Department of Physical Therapy

Post-Professional DPT

Coordinator:  Twala Maresh, PT, DPT, ATP

                         twalam@uca.edu

The post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is designed to extend the roles of physical therapists in areas that were not fully developed in initial professional degree programs, particularly diagnosis and evidenced-based practice. The curricular track focuses on content the profession has determined is essential to the practice capabilities of holders of the clinical doctorate. The post-professional DPT is for the physical therapist who wishes to update and develop advanced skills. The purpose of both options are to serve the public's need for physical therapy practitioners, to provide opportunities for advancement for physical therapists, to fill advanced clinical roles, to contribute to scholarship of practice, and to provide leadership and service related to the profession and society.

Program Format

The post-professional DPT program is designed with the clinician in mind. Therefore, all courses are non-traditional in their delivery format. The core courses (36 credit hours) are all offered electronically through online instruction using Web CT.   This means that there is no on campus class requirement for the core courses.  The electives ( 6 credit hours) may be offered in the on-line format or be offered in one of the following modes of course delivery, 1) exclusively on-campus in a non-traditional time format (such as two weekends, Friday through Sunday), 2) combination of the on-campus class meetings in a non-traditional time format AND the use of online instruction using WebCT.   Overall, any courses with meetings on campus continue to require class attendance of only 3 to 6 days per semester, which is often spread over one or two weekends.

Program Objectives

The graduate of the Post–Professional DPT curriculum

• integrates medical screening, diagnosis, and prognosis within clinical practice and serves as a primary practitioner.
• applies contemporary practice language and principles using the disability and patient/client management models and reflecting cultural sensitivity.
• Exhibits knowledge in screening, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention in the four areas of practice (musculosketetal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary) and exhibits skill in at least one area.
• Mentors less experienced therapists in at least one area of practice, provides consultation to patient/clients and other health care practitioners, and facilitates the client referral process.
• uses evidence-based practice where evidence is available and consensus-based practice when necessary.
• evaluates clinical practice outcomes for individual patients/clients and for populations.
• participates in clinical scholarship, including dissemination to colleagues through presentations and publications, in clinical administration, and in clinical or academic teaching.
• advances the profession of physical therapy through participation in national associations, accreditation activities, patient and legislative advocacy, public health policy decisions and other professional roles.

Admission Requirements

• Earned professional (entry level) degree in physical therapy at the Masters Level (MS, MPT) from a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program.
• Hold a current License to practice physical therapy in the U.S.
• A GPA of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) for the professional degree and any graduate course taken since earning the professional degree.
• Completion of the GRE
• Admission to the graduate school at UCA.

Requirements Based on Entry Level

Curriculum for the Post Professional DPT (post- master's degree)

Course substitution is possible with approval by Chairperson based upon Professional self-assessment.

Proposed Course Sequence

Elective Courses

Six (6) credit hours of required electives may be taken during the program of study based upon availability and student's semester courseload. 

Tuition and Fees

For Summer 2008 sessions, tuition in the graduate program is $235.50 per semester hour for in-state residents and $436.50.00 per semester for out-of-state residents.  Per semester university fees total approximately $43.00.  An $11.00 per semester PT Department fee and/or lab fee may be applied in addition. 

For Fall 2008, tuition in the graduate program is $249.50 per semester hour for in-state residents and $459.50.00 per semester for out-of-state residents.  Per semester university fees total approximately $84.00.  An $11.00 per semester PT Department fee and/or lab fee may be applied in addition. 

A complete university Fee Schedule can be viewed at http://www.uca.edu/divisions/admin/finserv/studentaccounts/tuitionfees.asp

Future Courses

Please click Future Courses for a list of required and elective courses being offered in upcoming semester(s).** NOTE: These course descriptions DO NOT represent courses offered each semester - please refer to the future courses page for current course offerings.**

Course Descriptions

For course descriptions of all PTHY courses, see the University Graduate Bulletin. 

Important Notice!!

The students accepted to the post-professional DPT program have 8 years in which to finish their degree. Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for additional information.

Application

To apply to the Post-Professional DPT Program click here!

For Futher Information, please contact: 

Twala Maresh, DPT, PT,ATP

Coordinator Post-profesional DPT Program
University of Central Arkansas
Physical Therapy Center
201 Donaghey Ave.
Conway, AR 72035-0001
twalam@uca.edu