In the U.S. and the global community, there is a documented significant need for well-trained clinicians, academic faculty and researchers in physical therapy, in both university and clinical research settings. The UM-Flint dual Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)/Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physical Therapy program is designed for a few select and qualified students interested in practicing in clinical settings and who have aspirations to become faculty members and/or researchers. The overall goal of program is to accelerate this career trajectory and efficiently provide educational experiences that prepare students for both clinical and academic/research employment.
The program takes approximately 5½ years to complete, depending on the time the student takes to complete dissertation research. The delivery format is primarily classroom and/or mixed mode. During the first three years of the program, which lead to the DPT degree, a full-time on-campus presence is required. Once the student is awarded the DPT degree and passes the licensure examination, she or he can work as a clinician while taking on-campus courses 1-2 days per week to complete the remainder of the program and obtain the Ph.D degree. The dual program offers the student a more efficient means to obtain both DPT and Ph.D. degrees in less time than completing the two programs sequentially.
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