Physical Therapy (TDPT)
Attention: The NSU TDPT Program will not be accepting applications for the degree seeking program after Fall 2019 semester.
About Program
Given the increasingly complex health care environment and the growing body of knowledge in the physical therapy profession, entry-level education in physical therapy has rapidly shifted towards the clinical doctorate degree. Nova Southeastern University offers the Transition Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (T-DPT) designed for working physical therapists that want to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills to that of the Doctor of Physical Therapy.
This clinical doctorate program focuses on clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, evidence-based practice, radiology and pharmacology, prevention/wellness, management/consultation and patient/client management related to optimizing movement, function, and health.
NSU's TDPT graduates report that the program has improved their clinical skills and enhanced their personal growth and career opportunities. NSU is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
New features of our program include:
- 15% tuition discount for all APTA members
- Tuition vouchers for clinical instruction of NSU EDPT students
- Continuing education credits for on-campus sessions
- Optional manual therapy track
Program Objectives:
Graduates of the TDPT Program will be able to:
1) Serve as change agents, consultants and advocates for patients, self and others to improve quality of life for society and growth of the profession
2) Address health care issues of clients from a systemic perspective across the continuum of care
3) Educate patients, students, peers, and other health care providers to accomplish treatment goals
4) Contribute to physical therapy practice through clinical research, ensuring the study meets accepted standards in the use of human subjects, research design, implementation and dissemination
5) Critically analyze the evidence from scientific literature, synthesize findings across studies, and draw appropriate inferences based on current knowledge
Student Learning Outcomes:
TDPT students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate competent and relevant patient/client management skills across the continuum of care, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care, interventions and outcome measurement.
2) Synthesize current evidence and experience into clinical decision making, incorporate client beliefs, values and abilities to promote effective and efficient treatment plans in a direct access, autonomous healthcare environment.
3) Engage in critical self-reflection/assessment and life-long learning to enrich core values of professionalism as defined by APTA, including altruism, accountability, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility in all professional roles.
4) Integrate health promotion, fitness, wellness, and prevention with patients, groups, community, organizations and society as educators, consultants, administrators and collaborators.
5) Conduct analysis of patient, organization and community needs, abilities and concerns from a systemic perspective to achieve measurable outcomes that demonstrate effective change.