Section 40515 - The Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree(a) A California State University program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree may be offered independently of any other institution of higher education. California State University Doctor of Physical Therapy programs shall:(1) provide curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, and(2) prepare graduates to enter the field of physical therapy practice, and(3) be consistent with the requirements of the professional accrediting body.(b) Each campus offering a program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree shall establish requirements for admission to the program. The requirements for admission shall include, at a minimum, the requirements stated in Section 41022.(c) The program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree shall conform to the following specifications: (1) The curriculum shall include learning experiences that balance research, theory, clinical education and practice. The core curriculum shall provide professional preparation focusing on critical thinking and decision making, including but not limited to: foundational sciences, clinical sciences, and behavioral sciences; professional practice; patient/client management; and practice management.(2) The postbaccalaureate pattern of study shall be composed of at least 90 semester units (135 quarter units) earned in graduate standing. At least 72 semester units (108 quarter units) required for the degree shall be in courses organized primarily for doctoral students, and the remaining units required for the degree shall be in courses organized primarily for doctoral students or courses organized primarily for master's and doctoral students.(3) No fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter units) shall be completed in residence at the campus awarding the degree. At the discretion of the appropriate campus authority, courses required for California State University Doctor of Physical Therapy programs that are completed at another CSU campus may apply toward the residency requirement at the CSU campus that awards the degree.(4) A doctoral qualifying examination or doctoral qualifying assessment shall be required.(5) The pattern of study shall include successful completion of a doctoral project that is expected to contribute to an improvement in physical therapy practice, policy or client outcomes. (A) The doctoral project shall demonstrate the student's doctoral-level mastery of current evidence-based practice. It shall demonstrate critical and independent thinking and a command of the research literature.(B) The written component of the doctoral project shall demonstrate originality, evidencing critical and independent thinking. It shall be organized in an appropriate form and shall identify the research problem and question(s), state the major theoretical perspectives, explain the significance of the undertaking, relate it to the relevant scholarly and professional literature, identify the methods of gathering and analyzing the data, and offer a conclusion or recommendation.(C) An oral defense of the doctoral project shall be required.(D) No more than eight semester units (12 quarter units) shall be allowed for the doctoral project.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 40515
1. New section filed 8-15-2011; operative 8-15-2011. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 89030.1 (Register 2011, No. 33). Note: Authority cited: Sections 66042, 66600, 89030 and 89035, Education Code. Reference: Sections 66042, 66600, 89030 and 89035, Education Code.
1. New section filed 8-15-2011; operative 8-15-2011. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Education Code section 89030.1 (Register 2011, No. 33).