Physical Therapy DPT (Transitional)

Total Credits - 35-38

Additional Requirements

• A minimum of 70% of credits must be taken at regular tuition for degree conferral for distance tDPT. On-campus tDPT students must take 100% of credits at block tuition rate for degree conferral. 
• No grade lower than “C” (2.00) in any course.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• Successful completion of the research project and presentation.
• On-Campus delivery: Satisfactory completion of the practical and written comprehensive exams: PTH770 & PTH 870
• On-Campus delivery: Satisfactory completion of PTH680 Clinical Practicum and the associated Clinical Performance Instrument
• Satisfactory completion of the Graduate exit survey.

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the t-DPT Program will:

1. Model personal behavior which accurately reflects Christian values, including an understanding of the role of prayer and faith in the complete healing process.
2. Continue to serve as a member of the physical therapy profession, promoting the delivery of safe, ethical, effective patient care while upholding the standards of the profession.
3. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relevant to physical therapy, both in their fundamental context and in its application within professional physical therapy clinical practice.
4. Demonstrate entry-level competency in clinical skills necessary to perform a comprehensive physical therapy examination and evaluation, establish a differential diagnosis, determine an appropriate prognosis establish intervention and/or prevention activities, and provide health and wellness programming.
5. Provide “primary care” to clients/patients within the scope of physical therapy practice.
6. Demonstrate expressive and receptive communication skills necessary to display an appreciation of individual differences when delivering physical therapy care and when interacting with clients/patients, healthcare team members and others.
7. Possess the critical inquiry skills necessary to evaluate his/her professional knowledge and competencies in relation to evidence-informed physical therapy practice, along with evaluating current research, theory and techniques so as to design a professional development plan necessary to integrate new knowledge into effective patient care.
8. Possess leadership skills necessary to serve as a leader in their physical therapy practice setting and community healthcare network.
9. Value the capabilities of other health care providers and possess the critical thinking skills necessary to determine the need for referral to those individuals.
10. Participate in research and the advancement of physical therapy at the community, state or national level.