Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) Degree Program
This program is designed for Physical Therapists who work in clinical practice and are interested in enhancing their skills while earning the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This degree promotes evidence-based practice and patient management skills and is designed so practitioners can assume leadership roles in the profession of physical therapy. The program reinforces clinical excellence and can be completed entirely online or choose to attend optional seminars for some courses.
Mission
The mission of the tDPT is to develop leaders in physical therapy patient examination, evaluation, intervention, and case management. Special focus is placed on the foundational sciences of anatomy and biomechanics, while enhancing the clinical reasoning and treatment skills of the student. Because this program is designed for physical therapists that work in clinical practice, it is expected that students will bring about positive improvements to the workplace as they progress through the program.
Our tDPT program will help to promote the profession by developing experiences that address the critical issues found in the delivery of health care today.
Interprofessional Education
You’ll have the opportunity to study and work on projects with other health care professionals while you earn your tDPT. Studies, including a Cochrane review[1], have indicated that interprofessional education produces strong, positive outcomes in the organizational culture, patient satisfaction, collaborative team behavior and improved patient safety. We look forward to joining you on the next step in your education!
On-Campus Immersion
Attend one of our optional three-day, on-campus immersions as a part of your program. This immersive interprofessional experience will allow you to complete this course four-to-five weeks prior to the fully online option. Learn alongside your peers through collaborative team projects, and foster interprofessional problem solving, professionalism, leadership growth, and communication strategies. Hear what people are saying about our on-campus immersion program.
You will be responsible for the cost of travel and other expenses associated with optional immersion. Immersions are offered at one of the university’s four campuses.
International tDPT Students
Our dynamic program is designed for Internationally-trained physical therapists wishing to apply for licensure eligibility in the United States. Our dynamic tDPT Program is designed to provide educational opportunities for physical therapists educated outside of the United States to develop the additional knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning required to meet US entry-to-practice standards and succeed in a United States workplace. Learn more.
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows the student to utilize professional experience(s) for consideration to receive credit toward programmatic requirements by meeting specific course related outcomes as evaluated by Program Directors.
Beginning Fall 2017, applicants to the tDPT program may apply for PLA review prior being admitted to the program. Students may also apply for PLA review at any point in their Plan of Study up until 50% of their required coursework has been completed.
Read more about prior learning assessment here.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) Program, graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- Display personal and professional development and lifelong learning activities in the physical therapy profession.
- Initiate collaborative relationships and communication with patients/clients and other healthcare providers.
- Adopt evidence-based practice and informed decision-making within physical therapy practice.
- Exhibit effective communication skills in physical therapy practice in order to advance professional goals.
- Display professional and ethical behavior in daily interactions within physical therapy practice.
- Exhibit leadership skills to promote the advancement of the profession of physical therapy.
- Utilize critical thinking and reasoning skills when making decisions within physical therapy practice.
Students Residing Outside the United States
Please note that many countries have their own accrediting and licensing bodies, and degree recognition and licensure differ from country to country. Additionally, there are a number of countries that do not recognize online degrees for employment or promotion purposes, particularly government agency employment or promotion. University programs are designed to meet accreditation, licensure and other requirements in the United States. If you reside outside of the United States, it is important that you review and understand the requirements of your country of residence to confirm licensure requirements, as well as recognition of your program for employment or promotion purposes in those countries.
[1] Reeves, S., Perrier, L., Goldman, J., Freeth, D., & Zwarenstein, M. (2013). Interprofessional education: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes (update). Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 3, CD002213. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002213.pub3
