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Academic Catalog 2021-2022

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Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT

2021-2022 Edition

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Designed for practicing physical therapists, the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) is an innovative, 100 percent online program. Integrating art and science, as well as professional and experiential learning, this curriculum provides the necessary coursework to earn a terminal doctoral degree in physical therapy.  Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy will enter the program as Direct Entry students and will be required to take a core of six courses plus two electives (33 quarter hours).  Students who have previously earned a master’s degree in physical therapy will be required to take five core courses and one elective (24 quarter hours).  All students will culminate their tDPT curriculum with the capstone course, Comprehensive Case Analysis (PTH 6900).  Students have an opportunity to prepare a comprehensive and publishable case report or other scholarly work in partial fulfillment of the requirement for a tDPT degree.

Upon entrance to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, students will select either the educational or clinical track to follow. Selecting the educational track will enable the student to focus their coursework within the educational realm. Selecting the clinical track will allow the student to focus on current clinical practice in their elective(s) as well as completing a capstone project within their clinical domain.

One of the two elective requirements may be waived in certain circumstances, i.e., if the physical therapist holds an ABPTS or similar certifications. In certain circumstances, other elective options may be considered with program director approval.  Students work with their advisor and the program director for their individual course plan of study. 

Note: 33 quarter hours are required for students entering with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.

Required Courses for All Students

Course List
Code Title Hours
PTH 6110Diagnostic Imaging4
PTH 6101Medical Screening and Nutrition for Physical Therapists5
PTH 6130Pharmacology3
PTH 6900Comprehensive Case Analysis4
PTH 6140Motor Control4
PTH 6200Research Methods and Statistical Analysis5

Upon entrance to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, students will select either the educational or clinical track. 

Educational Track

Course List
Code Title Hours
PTH 6430Educational Strategies for Effective Healthcare Delivery4
PTH 6235Administrative and Management Keys for Contemporary Physical Therapist Practice4

Clinical Track

Course List
Code Title Hours
Complete two of the following:8
PTH 6480
Evidence-Based Exercise for the Older Adult
PTH 6563
Evidence-Based Examination and Outcomes for Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
PTH 6564
Evidence-Based Examination and Outcomes for Lower Extremity: Hip, Knee, Foot, and Ankle

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

33 total quarter hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required

Note: 24 quarter hours are required for students entering with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy.

Core Requirements

Course List
Code Title Hours
Required Core
PTH 6110Diagnostic Imaging4
PTH 6101Medical Screening and Nutrition for Physical Therapists5
PTH 6130Pharmacology3
PTH 6900Comprehensive Case Analysis4
PTH 6140Motor Control4

Upon entrance to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, students will select either the educational track or clinical track.

Educational Track

Course List
Code Title Hours
PTH 6430Educational Strategies for Effective Healthcare Delivery4

Clinical Track

Course List
Code Title Hours
Complete one of the following:4
PTH 6480
Evidence-Based Exercise for the Older Adult
PTH 6563
Evidence-Based Examination and Outcomes for Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
PTH 6564
Evidence-Based Examination and Outcomes for Lower Extremity: Hip, Knee, Foot, and Ankle

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

24 total quarter hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required

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