The Transition DPT Program is a post-professional program designed for physical therapists that  have a BS or MS in physical therapy.  The program uses a “hybrid” delivery format, meaning that courses are available on-line, with on-campus sessions scheduled midway through each semester. The two, five-month semesters per year distributes the coursework in a way that does NOT interrupt work and family life..

As a regionally accredited university, NSU does not give academic credit for continuing education classes or work experience.  The number of courses students must take depends on their entering degree. Applicants with a with a MS/MA degree must take 7 core classes (27credits), while those with a BS degree must take 7 core plus 6 elective  classes (45 credits). The elective classes can be completely online. Applicants with a PhD or NSU MPT degree must take 6 classes (24 credits). 

Students select the number and order of classes based on their individual needs, ranging from part time (3-7 credits/semester) to full-time (8-12 credits/semester).  On average, students with a MS degree take 2 years to complete the program, while those with a BS degree take 3 years. Up to 6 years is allowed for completion of the coursework.

Students select the number and order of classes based on their individual needs, ranging from part time (3-7 credits/semester) to full-time (8-12 credits/semester).  On average, students with a MS degree take 1½ to 2 years to complete the program, while those with a BS degree take 2½ to 3 years. Up to 6 years is allowed for completion of the coursework..

Transition Doctor of Physical Therapy (T-DPT) Program Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the T-DPT program, graduates will:

Upon completion of the Transition DPT Program, graduates will be able to:

• Make clinical decisions based on experience and evidence in the research literature by a) posing clear clinical questions, b) selecting appropriate databases to find peer reviewed literature, c) interpreting the evidence.
• Document clinical reasoning, using deductive reasoning skills and disablement terminology during the fives steps of patient/client management: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care, and interventions.
• Select valid/reliable tests and outcome measures and interventions that are supported by the literature and that are appropriate for the patient, setting, and diagnostic classification.
• Plan and implement prevention and wellness programs using the principles of behavior change theory and sound teaching strategies.
• Screen all patients for medical disease and distinguish musculoskeletal from medical conditions in order to identify when referral to other practitioners is needed.
• Identify key pharmacologic classifications and their relevance to physical therapy.
• Interpret radiology/ imaging tests as they relate to clinical anatomy and signs/symptoms of pathology.
• Use contemporary principles of motor control and motor learning when teaching a patient a novel skill or retraining a motor task.
• Develop an appropriate exercise program for any patient/client based on safe and accurate exercise testing and exercise science principles.
• Conduct a systematic needs assessment and organizational analysis of a physical therapy practice in order to effect change when in the role of consultant, administrator, or manager.

Inquiries should be directed to: Mary T. Blackinton PT, EdD, TDPT Director at 954-262-1278 or 800-356-0026 extension 21278, or Bini Litwin PT, PhD, TDPT Assistant Director at 954-262-1274