Doctor of Physical Therapy: Difference between revisions
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The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree serves as a credential. It signifies completion of the current requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical performance in professional preparation. It does not, however, signify advanced preparation or specialization. |
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree serves as a credential. It signifies completion of the current requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical performance in professional preparation. It does not, however, signify advanced preparation or specialization. |
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The DPT degree was created by the [[American Physical Therapy Association]] (APTA). Their ''Vision 2020'' states that "By 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." |
The DPT degree was created by the [[American Physical Therapy Association]] (APTA). Their ''Vision 2020'' states that "By 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." |
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== Professional degree (the entry-level) |
== Professional degree (the entry-level) == |
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The "first professional" DPT is the current degree conferred upon successful completion of a physical therapist professional (entry-level) education program in the United States. This program prepares the graduate to enter the practice of physical therapy. The entry-level DPT Program is designed for individuals just entering the field of physical therapy for the first time. This three year program prepares students holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than physical therapy to become a licensed physical therapist. |
The "first professional" DPT is the current degree conferred upon successful completion of a physical therapist professional (entry-level) education program in the United States. This program prepares the graduate to enter the practice of physical therapy. The entry-level DPT Program is designed for individuals just entering the field of physical therapy for the first time. This three year program prepares students holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than physical therapy to become a licensed physical therapist. |
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Revision as of 14:22, 6 August 2008
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The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a postbaccalaureate degree that is a first professional degree for entry into the profession of physical therapy. The specific nomenclature "DPT" is not a substitute or alternative for the physical therapist clinical designator "PT."
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree serves as a credential. It signifies completion of the current requirements needed to enter the profession and represents the completion of a comprehensive program and the fulfillment of high standards of clinical performance in professional preparation. It does not, however, signify advanced preparation or specialization.
The DPT degree was created by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Their Vision 2020 states that "By 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."
Professional degree (the entry-level)
The "first professional" DPT is the current degree conferred upon successful completion of a physical therapist professional (entry-level) education program in the United States. This program prepares the graduate to enter the practice of physical therapy. The entry-level DPT Program is designed for individuals just entering the field of physical therapy for the first time. This three year program prepares students holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than physical therapy to become a licensed physical therapist.
Transition degree
The "transition" DPT is the degree conferred upon successful completion of a postprofessional physical therapist education program. The "transition" DPT is intended for licensed physical therapists who are already practicing clinicians and typically offers a continuing education which includes current topics in physical therapy practice. Several universities offer postprofessional "transition" DPT programs. Most of these are completed in one to two years of part-time, or they may be completed online.[1],[2]
Advanced clinical science degree
The "advanced clinical science" doctorate (eg, DPTSc, DHSc, ScD etc.) is one of several degrees conferred by institutions upon successful completion of a postprofessional physical therapist education program. This program is intended to provide an experienced clinician with advanced knowledge, behaviors, and clinical skills, usually in a specific specialty area. These programs may include specialization, certification, or clinical residencies.
Australia
The University of Melbourne and Bond University in Australia are now currently offering a doctor of physical therapy degree as a first professional degree in physical therapy.
External links
- American Physical Therapy Association - Professional PT Education