I applaud the PT profession in USA progress to a doctoring profession, making the doctorate the entry-ticket to PT practice. While in terms of knowledge and clinical skills, there may not be any different between the entry-level DPTs and the PTs with the entry-level bachelor's or master's in PT. Perhaps, entering the PT (DPT, that is) educational program after some years of diverse undergraduate studies does produce more mature and motivated graduates.

 However, I feel the transitional DPT degree is quite redundant, although I understand this is modeled somewhat after pharmacy. I agree that the doctorate for BS or MS/MPT holders should be an advanced doctorate and the degree should differentiate these advanced, experienced clinicians from the new graduates. A DScPT or DPTSc degree would be more appropriate.

I'm in my last semester of the tDPT program. I think it's a matter of spending money 'buying' the degree cos the coursework doesn't demand much from you. In fact, I feel that I'm putting in less effort than when I was in the bachelor's program. Maybe the clinical experience and some other factors made it easier for me to breeze through the tDPT curriculum. Hey, it's an easy way to earn a 'Dr' title..... Anyway, I just don't feel challenged intellectually and academically. I'm already doing what the program advocates. Essentially, other than polishing my academic writing skills, I don't feel I've learned much. For this reason, I'm planning to pursue an advanced doctorate (PhD) next year.

What do other tDPT students or graduates think? Would love to hear from you.

CK, you must have a gifted intellect.   Everyone I've spoken to about the tDPT from various Programs say they found it very challenging; mostly due to concurrently working full-time, learning Research/writing skills, and doing hours of homework per week.   No one has told me it's been a breeze, and having a large family, would increase the challenge.  

Regarding the DScPT, I don't believe your Clinical skills would get any better than a tDPT unless you supplemented it with a Residency / Fellowship program.   However, I do believe the DScPT would be a wise choice if you had some extra time and money as it would increase your job opportunities, particularly in fields of Education and Research. 

I applaud you for your optimism and your passion towards advancing your degree to a DPT.  If you are aiming to be the capable PCP you wish to become, check out the available programs that  DO offer the same training as for a PCP.  If you find one, please post it.  As far as my research went for the schools in CA, there wasn't any current DPT program that offered the same caliber of education compared to a MD, who's the current PCP. 

All the comments involved money, therefore the cost value ratio of the being a PT should be considered. Every career costs money to educate and differ on your choice as you negotiate your salary to dictate how long it takes to "break even" and even becoming profitable.   The majority of the working class wants a steady check and has no concern of their productivity or practice of economics of what they do relates to what they make. This lack of awareness is the biggest missing element in the curriculum for all healthcare providers. