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
Thomas P. Werner, PT, MA, PhD
Program Director, DPT Program
Dr. Thomas “Thom” Werner joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2012 and has more than two decades of experience in private practice. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in the School of Arts, Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. He earned a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Organizational Systems at Fielding Graduate University.
After earning his PhD, Dr. Werner embarked on a three-year fellow position, as a theoretician, with the Institute of Social Innovation in Santa Barbara, CA. In addition, he completed a yearlong, evidence-based, accredited executive coach-training program by the International Coach Federation. Dr. Werner is also a graduate fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Fellowship in Education Leadership.
Areas of clinical specialization include orthopedic and sports injury care, management of chronic postural dysfunction, and the use of Pilates and Gyrotonics for sport-specific training. Dr. Werner served on the Board of Directors for the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), as both a director and as a vice president and strategic plan monitor. He currently serves on leadership committees for the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT).
Scholarly research surrounds the emotional component of injury and illness, and how those components influence healing and recovery. Current research seeks to understand the associations between epistemologies, methods of inquiry and research question-type. Dr. Werner also has a keen interest to unearth sound physical therapy case study methodologies to integrate quantitative-based outcome measures and qualitatively defined Quality of Life (QOL) indicators. In addition, he seeks to understand the clinical reasoning competencies of new graduates and novice clinicians.
Dr. Werner is a member of the APTA and the Texas Chapter of the APTA. He is also a member of the Academy of Physical Therapy Education, the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and the Private Practice Section of APTA.
