Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) Program

PT Practitioners: Earn Your Doctoral Degree with Us.

Our Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program offers practitioners with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy the opportunity to advance their studies in clinical practice, research, leadership, and advocacy. Designed for those who are practicing or ready to practice, the tDPT helps PTs stay competitive—and climb clinical ladders—by earning their doctoral degree.

In the tDPT, you can build on your clinical experience, refresh your evaluation and treatment skills, and bring your theory and strategies up to date. You’ll be mentored by PT faculty-practitioners who are experts in their specialty areas. You can apply your knowledge in your workplace as you progress through the program, becoming an agent of positive change.

tDPT Program at a Glance

Online coursework

Up to four optional virtual immersion sessions

Acceleration options

Master’s-entry: 24 credit hours over 7 trimesters, or 2 years and 4 months*

Bachelor’s-entry: 60 credit hours over 12 trimesters, or 4 years*

International and U.S. curricula

Capstone project

*The program is designed to be completed in this amount of time; however, the time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

How Our tDPT Program Stands Apart

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We offer a wide range of specializations.

The tDPT program offers several specializations, including Manual Therapy, Primary Care, Craniofacial, Teaching & Learning, and Executive Leadership. You’ll study with faculty mentors who are experts in these areas.

We’re online + hands-on.

Alongside our online coursework, some core courses offer optional virtual immersions, a chance to enjoy connections with faculty and fellow students.

We offer acceleration options.

Move faster through the tDPT program so you can apply your knowledge sooner! You can take self-paced courses that award credit according to competency assessmentsWhile USAHS does not offer Title IV for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course, other financing alternatives may be available. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information., receive academic credit for your professional experience, and ask to transfer credits from another graduate program.

doctor of occupational therapy practitioners studying a digital human skeleton

We’re innovative.

We’ve long been at the forefront of innovative and applied learning methods, such as case-based teaching and realistic, immersive virtual simulations. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, you will develop and complete a capstone project that expands the body of knowledge within physical therapy.

We’re interprofessional.

Our core courses and optional virtual immersions emphasize interprofessional education, enabling students from different healthcare professions to learn together and practice working in a team. You will contribute your physical therapy perspective to solving patient problems in collaborative scenarios.

tDPT to EdD Bridge Program

Graduates of the tDPT program are eligible to apply up to 30 credits from the tDPT program to USAHS’ Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program, allowing them to earn their EdD in less time.

Professional Certification Opportunities

Choose an optional certification track to specialize in Craniofacial, Primary Care, or Manual Therapy. These tracks will prepare you to sit for a certification exam. See the tDPT Curriculum below.

tDPT Requirements and Program Information

tDPT Specialization

Optional Specializations

All students enrolled in the tDPT program are eligible to earn a specialization in one of the following areas of study:

Manual Therapy
Primary Care
Craniofacial

The required courses for each specialization can be found in the tDPT Curriculum section of this page. Coordinate with your advisor to learn more.

Optional Certification Tracks

Choose an optional Certification Track to specialize in Craniofacial, Primary Care, or Manual Therapy. For more information view the curriculum below.

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tDPT Curriculum

Curriculum

Bachelor's Level Student

Bachelor’s level students will take 38 clinical core hours, 18 other core credit hours, and 4 elective or specialization credit hours for a total of 60 credit hours. The Bachelor’s level tDPT program may be completed in four (4) years.

BS Level Student Courses	Credit Hours
HSC 7200 Information Literacy for Evidence Based Practice	1
HSC 7400 Differential Diagnosis	3
HSC 7401 Pharmacology	3
HSC 7416 Foundations of Imaging	3
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)	3
PHT 7470 Clinical Integration I: Reflective Practice*	8
PHT 7472 Clinical Integration II: Lifelong Learning/Continuing Competence*	8
PHT 7473 Clinical Integration III: Teaching Strategies*	8
PHT 7474 Clinical Integration IV: Leadership*	8
PHT 7475 Clinical Integration V: Mentoring in Physical Therapy Practice*	6
PHT 7496 Capstone Project I and PHT 7497 Capstone Project II or PHT 6498 Clinical Residency	5
Specialization or Non-Specialization Elective Courses	4
Total Credits Hours for BS Level Student	60

Master's Level Student

Master’s level students will take 9 core credit hours and 15 elective or specialization credit hours for a total of 24 credit hours. The Master’s level tDPT program may be completed in three (3) years.

