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Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

St. Scholastica’s tDPT program is designed for physical therapists worldwide. This post-professional DPT offers 100% asynchronous online distance learning to help you bridge your bachelor’s or master’s degree to a clinical doctorate.

Advance Your PT Career with a Post-Professional DPT

Are you a physical therapist/physiotherapist looking to advance clinical reasoning, refresh professional motivation, deepen critical inquiry skills and increase your confidence in patient care? This online transitional DPT program will give you that opportunity and allow you to meet the requirements for U.S. licensure, obtain continuing education credits and gain credentials for professional advancement.

St. Scholastica’s post-professional transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program integrates flexibility for your busy schedule. The 100% online transitional DPT format offers individualized degree paths, customized for you with the help of your academic advisor. You’ll interact with instructors through online communication, video and the opportunity to attend optional online class meetings that are recorded.

You will be challenged in your area of clinical expertise and interest while being encouraged to interact and share your insights in a supportive, values-based Benedictine environment. The result is an opportunity to advance your physical therapy practice, achieve personal goals and help advance the PT profession.

Fast Facts

Highly regarded for rigorous academic standards
Streamlined values-based program designed for practicing physical therapists
Faculty are experienced clinical practitioners and educators
Approximately 80% of our current students are foreign-trained physical therapists
100% asynchronous online format
Condensed program with only six classes; 16 total program credits
Academic advisor support throughout your educational journey
Course options for foreign-trained Physical Therapists/Physiotherapists

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The tDPT program broadens horizons to embrace change, and advance with integrity, dedication and a sense of social responsibility, while prioritizing the patient experience.

Naufa Damda

Degree Details

Tuition

Tuition: $832/credit*

* Tuition rates are for the 2025-26 academic year. Additional fees and costs for course materials may apply. Total program cost and completion time varies depending on transfer credits and individual program plans. Tuition rates are subject to change.

Textbooks

Textbooks and other library resources are provided free online. The Differential Screening course textbook is the only exception.

Program Overview

The online transitional DPT program’s curriculum offers a flexible, individualized learning plan with all courses offered each semester. This allows you to enter the program at the beginning of any term. An academic advisor specializing in post-professional DPT pathways will help you create your plan and you’ll also receive individualized support services through the online learning environment.

The Strengths of St. Scholastica’s tDPT Program

In order to foster a better online learning environment, St. Scholastica limits the tDPT courses to 24 students. Limiting enrollment allows our faculty to maintain more personal, individualized contact with you to create a stronger learning community.

As a student in our online transitional DPT program, you’ll engage with faculty and peers regularly through tools such as announcements, discussion boards, peer reviews and recorded lectures/meetings within the learning management system. We also offer several optional, simultaneous review sessions for transitional DPT students (which are recorded for flexible viewing) to further enhance your experience.

Curriculum

Visit our Catalog to view the program, course and degree requirements, and learning outcomes. Be sure to create your course plan in consultation with your advisor.

View Requirements

View Learning Outcomes

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physical therapists is expected to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034 — much faster than the national average. This growth represents a strong opportunity for those entering the profession or licensed physical therapists seeking to advance their credentials through a post-professional DPT.

Physical Therapists (PTs) work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, private practice, rehab centers, home healthcare agencies, academic and research settings
Salaries for physical therapists vary based on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location and practice setting

Admission Information

Visit our admissions page for information about transcripts, online application, international admissions, financing and the Center for Equal Access.

Application Deadlines

Fall: Aug. 15
Spring: Dec. 15
Summer: May 2

Application Process

Through the application process, an essay will be required. It should demonstrate your desire to advance your PT knowledge and skills, while incorporating the goals and outcomes of the St. Scholastica tDPT program.

Eligibility

New Student

A degree in Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy

Note: Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Returning Students

A returning student is a student who was admitted and enrolled in a program at St. Scholastica but has been absent from the program for at least three continuous semesters, including summer. To return to the same program at St. Scholastica, a returning student must be in good academic standing and must apply for readmission to the College.

Transcripts

Please order the following official transcripts:

For U.S.-trained therapists: Official transcripts from your original PT degree and unofficial transcripts for any additional degrees following the PT degree that are related to PT. Transcripts are not needed for degrees preceding the PT degree.
For foreign-trained applicants: A copy of your PT degree credential evaluation report (FCCPT, WES, etc.) or your official transcript from your original PT degree. Unofficial transcripts for any degree following the PT degree should also be included.

Transcripts must be received on or before the application deadline for full acceptance into the program. Order early in the application process!

Email official transcripts to transcripts@css.edu. Electronic transcripts must be from a certified electronic official transcript provider such as Parchment, Docufide, Scrip Safe, National Clearinghouse or other certified, online transcript services.

Mailed transcripts must be in the original sealed envelope from the school. Mail to:

The College of St. Scholastica
Transcript Processing
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811

Accreditation

The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program isn’t subject to accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or accredited by CAPTE.