Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

United States of America, Boston

University Rank:#384

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University is a Full Time PhD program offered on the Online campus in Boston, United States of America. The program is delivered online in English and can be completed in 3 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on January 1, 2027.

About Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Specifically designed for practicing physical therapists, the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is an innovative, 100%-online program. Integrating art and science, as well as professional and experiential education, the degree curriculum provides you with the necessary knowledge base for today’s doctorly prepared practitioners. Core courses within this physical therapy doctoral program include medical screening and nutrition, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and motor control. The capstone course, Comprehensive Case Analysis, is a culmination of all work within the transitional DPT curriculum. Students will prepare a comprehensive and publishable case report or other scholarly work in partial fulfillment of the requirement for a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

More Details

Unique Features

Designed for practicing physical therapists who currently hold a baccalaureate or master's degree in physical therapy.
Online program allows for flexibility for working professionals.
Students will declare a track option — a clinical or education track. This will steer your elective choice and your Comprehensive Case Analysis Project in either a clinical or educational realm.

Program Objectives

Gain the knowledge and skills required to competently screen patients for a variety of conditions, interpret clinical findings, and make sound clinical judgments
Evaluate the clinical interpretation of various medical imaging techniques, including plain film radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography
Write, refine, and analyze a comprehensive and publishable case report that addresses the patient/client management model, clinical decision-making processes, and resource utilization
Examine current motor control concepts, along with state-of-the-art technology and equipment
Review advanced pharmacologic management concepts, including the interrelationship between pharmacologic management and physical therapy interventions

Career Outlook

Per the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the clinical DPT is now the profession’s terminal degree. In addition, degree-holders can expect to enjoy excellent job prospects for years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow much faster than average for the foreseeable future. This growth can be attributed to an increasing elderly population, as well as medical and technological advancements—all of which are expected to drive demand for advanced rehabilitative and therapeutic services.

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program, integrating professional and experiential education, provides the necessary knowledge base for today’s doctorally prepared practitioners.

Designed for practicing physical therapists who currently hold a baccalaureate or master's degree in physical therapy.
Online program allows for flexibility for working professionals.
Students will declare a track option — a clinical or education track. This will steer your elective choice and your Comprehensive Case Analysis Project in either a clinical or educational realm.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University

Entry Requirements

Online application
Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program
Professional resumé: Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
Academic transcripts:
- Official undergraduate degree transcript in physical therapy OR official graduate degree transcript in physical therapy AND official undergraduate degree transcripts
Foreign academic credentials: must submit the following
- English translation
- Physical therapy credential evaluation: FCCPT (preferred) IERF, or ICD
Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language
Advanced standing may be granted to students that are ABPTS certified or hold similar certifications. Please contact Adam Thomas for further information: [email protected] or 617-373-5906

English Requirements

PTEMin 76
IELTSMin 8
TOEFLMin 108

English Program Requirements

Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

Career Opportunities after Completing Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Fee Information

Application Fee 75

How to Apply

1.Create your application
Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.
2.Submit all required materials
Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.
3.Check your application status
Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

United States of America, Boston