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
BACKGROUND
Dr. Ingstad graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education with emphasis on Athletic Training. He is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) through The National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification. He completed his physical therapy education from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, FL in 2007. He received his manual therapy certification (MTC) in 2010. He is also fellowship trained in orthopaedic manual physical therapy through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) Association.
Dr. Ingstad has worked principally in outpatient physical therapy, with significant focus on sport rehabilitation and prevention of sports injuries. His areas of interest are in rehabilitation of overhead throwing athletes and sport-related ankle and knee injuries. He also worked in the realm of pain management for a short stent. Before becoming full time faculty, he was an adjunct faculty for the pre-physical therapy program at California State University Dominguez Hills teaching Kinesiology / Biomechanics, Therapeutic Modalities and Clinical Observations courses. Additionally, he works as an active member of the medical staff for the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) covering tournaments in the Western region.
He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine at San Diego. His teaching responsibilities are in the DPT musculoskeletal courses. He works part-time in a private physical therapy clinic in Vista, CA treating outpatient orthopaedics and sports. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Sports, Orthopaedic, and Education sections, as well as a member of AAOMPT. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Toni, and two children, Ryan and Joseph, and can often find him cycling, hiking, and training Jiu Jitsu.
