Frequently Asked Questions about TDPT
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Transitional (TDPT) Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
For All Prospective Students
Is the TDPT program online or on-campus?
Our TDPT program is fully online; there is no requirement to be on campus.
Do I need a Master’s degree to apply for the TDPT program?
We accept students with entry-level PT education at the bachelor’s and/or master’s degree level.
How many credits do I need to complete for the TDPT degree?
The program is 18 credits for U.S.-educated therapists and 22 for foreign-trained PTs. However, students may apply to waive up to 6 credits. The minimum number of credits required for degree completion are 12 credits for U.S.-trained therapists and 16 credits for foreign-trained PTs.
Can I apply for a course waiver for any of the TDPT courses?
Yes, for some courses. But, course waiver requests are evaluated on the specific portfolio review criteria (available when you are accepted to the program). You will be charged an additional fee for review of your portfolio. Please note that course waiver is not guaranteed.
Do you have special "track/degree of specialization" that you offer such as Orthopedics or Athletic Conditioning/Training?
There is some elective coursework that you can take for orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, neurology, pediatrics, or geriatrics (one out of these), but we do not offer a specific track at this point. Please check our website for updates.
How long will it take to complete the program?
It will take about one and a half to three years to complete the required coursework.
How many classes can I take per semester?
Each semester is broken up into two 7-week sessions. In most cases, students can take up to 3 classes, or 6 credits, per semester. Students can NOT take all three courses in one session. Additionally, students should discuss with an advisor prior to taking the capstone course at the same time as another course.
What are the application deadlines for the program?
We have rolling admission; thus you may apply whenever you are ready. Review of the application may take up to 6 weeks. Further, most courses are 2 credits and run in 7-week units, so the wait time to start a course after registration may be 1–7 weeks. Since many of our courses run synchronously, you will only be able to register for courses that are offered in each semester. Visit the Schedule tab for details about the courses offered in each semester.
What is the course structure, i.e., do we have any exams or assignments only? Do we need to just view videos or is there formal class time?
In general, every course is structured differently based on the content area that is taught. We use a variety of tools such as multiple choice questions, quizzes and self-reflection assignments to test students. Most classes also require synchronous (“live” class discussion) and asynchronous (discussion board) participation. We have many clinicians from the U.S. and around the world representing a vast amount of expertise you can all benefit and learn from. This program is based on principles of adult learning. Adult learning is a lot like what you do in your role as a clinical professional. You cannot learn passively any more than our patients can get stronger with passive exercise!
Which degree will I be awarded on completion of the TDPT program?
You will be awarded a “Doctor of Physical Therapy” degree when you graduate from the program. Words like “online”, “transitional” and/or “distance learning” are not included on the degree certificate.
What is the payment structure of the program?
Visit the Expenses tab on the TDPT program site for details about expenses and payments. Cost of textbooks and materials is not included in our package price. Also, the University charges an additional fee each semester which is not included in the package price.
Additional Information For International Students
Do you offer an I-20 (needed to apply for non-immigrant F-visa) for students enrolled in the TDPT program?
At this point, we do not offer an I-20 to students in our post-professional program.
I am working on completing educational deficits for my license eligibility, can I register for courses in TDPT program?
Yes, currently, you may register for up to three courses pre-licensure for credentialing purposes. Please note: acceptance into a course does not guarantee admission into the program.
Can a person currently not residing in the U.S. or a non-U.S. citizen apply for the program?
Yes! We welcome applications from all students. Our TDPT program is fully online. The program is highly interactive and capitalizes on the wealth of knowledge clinicians bring with them.
Do I need a U.S. PT license to enroll in the program?
No! Beginning Fall 2019, we will have limited seats available for foreign-educated physical therapists who are not currently licensed to practice in the US, provided they meet the admissions criteria listed on our website (see admissions criteria page).
Is the TDPT program accredited?
CAPTE, the accrediting body for Physical Therapy programs, does not provide for accreditation of post-professional programs. However, our entry-level DPT program is accredited.
Will your program be sufficient to satisfy visa screening for USCIS requirements?
While the courses in our TDPT program may help in fulfilling educational deficits, the program does not directly qualify you for US PT licensure. All foreign-educated PTs must follow the steps listed by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Only a credentialing agency that issues work certificates (Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT), CGFNS International Inc.) or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can determine if the program fulfills their requirements. Since our entry-level DPT is CAPTE-accredited, we believe our TDPT will be accepted by FCCPT/CGFNS, but individuals should check with the respective agencies.
What are the specific admissions requirements for foreign-trained PTs?
Please visit our TDPT website for admissions criteria for all students, including criteria for foreign-trained. In particular, for foreign-trained students, we will need:
Current license, registration, or equivalent to practice physical therapy
If licensed to practice in the U.S., submit a copy of your license and an official PT credentialing report from an agency approved by the Federated State Boards of Physical Therapy. Approved agencies include the following: FCCPT, CGFNS, ICD, ICA, UTA, IERF. The full list can be found on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.
If licensed to practice outside the U.S., submit a notarized copy of your license (or equivalent) and an official GPA report (e.g., World Education Service or Education Credential Evaluator) verifying a minimum GPA.
Official transcript indicating that the applicant has earned at least a Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited or government recognized physical therapist degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Official transcripts from any US College or University attended
Three written recommendations (professional or academic)
Brief essay articulating goals for D.P.T. study
Official TOEFL (minimum 80 overall; minimum 21 for writing, 18 for all other sections) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 Band score, no individual score below 5.5). Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS are required for all students for whom English is a second language or who have not earned degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand).