Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Worth It? If you’re dreaming about helping patients restore their mobility and quality of life, and you’re exploring what it would take to become a physical therapist, you may be wondering, “Is a degree in physical therapy worth it?” The answer to this question depends, of course, on your personal career goals. Some people choose to become physical therapist assistants because only a two-year associate degree is required. It’s true that pursuing a doctorate takes time and effort; however, there are countless advantages to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. To that end, let’s look at some of the factors that make a Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree the best first step on an exceptional career Read more
Marcia Hamilton, OTD, MSHS, OTR/L, BCP, BCTS
Interim Program Director, OT Programs—Miami, FL Campus
Dr. Marcia Hamilton has practiced as an occupational therapist for 39 years. Her clinical experience is in diverse practice settings, including early intervention, outpatient rehabilitation, public and private schools, developmental disabilities, school settings, sub-acute care, private practice and primary care.
Dr. Hamilton is Board Certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association in Pediatrics and carries additional certification in the use of NSM kinesiology tape application.
She is a proponent of integrative health and wellness programs and has presented on this subject at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress. She has presented most recently on population health amid COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, and is presently involved in interdisciplinary research on the impact of COVID-19 on graduate healthcare students. She most recently designed and is delivering a telehealth program to help improve occupational performance and well-being of seniors living in assisted living communities.
Dr. Hamilton received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 1983 and her Master of Science in Health Science, Integrative Health and Wellness Programs in 2012 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). In 2012, she was awarded the Graduate Scholar Research Award for the School of Health-related Professions at UMDNJ. She completed her clinical Doctor of Occupational Therapy in 2017 at South University.
