Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Graduate Program Directors: Daniel G. Rendeiro, PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Susan Michlovitz, PT, PhD, CHT (CHT Electives)
Jane K. Sweeney, PT, PhD, PCS (Pediatric Electives)

The vision of the Rocky Mountain of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is to become a nationally and internationally recognized paradigm of excellence for education of healthcare professionals, and to set the global standard for exemplary graduate and post-professional health professions education.

The transitional DPT program is designed to provide meaningful, obtainable, and affordable post- professional education while meeting APTA competencies that facilitate the development of the 21^st century physical therapist practitioner.  The post-professional transitional clinical doctorate program in physical therapy, as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, should  “provide post-baccalaureate physical therapists with opportunities to augment knowledge, skills, and behaviors attained in initial professional education.”  The goal of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is to address the public’s need for high quality physical therapy service by providing practicing clinicians with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors commensurate with contemporary evidence-based practice and education standards.

The transitional DPT program is designed for physical therapists with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to pursue the clinical doctorate without having to relocate.  Students will complete two semesters, each consisting of three modules of coursework. Modules 1 and 3 may consist of required readings and assignments, as well as participation in threaded discussions, online “chat” discussions, and/or phone conferences. Module 2 in each semester requires attendance on-site for lecture, demonstration, etc.  As part of Module 3 in each semester, doctoral students will complete a Directed Independent Study project. This program takes approximately one year to complete.

The program also offers two elective tracks which provide additional depth and expert guidance in the areas of Hand Rehabilitation and Pediatric Therapy.  To enroll in the Hand Rehabilitation electives, an applicant must be a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT); to enroll in the Pediatrics electives, an applicant must have several years of pediatric experience.

To download the complete curricula, click on the links below!

• General Curriculum (Offered Winter/Summer)

• CHT Elective Curriculum (TBA)

• Pediatric Elective Curriculum (Offered Winter Only)

To apply for this program, please visit the Admissions link.

Program Module Calendars and Application Deadlines