professional development students.

To apply as a professional development student:

1. Apply online at www.dmu.edu. 2. Submit the $60 nonrefundable

application fee.

3. Submit a brief personal statement describing your reasons for pursuing professional development course work at DMU.

4. Submit evidence of your degree. a. Individuals possessing a physical

therapy degree from the United States must provide either proof of a U.S. physical therapy license or proof of a physical therapy degree.

exPand YOur KnOwLedge and exPerTiSe

fREqUENTlY ASkED qUESTIONS

Q: Can I use the DMU courses to fulfill my continuing education requirements?

A: DMU courses may be applicable for both academic and continuing education credit. Students will need to verify requirements with their state’s licensure law and regulations concerning continuing education credit for academic courses.

Q: Do I need to apply to DMU to take a continuing education course?

Page 10

b. Individuals holding a physical therapy degree from another country must submit a copy of their credential evaluation from the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT).

5. Individuals who earned their physical therapy degree outside the United States must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL). A total score of 100 (Internet-based test) is recommended. Waivers of the TOEFL requirement are given to applicants who completed their PT degree in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding French Quebec), New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Graduates from English-speaking countries in Africa are also included in the waiver.

Submit your application online and send all other required documentation to

Des Moines University –

Professional Development Admissions 3200 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50312 [email protected] Phone: 515-271-7497 Fax: 515-271-7075

After DMU receives all your required application materials, your file will be reviewed and you will be notified within several weeks regarding the decision on your acceptance to the University. If you are approved for professional development course work, the following steps complete the process:

• Submit a $250.00 tuition deposit to secure your seat. This deposit will be credited toward your tuition for your first course.

• Complete a criminal background check through the University’s preferred vendor. The background check is waived for individuals possessing a U.S. license

Option 2 -

PrOfeSSiOnaL deveLOPMenT

cont’d

to practice physical therapy that is clear of any disciplinary action.

• Receive access to DMU e-mail, the learning management system, and the library through Pulse, the University’s Intranet system.

• Complete the online orientation tutorial.

Registration will be processed through DMU’s Intranet during a designated registration period.

Enrolling for professional development course work does not guarantee later admission to a degree-seeking program at DMU. If you later apply and are admitted to the PPDPT program, a maximum of six credit hours completed in a non-degree status may be applied toward the degree. All requirements for the PPDPT program must be completed by the end of the Fall Term of calendar year 2017.

STATeMenT OF nOnDiSCriMinATiOn: Des Moines University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, creed, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in employment, admission, or access to education programs, activities, or health care.

DeFiniTiOn OF DiverSiTy: Diversity at Des Moines University is a campus environment shaped by individuals and groups that offer a broad spectrum of cultural differences, life experiences, and distinct characteristics they bring to our institution. These include, but are not limited to, educational background and performance, gender, ethnicity, age, socio-economic background, leadership qualities, employment experiences, talents, geographical background, and other attributes that affirm the University’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment. TUiTiOn AnD FinAnCiAl AiD: Many students in the PPDPT program need tuition assistance. Financial aid is available. Students taking five credit hours or more per trimester are eligible for financial aid. For current tuition and related information, visit www.dmu.edu/fa or contact the Financial Aid Office at 800-240-2767 or 515-271-1470; e-mail, [email protected].

Course descriptions, curricula and other aspects of DMU’s academic programs are subject to change. For the most current information on all programs of the University, visit its website at www.dmu.edu.

This brochure has been prepared for general information purposes only. Des Moines University reserves the right to make program changes without

COnTinuing eduCaTiOn

d

MU offers many options both on campus and online for continuing medical education (CME) credit. These activities include conferences, live symposiums, single or multi-topic seminars and workshops, standardized performance assessment lab sessions, simulation lab sessions, case presentations, regularly scheduled series, tumor boards, journal clubs and enduring materials. Interactions among educators and participants are encouraged through case presentations, panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and audience response system technology.

No application to DMU is needed to participate in its continuing education programs.

The Bureau of Professional Licensure does not pre-approve continuing education

Option 3 -

CMe CrediT

providers, sponsors or individual programs. Licensees are responsible for determining whether the continuing education programs they attend meet the requirements of their professional licensing boards.

Participants may request transcripts from DMU’s CME department. For multi-hour live symposiums, the CME department will provide a certificate of participation that includes program content, objectives, presenters, location, date, time and number of education hours offered. For all other sponsored activities, the CME department tracks participation, and verification is available on request.

Rules adopted by the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy Examiners indicate that one academic credit hour equals 15 continuing

education credits. The licensee may obtain continuing education hours of credit

by providing official transcripts to the board indicating successful completion of academic courses that apply to physical therapy (for example, PPDPT courses).

Physical therapists licensed in states other than Iowa who are required to complete continuing education for licensure should check their state’s physical therapy licensure law and rules concerning continuing education credit for academic courses.

For more information on continuing medical education opportunities offered by DMU, visit www.dmu.edu/cme.

Page 12

qUESTIONS?

we welcome your questions! give us a call or reach us via e-mail at [email protected]. for more information about the post-professional dPT

program, visit our website at www.dmu.edu/ppdpt.

HOw TO REACH US

PPdPT Program admissions des Moines university

3200 grand avenue des Moines, iowa 50312-4198

515-271-7854

Outside the 515 area code, call 1-800-240-2767, x7854 e-mail: [email protected]

deS MOineS

univerSiTY

DOINg A wORlD

Of gOOD.

©i STO CK PH OTO /S ve Ti Kd