Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Program Description

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at UMass Lowell prepares individuals for entry into the profession of physical therapy. The fully accredited program requires a baccalaureate degree for admission and a three-year full-time commitment, including part of each summer.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in the art and science of physical therapy. Methods of instruction include classroom lecture and discussion, small group / problem-based learning, and skill development during laboratory and clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical decision-making and critical inquiry skills across the curriculum.

The clinical education program consists of three extended clinical education experiences (one 10-week and two 12-week) for a total of 34 weeks. Students experience a variety of practice settings and patient populations in preparation for general practice. Below are links with more information regarding the DPT Program:

The Physical Therapy Club aims to unite students and faculty within the Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology in order to promote the profession of physical therapy both on and off campus. This includes participating in community service projects, facilitating fundraising events, and involvement within the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). If you are interested in joining the Physical Therapy Club, visit the UMass Lowell Engage website.

Below are links pertaining to the important university policies:

Resources

Below is information regarding the numerous university and professional resources available for students to be successful in the DPT Program.

Below are helpful links regarding campus resources and services available to UMass Lowell students:

Below are links to helpful resources from professional organizations in the field of physical therapy, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA):

Below is a listing of links to professional organizations relevant to the field of physical therapy:

Laboratory Policies

Below are various laboratory expectations and policies for all current students in the DPT Program.

Dress Attire

Students should be appropriately dressed for lab activity, which includes gym shorts, tank tops, and sports bra. Cover-ups such as t-shirts and sweatshirts may be worn over the required attire for comfort. Low heeled rubber soled shoes are required. Long hair must be pulled back. No hats/caps are allowed. Jewelry, which poses a safety hazard, must be removed (i.e., dangling earrings, multiple bracelets, watches, rings, and long necklaces). Fingernails should be sufficiently trimmed so as not to cause discomfort to a simulated patient during lab sessions.

Expectations

A professional atmosphere should be maintained in the lab. Simulated patients should be properly draped and positioned appropriately. Dignity of simulated patients and fellow students should be respected, and comfort and safety always provided.

Student Kit

Students are required to purchase equipment prior to Fall Year 1 semester of the DPT Program. This equipment includes:

  • Aneroid sphygmomanometer
  • Gait belt
  • Goniometer (8" 360 degree)
  • Goniometer (12" 360 degree)
  • Goniometer (7" Rulongmeter)
  • Goniometer (finger)
  • Pen light
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Reflex hammer (with needle and brush)
  • Sprague stethoscope
  • Tape measure (flexible)

Expectations

To facilitate practice of manual skills and peer teaching, students may access department classrooms and laboratory spaces within the Riverview Suites building. However, students are expected to:

  • Take personal responsibility for the care of laboratory spaces and all equipment.
  • Not eat or otherwise consume food in the laboratory (water bottles and drinks in a sealed container are allowed).
  • Leave sinks and surrounding areas clean and dry.
  • Disinfect plinths and equipment before and after use according to current UMass Lowell standards.
  • Place soiled laundry in the appropriate container.
  • Return plinths to normal height and position stools neatly around the room.
  • Not unplug air purifiers or any equipment located in the laboratory spaces.
  • Be aware of wall outlets and moldings when operating the plinths up and down.
  • Return equipment and furniture to appropriate storage location after each use. Equipment should remain in its designated laboratory space.
  • Ensure all equipment is operating properly before use.
  • Tape a “Do Not Use” note on any equipment that appears broken or is not functioning properly and submit an email regarding the nature of the malfunction to the Program Director.

Safety Procedures

Students are expected to follow appropriate safety procedures when in the teaching laboratories at all times, including:

  • Complying with all federal and state infection control mandates including use of personal protective equipment.
  • Not wearing shoes on any equipment which contacts human skin, including plinths and exercise mats.
  • Washing hands consistent with standard precautions.
  • Ensuring all equipment is operating properly before use.
  • Obtaining training on equipment by a faculty member before using unsupervised.
  • Not leaving unattended laboratory doors propped open.
  • Utilizing the laboratory spaces with a partner(s).

Unsupervised Laboratory Use

Unsupervised teaching laboratory access offers students an opportunity for repetitive practice to promote learning and proficiency of new skills. However, students must adhere to all above laboratory guidelines. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in suspended privileges. Furthermore, faculty use needs supersedes student access to the laboratory spaces.

Expectations

Cadavers are to be treated with the same professional respect and courtesy as any living patient. Students will be mindful that the cadavers were once living individuals and have families who care deeply for them. Jokes or comments at the expense of the cadavers will not be tolerated. In addition, students are required to be appropriately prepared for activities within the cadaver laboratory, including:

  • Wearing long pants and close-toe shoes.
  • Pulling back long hair.
  • Removing any hats or caps.
  • Removing any jewelry which poses a safety hazard (e.g., dangling earrings, multiple bracelets, rings, and necklaces).

Guidelines

Students are expected to:

  • Take personal responsibility for the care and maintenance of laboratory spaces and all equipment.
  • Leave sinks and surrounding areas clean.
  • Clean and dry all dissection tools after each use.

Safety Procedures

In order to ensure safety, students are required to:

  • Wash hands prior to and at the completion of laboratory work.
  • Ensure that the room is always occupied by a minimum of two students.
  • Not allowed to eat or drink inside of the laboratory.
  • Wear closed toe shoes, masks, and laboratory coats as directed by the instructor.
  • Not use equipment without prior authorization and instruction of an instructor.
  • Maintain the integrity of the cadavers by keeping them covered and tanks closed when not in use.
  • Dispose of accumulated biohazardous waste in appropriate containers after each dissection session.
  • Safely dispose scalpel blades in sharps disposal container prior to cleaning the tools.
  • If injured, immediately remove gloves, wash area with soap and hot water for 15 minutes, and report the accident to the instructor.
  • Complete full laboratory safety training provided on the first day of class.
  • If pregnant, or if suspected to be pregnant, inform the instructor prior to entering the laboratory due to use of preservatives in the cadavers.