Why do people pursue DPT after PT school?

[zonee2k]

I don't have much knowledge about PT's in the US unfortunetly, but I'm wondering why one would go after a DPT after 4-5 years of study already? Isnt it just in case you want to research in science that you get one of those? Cause thats what it would imply atleast here in Sweden.

I can't imagen that if you are intrested more in the clinical work a DPT would be worth it? Wouldnt a specialisation be much more appealing post MSPT?

Sorry if I got it all wrong,
PT stud.

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[GTT4DPT]

hi zonee,

I think the distinction to make here is between a DPT (a clinical doctorate) and a PhD (a research doctorate).

Previously, a person could go to school, get their master's in PT and then go out into the world. But finding a program that still offers a Master's is difficult--maybe impossible--now. They've pretty much all switched to DPT in order to comply with the APTA's Vision 2020:

http://www.apta.org/vision2020/

That web page might be worth reading if you're interested in what the profession is trying to do here in the states. Getting the PhD is a separate process that would really only seem worthwhile if you wanted to teach or do research (as you noted).

gtt

 

[dizzy88]

The PT's I know who did their transitional stated that it was to be more informed and implement evidence based practice. They claimed that this principle wasn't really stressed when they were in school.

 

[469738]

The PT i go to obtained her PT degree in the 70's. and the MPT in the 90s, DPT in the last 2 years over her 35+ year career because the hours in the classes count toward continuing education credits. Not sure if this CEU number varies by state, but this helped her stay relevant to the latest PT trends and as well refresh her PT knowledge.