Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree

This professional degree serves as a credential, similar to the MD for medicine, the OD for optometry, and DPM for podiatry. The transitional DPT signifies completion of the current requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical performance in professional preparation. It does not, however, signify advanced preparation or specialization.

Transitional DPT

As physical therapists play an increasing vital role in the delivery of quality health care in this nation, the baseline of what is considered minimum credentialing for professional practice advances as well.

Endorsing the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) vision that by the year 2020, “all physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy,” ours was one of the first programs in the country to offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree for licensed physical therapists.

The online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) Program enables U.S. licensed physical therapists who hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physical Therapy to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy designation through a combination of coursework and documentation of professional experience (portfolio).

Recognizing that currently licensed physical therapists are competent clinicians who have graduated from accredited educational programs, this program focuses on providing the essential knowledge and skills physical therapists need to practice as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in today’s complex and demanding health care environment. Emphasizing clinical decision making, diagnostic and prognostic reasoning, and evidence-based practice, the 15-credit curriculum addresses the full scope of physical therapy practice, including health promotion and education; disability, injury, and disease prevention; and professional values and behaviors.

Applicants who submit a portfolio with their application containing evidence of previous experience and/or education may receive up to 12 credits of the 15 credits of required courses. Students are, however, required to take a minimum of 8 credits (including elective courses, if need be) in order to be awarded the transitional DPT.

Applications are accepted three times during the year, and students may begin the online transitional DPT program in any semester.