Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT)
In Final Stages of Approval:
The School of Health Professions and Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint has proposed a fully-online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program. The timeline for initial offering of this program is yet undetermined, but it will likely begin in Fall 2008 or Winter 2009, pending approval. Also proposed are clinical certificate options in orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, cardiovascular & pulmonary and pediatrics.
The transitional DPT is defined by the APTA as a degree that bridges the gap between BS PT/MPT degree entry-level practitioners and the current DPT entry-level graduate prepared to practice in autonomous, primary care. The t-DPT offers an opportunity to complement current knowledge and skills with advanced content designed to promote evidence based practice and a high level of competence and autonomy. It is designed to prepare to meet the APTA’s Vision 2020 by augmenting professional education and experience to achieve a standard education for the doctoring profession of physical therapy.
| By the year 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement function and health. - APTA House of Delegates, June 2000 |
The t-DPT program is primarily in an asynchronous format, meaning there are no set lecture times and students will access the classroom when it is convenient to do so while meeting daily and weekly assignment deadlines. However, students must keep pace with their course work throughout the program and occasional synchronous discussions may take place over the internet.
Once the program has received all approvals, comprehensive information will be available here. If you would like to be added to a list of individuals wishing to receive information about the t-DPT program once it becomes available, please email the Office of Graduate programs at gp@umflint.edu to express your interest.