Post-Professional Study Options for Physical Therapists

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) – Designed for practicing clinicians, this program allows physical therapists who are licensed to work in the US to update or broaden their knowledge and skills to the level required to practice as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Advanced Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MS) – Designed for experienced physical therapists who wish to become advanced clinicians equipped with broad theoretical knowledge and sophisticated, contemporary skills, this program offers options for specialization in geriatric, neurologic, or orthopedic physical therapy. Students also have the option to develop individualized programs of study that cross specializations in order to meet specific interests, such as pediatrics, or acute care.

Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) – Designed for experienced physical therapists interested in advanced clinical specialty education, but not in a formal academic degree, this customizable program offers many of the same specialization and cross-specialization options as the master’s program. It prepares students for the clinical specialist examination administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Clinical Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy – One of about a dozen such programs credentialed by the APTA. Our residency is an academic-clinic model and is designed for experienced physical therapists interested in significantly advancing their diagnostic, clinical decision-making, and hands-on clinical skills. This program combines contemporary, evidence-based coursework with highly individualized, advanced clinical residencies under the supervision of master clinicians (paid residency options exist). It prepares students for the clinical specialist examination administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

A Clinical Residency in Geriatrics is being developed; please check back soon for more details.

Combined MS/CAS with tDPT – Designed for experienced physical therapists, this program combines either a master’s or certificate program of study with the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program. (These combined program options allow for a 3 credit reduction in the total credit requirements.)

International Students are eligible to apply to the MS and CAS, but must have obtained US licensure to apply to the tDPT. In addition to meeting the credit requirements of the selected program, foreign-trained physical therapists attend a series of seminars that assist them in adapting to study and practice in the United States.

Learn More and Apply

• View admission requirements and prerequisites for the post-professional Physical Therapy program
• View application deadlines for the post-professional Physical Therapy program
• Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a Graduate Information Session, which are scheduled throughout the year