Attention: New Nursing Students
We value the health of our students, faculty, and employees–and their loved ones. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have determined it will not be safe to travel to campus for on-site instruction during the Fall term. Instead, learning activities will be delivered via distance technology, according to individual syllabus instructions..
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
in Pediatric Science
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers a limited-residency transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program with an emphasis in pediatric science. The tDPT in pediatrics is a three-semester program with an optional 4th semester to complete an individualized Pediatric Science capstone project. The limited-residency transitional DPT program is designed to provide meaningful and obtainable post-professional education while addressing the public’s need for high-quality physical therapy service. We do this by providing practicing clinicians with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors commensurate with evidence-based practice.
The Rocky Mountain University transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a blended learning-model, which allows physical therapists with a bachelor’s or master’s degree to pursue a post-professional clinical doctorate without having to relocate.
Important Dates
Academic Model
Program Highlights
Start Date
August 31, 2020
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy in Pediatric Science
This program highlights aspects of pediatric science such as pediatric pharmacology and imaging, pediatric medical screening and differential diagnosis, pediatric gait, early intervention and school-based practice issues, leadership and consultation in pediatric settings, and inter-professional collaboration in pediatric global health. An individually designed pediatric science capstone project allows students to develop a clinical, teaching, or administrative project related to pediatrics.
Graduation Rate – 100%
Request More Information
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
The RMUoHP limited-residency transitional clinical doctorate program in physical therapy, as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), provides post-bachelor’s and post-master’s physical therapists with opportunities to augment knowledge, skills, and behaviors attained in initial professional education. This program assists students to prepare for specialist certification as a Pediatric Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (8060 165th Avenue NE Ste 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the US Department of Education.
NOTE: The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) does not accredit transitional DPT programs. Therefore, our tDPT program is not accredited by CAPTE.
Become a leader in pediatric physical therapy
We encourage you to explore the program materials on our website, attend a virtual information session, talk with RMUoHP tDPT alumni, and meet with a program advisor who can help you decide whether Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is the best choice for your goal of receiving a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. We are here to be of assistance every step of the way as you make this exciting decision, and we hope you will join us at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Learn more about our transitional DPT in pediatrics program
The tDPT program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is the sole transitional DPT program focused on pediatric science while fulfilling the requirements of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Our program currently has a 100% graduation rate and employs distinguished faculty in pediatric science with primary faculty positions at multiple universities across the nation. With faculty who are pediatric science experts, students are successfully guided through their individualized capstone project.
Through completion of the transitional DPT program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, our graduates go on to become leaders in pediatric physical therapy in their communities and in the nation.
We are committed to the development
of pediatric physical therapists who can:
Demonstrate Evidence-Based Practice
Conduct evidence-based, reflective analyses of pediatric patient care, and develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors commensurate with evidence-based practice.
Exhibit Leadership Skills
Identify and analyze advanced-level pediatric management including screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, care plans, intervention, and outcomes assessment.
Promote Ethical Practice
Apply ethical theories and legal standards to decision-making regarding healthcare issues.
Expand the Body of Knowledge
Demonstrate technical writing and professional presentation competencies.
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty
Venita Lovelace-Chandler, PT, PhD, PCS
Janice McElroy, PT, PhD, PCS
Sonia Paquette, OTD, OTR/L, CPE, ABVE-D
Rebecca Reder, OTD, OTR/L
Janet B. Tankersley PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
Darl Vander Linden PT, DPT, PhD, PCS
“I found the RMUoHP tDPT program to be very challenging and very rewarding. My instructors were industry leaders in their areas of expertise, and I came away from the program with not only an advanced degree but very practical and usable skills and knowledge. I also work with the entry-level PT students during their fieldwork internships and find that they are high-quality students, and are making a very positive impact in our clinics and our communities. Because of my positive experience with the University, I would highly recommend RMUoHP for their advanced degree programs, as well as their entry-level programs.”
“The commitment to excellence was evident in all aspects of the tDPT program at RMUoHP. Faculty members were highly competent and held top-level leadership positions at major universities and in professional organizations. Returning to school after 34 years of practice was a challenging experience, but the caring professors and cohort members made this a worthwhile endeavor. The knowledge and skills acquired during this program have provided a foundation for continued personal and professional development.”
“RMU provided me the opportunity to return to school after 20 years and made the learning process with technology comfortable and engaging. I appreciated the support the instructors provided and the encouragement to all of us to challenge ourselves in educational goals.”
“I began my doctorate program already 25 years into my career. From that work, I have gone into working in community-based fall prevention. This development has allowed me to use my experience in geriatrics to focus on evidence-based fall prevention. I took Geriatric specialization exam and passed. I am now working with PT school and large Geriatric clinic to enhance their fall prevention work.”
“I began my doctorate program already 25 years into my career. From that work, I have gone into working in community-based fall prevention. This development has allowed me to use my experience in geriatrics to focus on evidence-based fall prevention. I took Geriatric specialization exam and passed. I am now working with PT school and large Geriatric clinic to enhance their fall prevention work.”