1– What are the requirements to enroll in the Post-Professional (transitional) DPT program?
The program is open to any currently U.S. and Canadian licensed and practicing physical therapist. All applicants must submit documentation of current US or Canadian-based practice of at least 1 year. Foreign-trained students are required to submit an academic credential evaluation. TOEFL scores are required unless you are licensed in the following states: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, or Puerto Rico. Please see Graduate Admission’s website for more details.
2- When are courses offered?
The SU Post-Professional DPT program is a cohort program, with students in each curriculum track proceeding through the program in the same sequence at the same time. Courses in the TDPT program are taken in fall, spring, and summer terms, with each course being offered only in a specific term each year.
3- How does a distance-based course work?
The program is delivered through a distance-based format. Course materials (lectures, tests, readings, etc.) are available online in the university’s Learning Management System, Canvas. Learning activities are provided through readings and recorded lectures. Courses follow an asynchronous format, meaning that there are no requirements for students to attend the online courses simultaneously on a particular schedule, though regular participation is required throughout the entire term. Courses are structured to facilitate engagement, active learning and regular interaction with classmates and instructors. A variety of assessment methods are employed, including discussion boards, independent and small group assignments, quizzes, and exams.
4- How much time will I need to set aside for studying?
Prospective students should consider that they are enrolling in a doctorate level program. They are making a commitment to the program and to the advancement of their professional knowledge and skills. At a minimum, students should expect to spend 4 hours/week per credit hour. For example, if you are registered for a 1-credit course you should expect to spend approximately 4 hours/week on coursework for that course. The time commitment will vary depending on the student and their prior academic preparation and how they choose to organize their studying.
5-How many credits are required and how long does it take to complete?
Students must have 30 post-graduate credits to earn their doctoral degree. For those students who have earned a Master’s degree in PT or another health related post-graduate Master’s program, a total of 16 credits will be earned from Shenandoah University, with 14 credits transferred from previous eligible coursework. These credit hours may be completed in 1-year (Track I) or over 2 years (Track II). For those students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, the program (Track III) requires 20 credit hours earned at Shenandoah University, with 10 credits being transferred from previous eligible coursework. Track III is offered over 7 consecutive terms.
6- Do I have to come to Winchester for the classes?
Prospective students must submit a completed graduate application for admission, an application fee, transcripts from all institutions attended, and a copy of their US physical therapy license, and documentation of a minimum of 1 year US-based employment as a PT. Non-US educated physical therapists must also submit an academic credential evaluation. Visit the Admissions site for more information regarding application requirements, deadlines, and to access the online application.
7- When will the program begin?
Track I & II students will begin in the fall semester which starts in late August.
Track III students will begin in the summer term with PT 860 Advanced Human Anatomy, which starts late May.
8- What is the cost of the program?
Tuition is charged per credit hour. The current tuition rate can be found at:
Scholarships are available for SUPT alumni, SUPT clinical instructors, employees of Valley Health Systems, Inova Health Systems, and West Virginia University Hospital- East. Contact Janine Hatch for details.
9- How do I apply?
Prospective students must submit a completed graduate application for admission, an application fee, transcripts from all institutions attended, and a copy of their US or Canadian physical therapy license, and documentation of a minimum of 1 year US or Canadian -based employment as a PT. Non-US educated physical therapists must also submit an academic credential evaluation. Visit the Admissions site for more information regarding application requirements, deadlines, and to access the online application.