Finding the right DPT programs for physical therapy jobs

Physical therapists have one of the top three most satisfying jobs. According to a 2007 study by The University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center, 78 percent reported job satisfaction, as compared to the average of 47 percent across all occupations. Becoming a PT also requires an advanced degree. As of this year in the U.S., all accredited programs to become a physical therapist are Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

Whether a current or prospective PT, it’s important to have a grasp on the doctoral requirements when considering pursuit of this advanced degree. With that being said, currently licensed PTs who hold professional baccalaureate, masters, certificate or doctoral degrees are able to, and will be able to, practice without a DPT.

There are two variations of DPT programs: professional and postprofessional. Here’s information about both:

Professional DPT program basics
Professional, or entry-level, DPT programs are designed for aspiring PTs who do not have a PT license.

Specifics include:

• Professional DPT programs are typically three years.
• The program is broken into classroom and lab study and clinical work. Classroom and lab study accounts for 80 percent of the curriculum, while the remaining 20 percent is allotted to clinical experience. The average time spent in clinical work is 27.5 weeks per student, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
• Most programs require a bachelor’s degree for acceptance. However, some programs allow a 3+3 curriculum acceptance, where three years of undergraduate and pre-PT classes will be accepted as a base for beginning a three-year DPT program.
• Professional DPT programs can be accredited by only the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Program accreditation by CAPTE is voluntary and designed to guarantee the quality level of the respective PT or PT assistant program.

Postprofessional DPT program basics
Postprofessional DPT programs are designed for licensed PTs who essentially want to upgrade to a DPT degree, according to the APTA. At their core, these programs work as a supplement to cover PT-related advancements throughout the past five to 10 years. The standards of postprofessional programs are analogous to that of professional programs.

Specifics include:

• The length of postprofessional DPT programs varies based on school and curriculum.
• The program is broken into classroom and lab study and clinical work.
• Postprofessional DPT programs are not accredited by the CAPTE, as it grants accreditation to only entry-level programs.
• The curriculum of postprofessional DPT programs can be customized to reflect the prior experience and knowledge-base of students, reducing the chance of learning material and concepts with which they are already familiar.
• The program is composed of only experienced PTs, leading to a learning environment unique from the professional DPT program.

Benefits of having a DPT
For aspiring students, a DPT is a requirement but for those who are currently practicing with a license, obtaining a postprofessional degree has its advantages.  In addition to the advanced coursework which covers the body of knowledge within the PT field over the past 5-10 years, a postprofessional DPT enables physical therapists to attain degree parity with those holding the professional DPT.

Holding a postprofessional DPT may or may not influence a physical therapist’s salary. According to the APTA’s 2013 Median Income of Physical Therapist report, the median PT salary is $85,000, which is influenced by a number of factors including geographic location, level of education, practice setting and years of experience.

Assistance with Tuition
Current and future PTs who are eyeing a DPT may be able to get help with covering the costs of schooling by looking to the tuition reimbursement programs of healthcare staffing agencies. One such agency, Aureus Medical Group, offers up to $12,000 in tuition reimbursement for healthcare professionals pursuing advanced degrees, including degrees within the physical therapy field.

Future opportunities for PT
There are a variety of career options for PTs, including full-time positions across the country as well as healthcare careers as a travel PT. Certified PTs can be placed on a travel physical therapy job directly out of school as opposed to a number of other healthcare fields that require a year or more of experience before being eligible for travel assignments.

The job market is also favorable for physical therapists. Based on the current PT demand and shortage and estimated growth factors, there is a projected demand for and shortage of PTs until at least 2020. It is estimated that the shortage will be anywhere from 606 to 26,969 PTs in 2020, according to a 2015 supply and demand study by the APTA.

Now is an ideal time to be practicing in this growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects PT employment to increase 36 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average job growth rate. BLS attributes much of this growth to baby boomers who lead active lives.