Division of Physical Therapy

Transitional DPT

	Attention: Due to declining applications over the past year, we are considering accepting only one more cohort of students for this program to begin in January 2009. If you are considering enrolling or have any questions, please contact Anne Swisher soon. The final decision regarding continuation of this program will be made in November 2008, following the October 15, 2008 application deadline.

PURPOSE:
This program was created to provide an accessible means for licensed physical therapists to obtain the DPT credential, while upgrading their skills in current practice.

GOALS:
At the conclusion of this program, the participant will:

• increase knowledge in pharmacology and imaging studies related to physical therapy practice
• increase knowledge and skills in exercise assessment and prescription
• increase knowledge in evidence-based physical therapy practice, including research design, analysis and application to patient care
• improve skills in differential diagnosis of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and integumentary systems.

FORMAT AND LENGTH:
This program is designed to fit the needs of physical therapists who are currently employed. The program is 16 credits over 2 years, enrolling in 1-2 courses per semester. Courses will utilize a variety of distance education methods, such as web sites, CD-ROMs and occasional on-campus weekends. Access to a reliable Internet connection is important. Additional suggested specifications for computers for use in this program can be found HERE.

CURRICULUM:
PT 724 Exercise Foundations (3 cr) Principles of aerobic and resistance training for rehabilitation populations. Includes laboratory experience in exercise testing and development of exercise programs for therapeutic purposes.

PT 725 Evidence Based PT 2 (3 cr) This course covers research methods used by health professionals, with emphasis on research applicable to the physical therapy profession. Students will be exposed to research methodologies and data analysis, which include: case studies, single-subject designs, qualitative research (phenomenology, ethnography, epidemiology, grounded theory), survey designs, as well as, descriptive, exploratory, and experimental designs.

PT 734 Clinical Sciences 2 (2 cr) Introduction to radiology for the physical therapy student. Study includes plain film radiology of the musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems, an overview of advanced imaging techniques, and exposure to tests and intervention treatments performed by radiologists.

PT 744 Clinical Sciences 3 (2 cr) Introduction to pharmacology for the physical therapy student. Includes study of pharmacokinetics, and an overview of selected medications. The emphasis is on clinical application and the therapist’s role as a health care team member.

PT 791A Advanced Topics in Musculoskeletal PT (1 cr) This course will prepare physical therapists to act as independent practitioners by applying previous coursework and concepts of differential diagnosis to patient problems in the musculoskeletal area.

PT 791B Advanced Topics in Neuromuscular PT (1 cr) This course will prepare physical therapists to act as independent practitioners by applying previous coursework and concepts of differential diagnosis to patient problems in the neuromuscular area across the lifespan.

PT 791C Advanced Topics in Cardiopulmonary PT (1 cr) This course will prepare physical therapists to act as independent practitioners by applying previous coursework and concepts of differential diagnosis to patient problems in the cardiopulmonary area.

PT 791D Advanced Topics in Integumentary PT (1 cr) This course will prepare physical therapists to act as independent practitioners by applying previous coursework and concepts of differential diagnosis to patient problems in the integumentary area.

PT 792 Directed Study in PT (2 cr) This course involves preparing a detailed, publication-quality case study which incorporates the principles of exercise assessment and prescription, differential diagnosis, evidence-based practice, pharmacology and imaging as applied to a real patient seen by you.

COSTS:
Tuition (as of 2004/2005 academic year): $314 resident/$923 nonresident per credit hour
Application fee: one-time fee of $50 to WVU (to be paid upon acceptance into the tDPT program)

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:
In order to be eligible to apply to the tDPT program, the following criteria must be met:

1. Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program with a Masters’ degree
2. Physical therapy school grade point average of at least 3.0
3. Currently licensed as a physical therapist

In addition, preference will be given to applicants who are graduates of WVU Division of Physical Therapy, clinical or adjunct faculty for the Division (including clinical instructors who have taught WVU PT students in the past 3 years), and those who are licensed in West Virginia.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. Complete the Application Form
2. Provide transcripts and proof of graduation from PT program (waived for WVU PT graduates)
3. Submit a copy of PT license

Applications are due October 15. A committee of faculty from the Division of Physical Therapy will review applications. Applicants will be notified by December 1st of their status. Course work begins in the spring semester.

For more information, please contact:

Anne K. Swisher PT, PhD, CCS
Coordinator of Graduate and Distance Education
WVU Division of Physical Therapy
PO Box 9226
Morgantown, WV 26506-9226
Phone: (304) 293-1319
Email: aswisher@hsc.wvu.edu