Physical Therapy

The Department of Physical Therapy offers a graduate program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The program is designed to prepare students to plan and administer treatment to help patients regain diminished physical function lost secondary to injury or disease, to promote soft tissue healing, and to relieve pain. By determining the degree of impairment, physical therapists are then able to help patients return to full function by using various physical agents such as electrical stimulation, heat, and cold to decrease pain and by using manual therapy interventions and therapeutic exercises to increase range of motion, strength, endurance, and coordination.

The purpose of the Department of Physical Therapy is to provide students pursuing a career in physical therapy the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required for the safe practice of physical therapy. Students are prepared as generalists, but also have some opportunity to investigate specialized aspects of physical therapy through numerous clinical exposures. The program of study consists of approximately 112 credit hours of graduate coursework and consists of intense academic and clinical work spread over six semesters and three summers. These hours are divided between classroom, clinical and research activities.

The DPT degree is an entry-level professional program designed to provide individuals with appropriate baccalaureate degrees the knowledge and skills to develop clinical and research expertise in the provision of physical therapy. Upon receiving this degree, students will be eligible to sit for the national licensure examination in physical therapy.

The mission of the UNLV Department of Physical Therapy is to develop competent, caring and autonomous practitioners who will serve the health care needs of the State of Nevada and the profession and who are doctorally prepared to engage in critical thinking, evidence-based practice, life-long learning, and service in a variety of health care settings, including rural and under-served areas.

Merrill Landers, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Chair
Emilio Puentedura, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
Keoni Kins, PT, DPT, Graduate Coordinator  

Program Information 

Physical Therapy Faculty  

Physical Therapy Courses  

Department Website

Plan 

Doctor of Physical Therapy   

Doctor of Philosophy - Interdisciplinary Health Sciences