DPT/PhD Bridge
Rocky Mountain University offers a pathway to the PhD – Health Sciences which would save students time and money versus enrolling in each program separately. RMU Students in the DPT program have the unique option to prepare for a career as an academic physical therapist through the combined DPT/PhD.
Enrolled RMU DPT students interested in pursuing a PhD degree program can apply to the Health Sciences PhD program after their second semester in the DPT program. For this pathway, students must first be accepted into the DPT program and complete at least two semesters in the program. After the second semester, the student should contact the DPT Program Director to inform them of the intent to pursue the combined DPT/PhD.
After being accepted, students can complete specified Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PhD courses (see PhD curriculum here) while enrolled in their normal DPT courses. In addition, specific research-oriented professional degree courses count toward the PhD degree.
This bridge program is designed for DPT students who are interested in careers in academia or research within physical therapy.
Upon completion of the DPT program, accepted RMU students would be eligible to transfer 12 DPT credits and 18 non-degree seeking PhD credits (dependent upon chosen PhD concentration track). These 30 credits would be transferred into the 70-credit PhD program. Students have the option to start in the PhD program in the 4th semester of 12 semesters in the PhD program or they can delay starting if they prefer having more clinical experience (working as a PT for a year) before pursuing their PhD.
Why would someone want to have both degrees?
The DPT is a clinical doctorate. It is the degree required for a student to complete the program and practice as a physical therapist. As part of their professional training for the DPT students will learn about research to keep abreast of their profession throughout their career. The DPT is a clinical degree.
The PhD is a philosophical doctorate. This is the degree required to become a professor at a University. The PhD is the highest degree offered by a university. It requires students to conceive and successfully complete an original investigation to develop original knowledge in their field. At the completion of the PhD, students write a dissertation, which may be the equivalent of a few published research articles. Hence, the PhD prepares students to become independent scientific investigators in their field of study.
The advantage of completing the DPT phase is that the student will (pending passing the licensure exam) have a PT license during the PhD portion. This will enable independent practice as a PT in case the research for the dissertation requires the provision of PT services by the student.
For students interested in eventually becoming a professor of Physical Therapy, this unique DPT/PhD program offers the perfect opportunity to get a head start on their ultimate career goal while saving both time and tuition costs.