MS Level Student Courses	Credit Hours
HSC 7200 Information Literacy for Evidence Based Practice	1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B)	3
PHT 7496 Capstone Project I and PHT 7497 Capstone Project II or PHT 6498 Clinical Residency	5
Specialization or Non-Specialization Elective Courses	15
Total Credits Hours for MS Level Student	24

*Current clinical employment required, tuition reduction applies.
tDPT Curriculum

Specializations

BS level students choose 4 credits, MS level students choose 15 credits. Some specialization courses may require a seminar prerequisite. View our Continuing Professional Education section for more details.

Craniofacial Specialization Courses

*Requires residency/onsite participation through CPE – Continuing Professional Education at USA for those seeking to learn and enhance manual therapy knowledge and skills that culminate into preparation for a certificate in craniofacial therapy.

Craniofacial Certification Track Courses	Credit Hours
BSC 7001 Foundations of Clinical Orthopaedics (FCO)*	3
PHT 7201 Introduction to Spinal Evaluation and Manipulation (S1)	3
PHT 7203 Advanced Evaluation and Manipulation of the Craniofacial, Cervical and Upper Thoracic Spine (S3)	3
PHT 7331 Evaluation and Treatment of the Craniomandibular System (CF1)	2
PHT 7332 Intermediate Craniofacial (CF2)	3
PHT 7333 Advanced Craniofacial (CF3)	3
PHT 7334 State of the Art Treatment of the Craniofacial	1
PHT 7350 Preparation/Certification in Craniofacial Mandibular	3

Primary Care Specialization Courses

Primary Care Certification Track Courses	Credit Hours
BSC 7001 Foundations of Clinical Orthopaedics (FCO)*	3
HSC 7210 Extremity Evaluation and Manipulation (E1)	2
HSC 7400 Differential Diagnosis	3
HSC 7401 Pharmacology	3
HSC 7416 Foundations of Imaging	3
PHT 7115 Introduction to Primary Care	2
PHT 7201 Introduction to Spinal Evaluation and Manipulation (S1)	3
PHT 7850 Preparation/Certification in Primary Care	3

Manual Therapy Specialization Courses

Manual Therapy Certification Track Courses	Credit Hours
BSC 7001 Foundations of Clinical Orthopaedics (FCO)*	3
HSC 7210 Extremity Evaluation and Manipulation (E1)	2
PHT 7201 Introduction to Spinal Evaluation and Manipulation (S1)	3
PHT 7202 Advanced Pelvic Lumbar and Thoracic Spine (S2)	2
PHT 7203 Advanced Cervical and Upper Thoracic Spine (S3)	3
PHT 7204 Functional Analysis: Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex (S4)	2
PHT 7211 Extremity Integration (E2)	2
PHT 7220 Myofascial Manipulation (MF1)	3
PHT 7250 Preparation/Certification in Manual Therapy	3

General Electives

General Elective Courses

Master’s level students will take 9 core credit hours and 15 elective or specialization credit hours for a total of 24 credit hours. Bachelor’s level students will take 38 clinical core hours, 18 other core credit hours, and 4 elective or specialization credit hours for a total of 60 credit hours.

*Specializations Manual Therapy, Primary Care, and Craniofacial lead to a Certification upon successful completion of coursework, clinical education completion, and passing the related certification exam.

General Elective Courses	Credit Hours
BSC 7101 Application of Motor Control and Motor Learning Theory to Neurologic Interventions	2
BSC 7125 The Pediatric Client with Neuromotor Involvement	3
BSC 7155 Functional Performance in the Older Adult	2
BSC 7200 Autism: Evidence, Etiology & Impact	3
BSC 7301 Ergonomics	2
COM 7130 Healthcare Communication and Collaboration	3
EDF 7013 Practical Application of Online Teaching	3
EDF 7050* or 7050B Teaching Methods in Higher Education	3
EDF 7125 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare	4
EDF 7161 Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education	3
EDF 7171 Motivational Theory in Healthcare Education	3
EDF 7175 or 7175B Foundational Theories in Education	3
EDF 7181 Technology in Higher Education	3
EDF 7235 Ethical Principles in Healthcare	3
EDF 7260 Assessment and Evaluation in Health Professions Education	3
HSA 7200* or 7200B Foundations of Healthcare Administration B	3
HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance and Economics for the Healthcare Leader	3
HSA 7250 Human Resources Management and Organizational Development in Healthcare	3
HSA 7260/HSA 7260B Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare	3
HSC 6031 Cultural Competence	1
HSC 6036 Metabolic Disorders	1
HSC 7320 Advancing Hand Therapy	2
HSC 7325 School-Based Practice	3
HSC 7360 Spinal Instability	2
HSC 7400 Differential Diagnosis	3
HSC 7440 Fundamentals of the Healthcare Startup Business	3
HSC 7455 Special Topics in Professional Practice	Varies
HSC 7460 Accounting and Financing for the Practice	3
HSC 7470 Legal and Regulatory Issues	3
IPE 7025/7025B Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare	3
IPE 7050/7050B Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals	3
IPE 7100 Ethics in Healthcare	3
IPE 7121* or 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare	3
IPE 7121/7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare	3
IPE 7133 Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration	3
IPE 7200/7200B Cultural Competence in Healthcare	3
IPE 7255 Evidence-based Concussion Management	3
IPE 7316 Women’s Health and Wellbeing	3
IPE 7400/7400B Healthcare Informatics & Technology Management	3
IPE 7421/7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health	3
MHS 7315 Contemporary Trends in Wellness	3
PHT 6030 Consultation, Screening, and Delegation	3
PHT 6032 Cognition and Perception	1
PHT 6033 Basic Assessment and Intervention of the Integument	1
PHT 6035 Professionalism: Legal and Ethical Issues in Physical Therapy	2
PHT 6037 Environmental Barriers	1
PHT 6038 Physical Therapist as Educator	2
PHT 7455 Special Topics in Professional Practice	Varies

