With approximately 61 accredited Doctorate of Physical Therapy programs in the United States today, the University of Delaware decided to convert their program to this degree.  As part of the final masters class of physical therapy at U of D, we were introduced to the new DPT class in the summer of 2002 and they will be the first DPT graduates in the winter of 2005. The new program replaces the previous MPT program and includes changes to the curriculum.  The MPT program of old was 71+ hours of class and clinical experience and was finished over a span of 2 years, faster than many other masters programs around the nation.  The new program will span 2 ½ years, with an extra summer and fall semester to increase the hour load to 105.  The masters program required the completion of 5 clinical experiences outside of the university and a part-time internship at the PT clinic that is located in the basement of McKinly Laboratory.  The curriculum of the DPT program includes 3 full time and 3 part time clinical experiences.  In addition to a part-time internship in the UD PT clinic, DPT students will complete both geriatric and pediatric integrated clinical experiences.  The application and admission procedures remain the same for the two programs. The faculty senate unanimously approved the proposition of the DPT program in March of 2002.

The university's change over to the DPT follows along with the vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association.  The APTA vision for 2020 refers to the hope that all accredited schools will have entry level Doctorate of Physical Therapy programs by the year 2020.  The advancement to these degrees reflects hope for a more autonomous profession, one in which we could continue to grow and mature and be recognized as diagnosticians.  Another prominent difference between the MPT and DPT relates to the depth of their curricula.  The newly implemented DPT programs may include more intense study of differential diagnosis, pharmacology, radiology/imaging, health care management, histology, pathology, and others subjects.

Many people wonder if the University of Delaware will provide a “transitional” doctorate program to allow clinicians with masters degrees the opportunity to further their education.  At this time, Delaware does not have a transitional program in its future plan, but there are several programs around the area that may provide this service.  Possibilities in the area include: Arcadia, Hannahmen, and Temple Universities.  These programs allow for skill development, while offering classes during the weekend, or even over the Internet.