Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
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.
More Details
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 healthcare 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.”
Looking for something different?
Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program
- Professional resumé: Current resumé 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@northeastern.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.
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (Start date: July 6, 2020) | April 20, 2020 |
| International in-country application complete (Start date: July 6, 2020) | May 25, 2020 |
| Domestic application complete (Start date: July 6, 2020) | June 26, 2020 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (Start date: September 14, 2020) | July 13, 2020 |
| International in-country application complete (Start date: September 14, 2020) | August 10, 2020 |
| Domestic application complete (First half start: September 14, 2020) | September 4, 2020 |
| Domestic application complete (Second half start: October 26, 2020) | October 16, 2020 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (Start date: January 11, 2021) | November 2, 2020 |
| International in-country application complete (Start date: January 11, 2021) | December 7, 2020 |
| Domestic application complete (First half start: January 11, 2021) | January 1, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (Second half start: February 22, 2021) | February 12, 2021 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (Start date: April 12, 2021) | February 8, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (Start date: April 12, 2021) | March 8, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (First half start: April 12, 2021) | April 2, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (Second half start: May 24, 2021) | May 14, 2021 |
| Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
|---|---|
| International out-of-country application complete (Start date: July 12, 2021) | May 10, 2021 |
| International in-country application complete (Start date: July 12, 2021) | June 7, 2021 |
| Domestic application complete (Start date: July 12, 2021) | July 2, 2021 |
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
Choose one from the following:
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:
Note: 26 quarter hours are required for students entering with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy.
Core Requirements
Required Core
Nutrition
Complete one of the following:
Elective
Complete one of the following:
Please note: This curriculum is for marketing purposes only and is subject to change. Official curriculum can be found within the course catalog.
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and 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 3,350+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global nongovernmental organizations. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster a 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.
-
Where They Work
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Boston Medical Center
-
What They Do
- Healthcare Services
- Business Development
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Operations
-
What They're Skilled At
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Hospitals
- Patient Safety
- Healthcare Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.