Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physical Therapy DPT (Transitional)


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The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) is designed to provide advanced learning for practicing physical therapists. The t-DPT student will enhance their skills in medical screening, differential diagnosis, clinical leadership and administration, imaging and laboratory science, therapeutic exercise prescription, education and research. 

This degree transitions the clinician to the academic standard of the entry-level DPT graduate and truly trains the clinician to become a direct access practitioner.

Delivery: The program is available via two modes of delivery: 1) on campus and 2) interactive online.

  1. On Campus: This program is delivered on-campus and is designed for the international student with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy from their country of origin. It is a full-time program that can be completed in 18-24 months over five semesters.
  2. Interactive Online: This program is delivered mostly asynchronous online with some required short intensive on-campus attendance periodically throughout the curriculum. All of 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. (See School of Distance Education  for specific policies on online education.)

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.
  8. English Proficiency - Students whose language of education is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL 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.

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