The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) for Practicing Physical Therapist Program is designed to educate professional physical therapists who are knowledgeable, self-assured, adaptable, reflective, humanistic, and service-oriented and who, by virtue of critical thinking, lifelong learning, and ethical values, render independent judgments concerning patient/client needs.
The DPT for Practicing Physical Therapists Program enables currently practicing, licensed physical therapists to upgrade their clinical knowledge and skills to today’s entry-level professional doctoral degree. Practicing physical therapists who were educated at the certificate, baccalaureate, or master’s level have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of anatomy, exercise science, physical therapist examinations and interventions, business practices, and critical inquiry. Upgrading the knowledge and skill of practicing physical therapists to the doctoral level (DPT) enables them to better serve their patients and clients.
Admissions
Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
Demonstrate the requisite skills for competent entry-level generalist physical therapist practice, including exhibiting self-assured, adaptable, reflective, and humanistic traits.
Integrate critical inquiry and clinical decision-making skills into clinical practice, using evidence to support practice.
Reflect the ethical principles established by the profession.
Exhibit leadership skills.
Adopt life-long learning skills.
Be service-oriented to both the profession and the community in which they provide services.
Promote understanding of the needs of diverse populations.
Be advocates of integration of health and wellness needs of patients/clients and society into physical therapist service delivery.