Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 
    
2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Manual Therapy Concentration DScPT (Distance Education)


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Interactive Online Delivery

This program is delivered mostly in an interactive online format, but has nine sessions of required on-campus attendance (see School of Distance Education and International Partnerships ​ Definitions). All of the the courses follow fixed enrollment with specific start and end dates. Participants interact with each other and with instructor throughout all courses.  Students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.

Program Description


This degree is designed to prepare the clinical specialist in orthopedic manual therapy and incorporates courses from the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

Option 1: Total Credits - 64


 This Distance Learning option is for students with a BS or Masters degree.

Option 3: Total Credits - 43


This Distance Learning option is for students with a DPT degree who have already completed the Orthopedic Clinical Residency Program at Andrews University. 17 credits from the Andrews University Orthopedic Residency Program will apply towards the 43 credits required to complete this degree.

Option 4: Total Credits - 42


This is a specialized Distance Learning option for students with a DPT degree who already have FAAOMPT or manual therapy certification from another approved institution.

Admission Requirements


  1. Students must have graduated from an approved school of physical therapy and be licensed to practice physical therapy in their country of origin or county in which they live.
  2. Students must have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.  Students with a bachelor’s degree must have two years of experience working in an orthopedic setting as a physical therapist prior to applying.
  3. Students must submit graduate application.
  4. Students must submit an original copy of all academic transcripts from any institution where classes were taken.  In addition, if the transcripts are not written in English, a copy in the original language as well as the English translation are required.
  5. Students must submit a copy of physical therapy license.  If license is not in English a translated copy must be submitted as well.
  6. Students must submit a minimum of three satisfactory recommendations: one from a currently practicing physical therapist, one from a medical doctor or supervisor, and one from another person familiar with the candidate.
  7. Foreign trained physical therapists must complete the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) application and fully satisfy course content, credit and requirements. Candidates must also submit PTET scores if requested.
  8. For U.S. and Canadian trained candidates holding only a Bachelors degree in physical therapy, completion and submission of the APTA Physical Therapy Evaluation Tool (PTET) proving competency towards an entry-level master’s degree in physical therapy is required.
  9. English Proficiency - Students whose language of education is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.

Graduation Requirements


  • A minimum of 50% of credits must be taken at regular tuition for degree conferral.* Exception: For candidates completing the DPT-DScPT option, a minimum of 70% of credits must be taken at regular tuition for degree conferral.
  • Level II certification through NAIOMT or equivalent certification from another approved program. Completed by registering for PTH 742 - Level II Practical Exam  .
  • Level III/IV Manual Therapy Certification through NAIOMT or equivalent certification from another approved program. Completed by registering for and passing PTH 845 - COMT Practical Comprehensive Examination  
  • No grade lower than “C” (2.00) in any course.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
  • Successful completion of the capstone project. Completed by registering for 6 credits of PTH 898 - Dissertation Project  
  • Satisfactory completion of the program exit interview.

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