DScPT

Andrews University and the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) have partnered to offer a DScPT Program in orthopedic manual physical therapy. This degree represents one of the most clinically relevant programs in the United States! The program utilizes a combination of short course format, independent study and distance learning to minimize time away from home while providing necessary didactic contact. Applicants are also able to receive credit for previous achievements through our competency review process. Graduates will leave the program certified as an orthopedic manual therapist and will have the credentials to market themselves as one of the most respected orthopedic specialists in their area!

A. PROGRAM COMPOSITION

Demonstrated competency or completion of a minimum of 64 credits of course work from the following areas:

Core I- Foundation Curriculum

• Doctoral Colloquium
• Advanced Clinical Physiology
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Clinical Screening and Differential Diagnosis
• Educational Techniques for Healthcare Professionals
• Spirituality in Healthcare
• Topics in Contemporary Religion 
• Professional Communication and Consulting
• Principles of Contemporary Leadership
• Clinical Research
• Advanced Topics in Clinical Research
• Applications in Clinical Research

Core II-Manual Therapy Curriculum

• NAIOMT Level I Introduction: Localizing and evaluating the site and source of the pain
• NAIOMT Level II Upper Quadrant: Detailed biomechanical assessment and manual therapy techniques of the cervical and thoracic spine, shoulder girdle, elbow, wrist and hand
• NAIOMT Level II Lower Quadrant: Detailed biomechanical assessment and manual therapy techniques of the lumbar and lower thoracic spine, hip, knee, ankle and foot
• NAIOMT Level III Upper Quadrant: Advanced biomechanical assessment and skilled manual interventions to the upper and lower cervical spine, temporal mandibular joint, thoracic spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand
• NAIOMT Level III Lower Quadrant: Advanced assessment and treatment as noted above in the Level III upper quadrant course, and includes the lumbar and lower thoracic spine, pelvis and sacroiliac joints, hip, knee, ankle and foot
• NAIOMT Level IV Spinal Manipulation: High-velocity, low-amplitude (thrust) techniques are taught addressing the spine, pelvic girdle and ribs.
• NAIOMT Supervised Clinical Practice: Student will need to complete a minimum of 60 hours of 1:3 clinical supervision by completion of the degree

Core III- Elective Curriculum The student must complete a minimum of 10 elective credits from course work in at least two areas of interest. Students may develop a personal elective plan in areas of interest.  Electives may involve continuing education courses available closer to hoe, or they may be chosen from the list of specialty courses on the NAIOMT web site.  If there is enough student interest in one course, it can be offered on the Andrews Campus.

Core IV-Professional Contribution Curriculum
Capstone Experience: This serves as an essential outcome component to augment the professional development and new learning that occurs in the DScPT curriculum. The project demonstrates the ability of the graduate DScPT to make a significant contribution to the profession and/or to serve as a change agent in the field of physical therapy.

Course Descriptions
Link to the Course Descriptions

YEAR ONE:

• Three on-campus sessions
• One independent study/distance learning session

YEAR TWO:

• Two on-campus sessions
• Two independent study/distance learning sessions

YEAR THREE:

• Three on-campus sessions
• Completion of elective options either through independent study/distance learning or on-campus
• Completion of Capstone Project*
• Completion of 60 hours of supervised clinical practice*
• Completion of manual therapy certification

*The student may work on all of these throughout the program and complete them at any time. Students have 6 years form the start of the program to fulfill all degree requirements.