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Staff Program Advisors

Program Contacts

Faculty Coordinator: Laura Smith, PT, Ph.D., DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT
810.762.3373
Email

Program Coordinator: Christina Wixson
810.762.3373
Email

umflint.edu/pt

Why UM-Flint

What Sets UM-Flint's Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) Program Apart?

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program is offered for currently practicing physical therapists who are interested in augmenting their bachelor’s or master’s education to earn a DPT. In contributing to your professional growth, our program will enhance your knowledge and skills, broaden your clinical perspective, and prepare you to be a competent doctoral-level physical therapist practitioner.

  • 24 credits to degree completion
  • Average Time: Two Years
  • Tuition is competitive.  Please visit the Students Account website.
INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING PLAN

Full-time and part-time enrollment flexibility gives you the option to complete your t-DPT as it fits your schedule. 

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

The program’s in-depth curriculum is rigorous, challenging, and well-rounded. Courses are taught from an evidence-based perspective to develop your broad base of clinical knowledge and give you the specialized understanding that will prepare you to excel as a leader in your field.

INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION

Small classes allow you to develop a support system composed of fellow professionals in the US and around the world. PT faculty are committed to mentoring you throughout the program and after graduation.

CONVENIENT FORMAT

All coursework is completed online, allowing working PTs to earn their degrees while remaining employed full-time in a clinical setting. You’ll have the flexibility to complete courses anywhere. Most learning materials are available electronically and live audio discussions and interactions give you the benefit of real-time collaborative learning.

U-M RESOURCES

As part of the world-renowned University of Michigan community, you’ll also have access to the full academic and research resources at the Flint, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor campuses.

CAPTE Statement

The Post Professional Transitional DPT (t-DPT) Program at the University of Michigan-Flint is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  accreditation@apta.org; website:  http://www.capteonline.org.

Courses

Individualized Learning Plan

Each student’s curriculum is based on individualized learning plans. Physical therapists with Bachelors or Masters entry-level PT degrees must earn 24 credits to earn a t-DPT.  Our Program Advisors will work with you to develop a Plan of Study. 

Course

Credit Hrs

Semester

PTP 623 Introduction to Musculoskeletal Imaging

1

Winter

PTP 624 Systems Review & Screening in Clinical Decision Making

3

Fall

PTP 625 Advanced Imaging for Diverse Populations

1

Spring

PTP 712 Post-Professional Neuroscience in Physical Therapy

2

Winter

PTP 732 Pediatric Examination & Intervention in Practice

3

Fall

PTP 747 Examination and Intervention in Practice for Integument Conditions

2

Winter

PTP 748 Post-Professional Pharmacology in Physical Therapy

2

Spring

PTP 786 Post-Professional Geriatrics in Physical Therapy

2

Spring

PTP 861 Literature Analysis in Evidence-Based Practice 

2

Fall

PTP 870 Assistive Technology in Accessibility

1

Winter

PTP 871 Post-Professional Evidence-Based Practice*

2

Winter

PTP 881 Teaching, Learning & Health Education

2

Spring

PTP 891 Post-Professional Management in PT Practice 

3

Fall

PTP 894 Post-Professional Service Learning*

1

Winter

*Must be completed by all students for degree completion

CAPTE Statement

The Post Professional Transitional DPT (t-DPT) Program at the University of Michigan-Flint is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  accreditation@apta.org; website:  http://www.capteonline.org.

Transfer Credit

Transfer of courses taken within five years prior to admission to the t-DPT program for a total of up to 6 credits (12 credits for UM-Flint MPT graduates) remains the discretion of the Physical Therapy faculty.  Courses taken more than 5 years prior to the semester in which the student starts the program will not be considered for substitution.  All substitutions must be specified in the initial learning contract. The Service Learning Practicum (PTP 894) and Evidence Based Practice (PTP 871) may not be waived by any student.

Additional information on the Post-Professional Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) Program including course descriptions can be found in the catalog. 

Admission

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Physical Therapy from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent in another country
  • U.S. physical therapy license or registration (or equivalent in the home country)
  • Overall 3.0 GPA or higher (4.0 scale) in the physical therapy degree
  • Current Resume or CV
CAPTE Statement

The Post Professional Transitional DPT (t-DPT) Program at the University of Michigan-Flint is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  accreditation@apta.org; website:  http://www.capteonline.org. 

STATE AUTHORIZATION FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

The federal government requires universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, especially if it leads to professional licensure, please visit umflint.edu/oel/state-authorization-distance-education to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.

Applying

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

  • Application for Graduate Admission
  • $55 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Copy of current Physical Therapy license issued in the United States or Canada (If license has lapsed, submit a copy of most recent license.)
  • Official transcripts from the institution where your baccalaureate degree was earned and from the institution where your Physical Therapy degree was earned  (if different from the college of your baccalaureate degree)
  • Curriculum vitae or résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability
  • If educated outside the United States or Canada:  FCCPT recommended for those licensed in the U.S. or Canada; all others may use an appropriate service such as FCCPT, ECE, or WES
  • Proof of English proficiency as required (see below)
  • International students must submit additional documentation. Visit the International Students page for details.
    • This includes English proficiency requirements listed here. Waivers for English Proficiency will not be entertained by the Physical Therapy department for this program.

Following receipt of all application materials, the Physical Therapy Department may schedule a brief telephone interview to discuss the applicant's educational goals and learning objectives for the program.

Application Deadlines

To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs on or before the application deadline.

  • Fall - July 1
  • Winter - November 1
  • Spring - March 1
CAPTE Statement

The Post Professional Transitional DPT (t-DPT) Program at the University of Michigan-Flint is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  accreditation@apta.org; website:  http://www.capteonline.org. 

Nicolas Setiabudi, Graduate

Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia

The t-DPT program includes many experiential learning components, such as ‘post-professional learning experience.’ In addition, many assignments also include field experiences such as community observation, interviewing practicing PTs, and making business plans for PT private practice. My highest aspiration is to improve the healthcare system and delivery in Indonesia, and to grow my own private PT practice. I am very excited that much of my work during the program (such as the business plan) have already been put to use in my own work.