Physical Therapy Post-Professional Transitional Program (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

t-DPT Degree Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits. The Physical Therapist Evaluation Tool (PTET) review is used to establish the learning contract. Up to two courses may be substituted based on previous coursework; UM-Flint MPT graduates may possibly substitute up to three courses or 12 credit hours. Students will be able to substitute up to 12 credit hours of the new specialization courses being developed for the Transitional Clinical DPT with clinical concentrations in orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics and cardiopulmonary linked to APTA residencies (See the Clinical Certificates section.) These substitutions must be specified in the initial learning contract. The Service Learning Practicum and Case Study Capstone may not be waived by any student. Courses taken more than 5 years to the semester in which the students starts the program will not be considered for a course transfer. In extreme circumstances, students may petition for a leave of absence from the program and be allowed to continue later on a space available basis. (An example of extreme circumstances would be a serious medical problem.) Degree candidates must attain an overall grade point average of 5.0 or higher and receive no course grade below C.

t-DPT Course Requirements

A.    Core courses. 
        PTP 694 - Professional Service Learning I.  
        PTP 761 - Evidence-Based Practice.   
        PTP 794 - Professional Service Learning II. 

B.    Individualized learning plan. Each student’s curriculum is based on individualized learning plans. Physical therapists with
       Bachelors or Masters entry-level PT degrees frequently have to take a selection of the following courses: 
       PTP 503 - Independent Study for Physical Therapy Students.   
       PTP 512 - Neuroscience in Physical Therapy.   
       PTP 513 - Physiology and Exercise.   
       PTP 546 - Pharmacology in Practice.   
       PTP 560 - Research Methods.   
       PTP 581 - Teaching, Learning and Health Education. 
       PTP 623 - Introduction to Musculoskeletal Imaging. 
       PTP 624 - Systems Review and Screening in Clinical Decision Making. 
       PTP 625 - Advanced Medical Imaging for Diverse Populations. 
       PTP 647 - Examination and Intervention in Practice for Integument Conditions.   
       PTP 660 - Critical Inquiry Project.   
       PTP 661 - Literature Analysis in Evidence-Based Practice. 
       PTP 732 - Pediatric Examination and Intervention in Practice.     
       PTP 761 - Evidence-Based Practice.   
       PTP 770 - Assistive Technology in Accessibility.  
       PTP 783 - Geriatrics in Practice.   
       PTP 792 - Management in Physical Therapy Practice. 

Sequence Requirements
Courses in the post-professional program are intended to be taken in a prescribed sequence. The learning plan developed for each student based on their transcripts and PTET report is not just a series of courses but instead a professional program in which appropriate sequence is important to assure intended educational outcomes. 

Transfer Credit
Transfer of courses taken within five years prior to admission to the t-DPT program for a total of up to 12 credits remains the prerogative of the Physical Therapy faculty .

 Concentration
Currently enrolled t-DPT students have the option to dual enroll in a concentration area.  This allows the student to obtain a t-DPT degree with a concentration.  See the Post-Professional Physical Therapy Clinical Certificates and Credentialed APTA Residency  section for more information.