Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)

The transitional DPT program bridges the gap between current DPT entry-level practitioners and the current MSPT or BS practice expectations. As academic programs convert to an entry-level DPT degree and more graduates enter the workforce with doctoral degrees, BU is committed to meeting the needs of practicing clinicians by offering advanced content designed to promote a high level of competence and autonomy. The tDPT program is available to all qualified physical therapy graduates of accredited programs who are licensed physical therapists in the U.S.

The program is offered on campus, as well as in a distance format. Physical therapists interested in the distance education program should visit our website at http://www.dptdegree.com.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis allowing entry into the program five times during the academic year. If the applicant is a Boston University graduate from 1993 forward, a transcript is not required. All other applicants must submit a transcript(s) showing evidence of completion of an entry-level degree in physical therapy.

Applicants Must Submit:

1. Two references attesting to clinical experience, job responsibilities, and academic ability.
2. One personal essay on career goals, and educational and vocational interests; and one referenced essay detailing the impact of the tDPT degree on the physical therapy profession.
3. Evidence of a minimum 3.0 professional grade point average from an entry-level physical therapy program.
4. Evidence of a minimum of six months of full-time clinical employment.
5. Assessment, via portfolio process, of prior coursework, experiential learning, and continuing education.
6. Current résumé.
7. Copy of your current U.S. professional license in physical therapy.
8. All applicants who have not graduated from a U.S.-accredited physical therapy program, or who did not receive a physical therapy degree from an English-speaking institution, must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The following minimum scores must be achieved:
   writing—22
   speaking—23
   reading—25
   listening—21

Degree Requirements

The program requires 22 credits, including a choice of academic practicum experience in education, management, or research. All requirements must be completed within two years from the time of initial acceptance. Degree candidates must attain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. No grade below a C is acceptable for credit. For further details, please refer to the tDPT online policy and procedure manual.

Curriculum

The following courses are required of all students. Each course carries 3 credits unless otherwise noted.

• SAR HP 561 Evidence-Based Practice
• SAR HP 650 Health Care Management I
• SAR HP 720 Educational Theory and Practice
• SAR HP 770 Health Care Management II
• SAR PT 610 Health Promotion and Wellness
• SAR PT 634 Diagnostic Procedures for Rehabilitation Professionals
• SAR PT 780 Academic Practicum (2)
• SAR PT 773 Case III: Comprehensive Case Management (2)

Up to two courses may be waived by petition. Recent BU graduates may waive up to three courses. SAR PT 780 and SAR PT 773 may not be waived by any student.