Post-Professional DPT Program

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are no longer being accepted.

The American Physical Therapy Association has encouraged development of a mechanism for qualified physical therapists licensed by one or more of the 50 United States, to earn a clinical doctorate by demonstrating knowledge commensurate with that of current professional (entry-level) DPT program outcomes. Such programs are referred to as the Transition Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Emphasizing clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice, our transition program reflects an augmentation of the physical therapist's professional body of knowledge and practice changes over the recent years. The degree earned in this program is also designated as the DPT.

Mission of the Transition DPT Program

The Transition DPT program provides an opportunity for physical therapists holding a license from one or more of the 50 United States to earn the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. This program is designed to augment the physical therapist's current knowledge and skills and to enhance their ability to care for patients and clients across a range of practice settings. The program focuses on enhancing clinical reasoning and promoting evidence-based practice. Central to this mission is the provision of high quality health care and an improved quality of life for patients and their families.

Curriculum goals

Graduates of the Transition DPT program will be:

• better prepared to address multiple system impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities affecting their patients and clients.
• more scholarly and reflective practitioners who use the best current evidence and creativity in their daily practice.
• integral members of the health care team, collaborating, consulting, and effectively communicating with colleagues both within and external to the physical therapy profession.
• better recognized for enhanced problem solving and clinical decision-making skills.
• able to promote the profession of physical therapy by facilitating the consumer's recognition of the physical therapist as a health care practitioner who is point of entry into the health care system
• advocates and systems thinkers, able to negotiate more successfully on behalf of high-quality health care, the consumer and the profession.
• committed to further personal and professional development, including service and leadership roles that enrich their own lives and the lives of others.