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transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

The tDPT program is designed for working physical therapists worldwide and offers a 100% online distance learning opportunity. Expand your professional knowledge to bridge the gap between a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a current clinical doctorate degree.

Are you a practicing physical therapist looking to advance clinical reasoning, refresh professional motivation, deepen critical inquiry skills and increase your confidence in contributing to patient care teams? This 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 tDPT program provides flexibility for your busy schedule. The 100% online format offers individualized degree paths, customized for you with the help of your academic advisor. You’ll also interact with instructors through virtual meetings and optional online class meetings that are recorded for anyone who is unable to attend.

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 practice, achieve personal goals and promote the PT profession.

Fast Facts

Highly regarded for rigorous academic standards and thorough career preparation
Streamlined values-based program designed for practicing physical therapists
Faculty are experienced clinical practitioners and educators
Approximately 50% of our current students are foreign-trained physical therapists
100% online format
Condensed program with only six classes; 16 total program credits
Academic advisor support throughout your educational journey

Receive Program Info and Financial Aid Options

Detailed program overview
Personalized financial aid
Individual admissions support

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: $800/credit*

* Tuition rates are for the 2024-25 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. View 2023-24 rates

Textbooks

Almost all textbooks are provided free online. The Differential Screening course textbook is the only exception.

Program Overview

The program’s curriculum offers a flexible, individualized learning plan with all courses offered each semester, allowing you to enter the program at the beginning of any term. You will have an academic advisor who will answer your questions and walk you through creating your learning plan.

The Strengths of St. Scholastica’s tDPT Program

In order to foster a better distance-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.

You will be able to actively 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 (which are also recorded) 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 15% between 2022 and 2032. This is well above average and represents an opportunity for those looking to enter the profession.

Median annual salary is $97,720
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

Admission Information

Visit our admissions page for information about transcripts, online application, international admissions and financing.

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/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

Meet Our Faculty

Experienced, Dedicated and Distinguished Educators

Expect to be heard, to be challenged and to be involved. St. Scholastica faculty are world-class scholars and experts in their field who invest in your success. Our values of community, respect, stewardship, hospitality and love of learning reflect our faculty’s commitment to lifting up others and celebrating our common humanity.

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