Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
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The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program, integrating professional and experiential education, provides the necessary knowledge base for today’s doctorally prepared practitioners.
Part-Time
Specifically designed for practicing physical therapists, the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is an innovative, 100% online program. Integrating art and science, as well as professional and experiential education, the degree curriculum provides you with the necessary knowledge base for today’s doctorally prepared practitioners. Core courses within this physical therapy doctoral program include differential diagnosis and medical screening, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, nutrition, and motor control. The capstone course, Comprehensive Case Analysis, is a culmination of all work within the transitional DPT curriculum. Students will prepare a comprehensive and publishable case report or other scholarly work in partial fulfillment of the requirement for a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.
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Unique Features
- Designed for practicing physical therapists who currently hold a baccalaureate or master's degree in physical therapy.
- Online program allows for flexibility for working professionals.
- Students with a unique concentration interest can complete a directed study on a pre-approved topic of their choosing.
- Includes concentrations in a variety of areas such as orthopaedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, advanced nutrition, education, and business management.
Program Objectives
- Gain the knowledge and skills required to competently screen patients for musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and integumentary conditions, interpret clinical findings, and make sound clinical judgments
- Evaluate the clinical interpretation of various medical imaging techniques, including plain film radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography
- Write, refine, and analyze a comprehensive and publishable case report that addresses the patient/client management model, clinical decision-making processes, and resource utilization
- Examine current motor control concepts, along with state-of-the-art technology and equipment
- Review advanced pharmacologic management concepts, including the interrelationship between pharmacologic management and physical therapy interventions
Career Outlook
By the year 2020, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) envisions that the clinical DPT will become the profession’s terminal degree. In addition, degree-holders can expect to enjoy excellent job prospects for years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow much faster than average for the foreseeable future. This growth can be attributed to an increasing elderly population, as well as medical and technological advancements—all of which are expected to drive demand for advanced rehabilitative and therapeutic services.
One recent DPT graduate wrote upon graduation, “A stagnant clinician is no longer acceptable. Today’s dynamic health care system requires an advanced clinician, and I believe this doctorate program provided the knowledge and practical skills a clinician needs to meet these demands. I, for one, feel I have evolved. I have left behind some old treatment patterns and comfort zones. Instead, I now strive to deliver the most current, evidence-based practice available.”
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Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program
- Professional resume: Current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Academic transcripts:
- Official undergraduate degree transcript in physical therapy OR Official graduate degree transcript in physical therapy AND official undergraduate degree transcripts
- Foreign Academic Credentials: Must submit the following
- English translation
- Physical Therapy Credential Evaluation: FCCPT (preferred) IERF, ICD or ICA
- Advanced standing may be granted to students that are ABPTS certified or hold similar certifications. Please contact Eric Folmar for further information: e.folmar@neu.edu or 617.304.9253.
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language
Admissions Dates
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2019 | September 6, 2019 |
| October 28, 2019 | October 18, 2019 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2020 (Domestic) | December 20, 2019 |
| January 6, 2020 (International) | November 4, 2019 |
| February 18, 2020 (Domestic) | February 7, 2020 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2020 (Domestic) | March 23, 2020 |
| April 6, 2020 (International) | February 3, 2020 |
| May 18, 2020 (Domestic) | May 8, 2020 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2020 (Domestic) | June 26, 2020 |
| July 6, 2020 (International) | April 20, 2020 |
General Requirements
Note: 35 quarter hours are required for students entering with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
Required Courses for All Students
Note: All students should complete 14 credits including PTH 6100 prior to enrolling in PTH 6900.
Required Nutrition Course
Complete one of the following:
Additional Required Elective for BS Entry Students
Complete one of the following:
Elective Course
Complete one of the following:
Northeastern's signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:
- Experiential Learning at Work — Working professionals collaborate with their employer to develop a project that addresses a key business need their company has, in an area they want familiarity with.
- Experiential Network (XN) — Students work virtually with a sponsoring organization on a short-term project over a six-week period.
- Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 255,000 alumni and 3,300+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster that lifelong, global community of learning and mentoring.
Below is a look at where our Nursing & Healthcare alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Boston Medical Center
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What They Do
- Healthcare Services
- Business Development
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Operations
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What They're Skilled At
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Hospitals
- Patient Safety
- Healthcare Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.