*FCO, while not required for certification, is highly recommended

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tDPT Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

The tDPT program is not enrolling new students.

Admission to the program is open to all physical therapists who entered the profession with a bachelor’s degree or master’s in physical therapy from an accredited institution. It is expected that all applicants are licensed or eligible for licensure in the United States; however, those international students who are not planning to pursue licensure in the United States are exempt from this requirement. If the student plans to complete a clinical residency, he or she must be a licensed physical therapist in the state where the residency is located.

Official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher learning must be submitted directly to the University in accordance with the Application for Admission instructions.

International Students Applying for Admission

Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degree programs can be considered for admission. All instruction at the University is conducted in English. To be considered for admission to the transitional DPT program, the following criteria will apply:

The candidate must submit transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in the United States. Physical therapists who graduated from a physiotherapy program that is accredited by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) do not need to submit a credentialing evaluation as part of the application process.
The candidate must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report if his or her education was completed in a language other than English. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based testing), 210 (computer-based testing), or 83 (IBT—Internet based testing) is required.

Notification of Status

The applicant will be notified via e-mail from the University of his or her admission status after review of all required application materials by the Admissions Committee.

Academic Requirements

To remain in the transitional DPT program, the student must:

maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA; and
register for a minimum of one course within 12 weeks of acceptance and a minimum of 12 credits each ensuing full calendar year.

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tDPT Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program length will vary depending on the student’s incoming degree – Bachelor’s or Master’s. Students work at their own pace, provided they complete at least 12 credits per year. Total program tuition and estimated fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows.

Bachelor's Level Student

Tuition is approximately $1,292 per trimester or $659 per credit hour for all courses not involving a separate seminar. Courses within a certification (and for which seminar fees are charged separately) will bear a per credit hour charge of $267.00. For the bachelor's level student this is a 60-credit hour program and the program may be completed in four (4) years*.

*The time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

Bachelor's Level Student	60 Credit Hours
Tuition	$15,498.00
Program Fees	$4,008.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$1,000.00
Total Program Direct Expenses:	$20,506.00

Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.

All tuition and other expense estimates are subject to change. Students may take some courses as long as the prerequisite seminar is completed. Price does not include seminar fee (ranges from $495 – $795 per seminar) or travel to seminars.

Master's Level Student

Tuition is approximately $2,259 per trimester or $659 per credit hour for all courses not involving a separate seminar. Courses within a certification (and for which seminar fees are charged separately) will bear a per credit hour charge of $267.00. This is a 24 credit-hour program and the program may be completed in two (2) years and four (4) months.*

*The time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

Master's Level Student	24 Credit Hours
Tuition	$15,816.00
Program Fees	$2,338.00
Books & Associated School Expenses	$1,000.00
Total Program Direct Expenses	$19,154.00

Financial Aid

Student loans may be available to assist with funding your tDPT program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.

Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.

Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.

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tDPT Accreditation and State Approvals

Institutional Accreditation

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.

Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402
Alameda, CA 94501
510-748-9001
www.wascsenior.org
For more information visit our Accreditation page.

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program is not subject to accreditation by CAPTE.

State Approvals

USAHS’ tDPT program is open to residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

tDPT State Approvals

USAHS is not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program. It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. USAHS’ tDPT program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.

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tDPT Program Data