Curriculum – Transitional DPT
Recognizing that currently licensed physical therapists are competent clinicians, this post-professional program focuses on providing the essential knowledge and skills physical therapists need to practice as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in today’s complex and demanding health care environment. Emphasizing clinical decision making, diagnostic and prognostic reasoning, and evidence-based practice, the 15-credit curriculum addresses the full scope of physical therapy practice, including health promotion and education; disability, injury, and disease prevention; and professional values and behaviors.
Applicants who submit an optional portfolio of evidence with their application that demonstrates competence in courses in the curriculum may receive a waiver of up to 12 of the 15 required credits. Students are, however, required to take a minimum of 4 courses or 8 credits after matriculation (including elective courses, if need be) in order to be awarded the transitional DPT.
The curriculum for the online transitional DPT program is based on a progressive sequence of course offerings that build upon each other. Emphasizing the crucial mix of Critical Inquiry and Clinical Science knowledge and skills physical therapists need to stay current in their practices, the transitional DPT curriculum challenges each student to fully grasp their responsibilities and obligations as clinical doctors within the context of the current health care environment. Our goal is not just to expose students to what they need to know, but to teach them how to apply that knowledge to future practice, and thereby help them become better professionals.
Within the 8-course tDPT curriculum, there is a contemporary mix of coursework covering critical fundamentals including: pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, diagnostic screening, clinical research design, statistics, principles of measurement and evidence-based practice. The online transitional DPT program culminates in a comprehensive case analysis seminar that hones critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.
All required courses are available online, promoting a dynamic interchange between classmates and faculty.
Critical Inquiry Sequence
| HP 720 | Designing Clin Rsrch | 2-3 |
| HP 721 | Stats for Clin Rsrch | 2-3 |
| PT 740 | Meas Principles for PT Practice | 2 |
| PT 741 | Principles of Evidence Based Practice | 1 |
Clinical Science Sequence
| PH 621 | Essentials of Pharmacology | 1 |
| PH 750 | Diagnostic Imaging | 2 |
| PT 785 | Diagnostic Screening for PT's | 2-3 |
Integration of Professional Practice Concepts
| PT 786 | Comprehensive Case Analysis | 2-3 |
Total Credit Hours: 15