University of New England

Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Post-Professional DPT (DPT-P) program culminates in the DPT degree and is “conferred upon completion of a structured post-professional educational experience that results in the augmentation of knowledge, skills, and behaviors to a level consistent with the current professional (entry-level) DPT standards.  The Post-Professional DPT program enables the US-licensed physical therapist to attain degree parity with therapists who hold the professional DPT by 'filling in' any gaps between their professional baccalaureate or master's degree PT education and the current professional DPT degree education.”¹ The DPT-P program is a logical extension of curricular offerings from the Department serving the needs of our program graduates as well as graduates from other accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree programs.

The DPT-P program at the University of New England is designed to:

• Offer physical therapists with a previously obtained baccalaureate or master’s degree the opportunity to update their knowledge base in areas within the profession that have been augmented over the past five to 10 years as reflected in the current DPT degree curriculum.
• Support physical therapists who wish to better position themselves as autonomous health care providers by enhancing their current knowledge base in a variety of areas, including evidenced based practice, clinical decision-making, management sciences, prevention and wellness, and health care policy.
• Provide an interactive and flexible distance education environment to meet the learning needs of today’s busy clinician.

¹Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree Frequently Asked Questions. 2003.

The DPT-P Curriculum

The Post-Professional DPT program is an on-line educational experience, requiring the successful completion of six courses.  DPT-P courses may be completed in any sequence with the exception of the Capstone course, which must be taken after successful completion of all other courses.

Note:  The DPT-P curriculum must be completed within three years of starting the program.

Tuition Information

Tuition for the Post-Professional DPT program has been set at a per credit hour rate.  Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis until maximum enrollment is met.  Students will be able to register for classes only after matriculation into the program.  Payment for classes will be due at the time of registration.  Students registered in classes that are cancelled because of insufficient enrollment will receive full reimbursement of the course fee. 

Accreditation

The University of New England is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Contact Information

For more information, contact:

Department of Physical Therapy
University of New England
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME  04103

Phone:  207-221-4590

Admissions Criteria

All applicants to the Post-Professional DPT program must have a baccalaureate or master's degree in physical therapy from a Physical Therapy program accredited by CAPTE  or equivalent and a current license to practice Physical Therapy in the United States.  All applicants must also:         

1. Submit an official transcript from the institution granting the PT degree, as well as official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended,
2. Submit evidence of current licensure to practice physical therapy within the United States of America,
3. Submit  three letters of reference, (at least 1 (or 2) letters from a Physical Therapist),
4. Submit  the on-line application form to the DPT-P program at UNE,
5. Submit the supplemental application (personal statement), and 
6. Submit  a current resume of work and educational experience.

The DPT-P Program application is available on-line and should be completed and submitted on-line.  The supplemental application (personal statement), all official institutional transcripts, and three letters of reference, addressing the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate course work, should be mailed to Graduate Admissions, University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103.

Application Deadlines:

Fall, August 1

Spring, December 15

No Summer Start