Introduction
The profession and practice of physical therapy is rapidly changing. The demands imposed upon a physical therapist today are very different from those of even five or 10 years ago. These demands often go beyond the formal education provided in more traditional entry-level programs. Therapists increasingly are required to justify their practice patterns based on research evidence, to take on consulting and supervisory roles, and to provide administrative expertise and leadership.
Offered completely online, this program gives practicing clinicians easy access to make their formal education congruent with students graduating from entry-level DPT programs. The program’s goal is to educate clinicians to practice with a high degree of professionalism and possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and behaviors to practice physical therapy in a truly scientific manner (i.e., using evidence-based practice).
Program Highlights:
Network and interact with nationally recognized faculty and peers from all over the world.
Take up to two courses (billed per credit) prior to formal application and acceptance into the program.
Take advantage of flexible payment options that allow you to pay by course or a fixed package price.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to do the following:
Solve clinical problems using evidence.
Critically evaluate current literature and popular theories.
Function as an effective teacher at multiple levels—with patients, students, peers, and the public.
Lead others and advocate effectively (serve as a consultant or manager).
Enhance the skills required to be a lifelong independent learner.
Course List
PT505 Clinical Decision Making
PT504 Teaching Methods
PT503 Ethics and Law (foreign-trained PTs)
PT528 Health Care Systems (foreign-trained PTs)
PT556 Diagnostic Imaging
PT508 Medical Screening
PT555 Pharmacology
PT547 Health Promotion
PT656 Neuromuscular Tissues and Motor Control
PT702 Case Analysis
Clinical Practice Series (Choose One)
PT705 Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
PT706 Neurologic Physical Therapy
PT707 Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
PT708 Geriatric Physical Therapy
PT709 Pediatric Physical Therapy
Additional Elective Coursework is available
Expenses for 2019-20
Prior to acceptance into the program, all students will be billed on a per-credit basis. The current tuition rate is $800/credit. Each course in the curriculum is 2 credits.
Upon matriculation into the program, students may choose one of two payment options:
They may continue to be billed on a per-credit basis.
They may choose to be billed the package price for the entire program. Tuition paid for courses taken prior to matriculation will be credited to the student account.
The package price for students who are U.S.-educated therapists is $10,500, billed over 6 equal installments of $1,750/semester (plus semester fees*).
The package price for foreign-educated therapists is $11,500, billed over 6 equal installments of $1,917/semester (plus semester fees*).
*See website for updated fee information.
Admission Requirements
Therapists educated in the United States can take two courses before formal application and acceptance into the TDPT program, while foreign-educated therapists may take up to three courses to satisfy credentialing deficits. Acceptance into a course does not guarantee admission into the program.
Application Process
US-educated therapists must complete a graduate application at www.arcadia.edu/gradapp and include the following items:
Proof of graduation (official transcript) from a physical therapist degree program accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education (currently CAPTE) with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Current license to practice physical therapy in the United States
Three written recommendations (professional or academic, such as an employer, manager, coworker, colleague, professor, etc. Please note: friends are not acceptable references.)
Brief essay articulating goals for D.P.T. study.
Foreign-educated therapists must complete a graduate application at www.arcadia.edu/gradapp and include the following items:
Current license, registration, or equivalent to practice physical therapy
If licensed to practice in the US, 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 see list here:
www.fsbpt.org
If licensed to practice outside the US, 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 U.S. 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).
In addition, all applicants must meet the following requirements:
Possess basic computer skills including Internet and email
Have access to a computer system that meets the requirements described here: https://www.arcadia.edu/arcadia-online-student-computer-requirements
Complete an online plagiarism training module and submit a certificate of completion prior to beginning their first class. Complete instructions will be communicated at the time of acceptance into the program or registration for a course.
Please note, as an International Student in the TDPT program:
We will not issue an I-20.
While the courses in our TDPT program may help in fulfilling educational deficits, the program does not directly qualify you for U.S. PT licensure. All foreign-educated PTs must follow the steps listed on the following website: FSBPT info on licensure
