Physical Therapy DScPT (Distance Education)

Total Credits - 35-64

Additional Requirements

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• No grade lower than “C” (2.00) in any course.
• A minimum of 80% of credits must be taken at regular tuition for degree conferral.
• COMT certification through ASPIRE is required for Tracks 2 and 3 (completed by registering for and passing PTH 845 - COMT Practical Comprehensive Examination ).
• For candidates completing the Orthopedic Manual Therapy Concentration: Spinal Manipulative Therapist Certification through ASPIRE or equivalent certification from another approved program. Completed by registering for and passing PTH 895 - SMT Exam: Spinal Manipulative Therapist Exam .
  PTH 850 - Supervised Clinical Practice
    (3 credit) must be concentrated in advanced manual therapy skills.
  PTH 898 - Dissertation Project
    (6 credits) must be focused on an area of orthopedic manual therapy.
• For candidates completing the Women’s Health Concentration: PTH 855 - Supervised Clinical Practice: Women’s Health  (1 credit) must be concentrated in women’s health (for example clients with a diagnosis of obstetrical trauma/pregnancy/Post-Partum, Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Gastrointestinal, Breast Cancer, Gynecologic Cancers, Pelvic Pain ).
  PTH 898 - Dissertation Project
    (6 credits) must be focused on an area of women’s health.
• Successful completion of the dissertation project and presentation.
• Satisfactory completion of the Graduate exit survey.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have graduated from an approved school of physical therapy and be licensed to practice physical therapy in United States or Canada.
• Applicants must have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of two years of experience working in an orthopedic setting as a physical therapist prior to applying.
• Applicants must submit graduate application and all the required components
  • Applicants 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.
  • Applicants must submit a copy of physical therapy license. If license is not in English a translated copy must be submitted as well.
  • Applicants 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.
  • English Proficiency - Applicants whose language of education is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or 6.5 on the IELTS.
• Applicants for Track 1: Proof of FAAOMPT is required.
• Applicants for Tracks 4 and 5: Proof of COMT certification through ASPIRE or equivalent certification from another approved program is required.
• Applicants for the Women’s Health concentration: Prior learning is required in the following content areas:
  • Basic anatomy, physiology, evaluation, and intervention for urogenital and colorectal conditions (including prolapse).
  • Pelvic pain (neurological, musculoskeletal, and centrally-mediated) and basic female sexual function.
  • Satisfactory completion of content areas include prior training and certification or certificate of completion and lab skills checklist in one or more of the following categories:
    • Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute : Level 1, 2a and 2b
    • APTA/Section On Women’s Health: Pelvic 1 and 2
    • Other courses with similar content upon approval of admissions committee
    • Portfolio review with rubric if greater than 1,500 clinical hours in women’s health. If less, above courses will be required. (Must include a statement or letter speaking to skill competence from a colleague or a supervisor)
    • Practical examination utilized if necessary.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the DScPT Program will:

1. Possess the critical inquiry skills necessary to evaluate professional knowledge and competencies in relation to evidence-based physical therapy practice
2. Be an active contributor to the body of knowledge regarding evidenced base practice, clinical research and/or publishable quality case studies.
3. Function as a direct access provider of physical therapy care with advanced clinical skills.
4. Possess the leadership skills necessary to serve as a leader in their physical therapy academic and/or practice setting, and community healthcare network.
5. Value the capabilities of other health care providers and possess the critical thinking skills necessary to determine the need for referral to those individuals.
6. Participate in the advancement of physical therapy at the community, state or national level.
7. DScPT graduates with a concentration in Higher Education Teaching will also:
   • Apply principles of effective teaching in course and lesson design for all learners.
   • Demonstrate understanding of faculty responsibilities, including service, in various institutional settings.
   • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of accreditation in higher education.
   • Create professional portfolio including individual faculty components required for accreditation.
8. DScPT graduates with a concentration in Orthopaedic will also:
   • Attain nationally recognized certification in orthopedic manual and manipulative physical therapy
   • Be prepared to serve as an orthopedic clinical specialist in their physical therapy practice setting and community healthcare network as well as faculty in entry-level physical therapist education programs.
9. DScPT graduates with a concentration in Women’s Health will also:
   • Serve as a women’s health clinical specialist and/or women’s health clinical specialist educator in their physical therapy practice setting, community healthcare network, global healthcare community, and in entry-level physical therapist programs.
   • Demonstrate and execute leadership in women’s health within organizations and institutions, including identifying and strategically addressing individual and population level women’s health needs.