Flex DPT Program
Unique and proven blended learning model combines distance learning with weekend lab classes
Since 2005, we have offered a flexible way to obtain your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree through our Flex distance education program. The Flex program combines online learning with face-to-face hands-on instruction during select weekends each month at the campus you select when you apply to the program. Learn online, when and where you want to, then meet your fellow students on campus during weekends to experience USAHS’ clinical education from faculty who pioneered distance learning in the PT field.
Program Overview
- Didactic coursework is delivered fully online, so you can learn from anywhere.
- Bi-monthly, on-campus clinical lab sessions are held during weekends which can make scheduling more convenient for those with other obligations during the weekdays.
- Three clinical experiences during the second half of the program deliver critical hands-on practice and patient management skills. These clinical experiences require the student’s full-time participation.*
- The curriculum is the same as the residential DPT program but is delivered over 12 trimesters (4 years) instead of 8. Both the DPT and Flex DPT programs require a full-time commitment.
- The Flex DPT program offers students the opportunity to tap into USAHS’ extensive network of DPT alumni and clinicians.
- Start at the time of year that best suits your schedule. Our San Marcos and St. Augustine campuses offer starts in Jan and Sept. Our Austin campus offer starts in May and Sept.
*Clinical placements are determined by USAHS based on the student’s academic needs and to provide the best educational experience. Students should plan on the need to travel and/or relocate for clinical experiences.
How It Works
The Flex DPT program is a combination of distance learning – more than 50% of the coursework is delivered online – and on-campus laboratory classes.
Online Learning
Blended courses consist of web-based materials with supporting graphics, videos, and audio clips. Students interact with faculty and other students through synchronous and asynchronous interactive collaboration.
• Synchronous – scheduled online learning activities when faculty and students meet at the same time through electronic means
• Asynchronous – online learning activities that can occur at any time and at any location the student desires
Assessment of online learning outcomes includes a variety of evaluation tools depending on the course objectives such as:
• regular quizzes completed online
• graded bulletin board assignments
• case reports
• group projects
• research papers
• article critiques
Don’t worry if you’ve not taken an online class before. USAHS has an excellent online orientation program to help you to learn how to navigate the course software and prepare you for being an online student. The Student Readiness Orientation, which is facilitated by an interprofessional team of faculty, includes everything you need to be successful and begins a few weeks prior to the term start.
On-Campus Laboratory Classes
In courses with a lab component, students meet on campus for up to 16 hours of laboratory classes per weekend for no more than eight weekends in a 15-week trimester. The lab sessions focus on hands-on learning which is vital to physical therapy education, as well as oral presentations, lab practical testing, social activities, and some proctored written examinations.
