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.
Join us in Italy for an international opportunity to examine the impact of health outcomes through a local healthcare system. According to the World Health Organization, Italy ranks as one of the top health care systems in the world, making it an ideal place to study best practices for improving health for communities. Learn More
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.
[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
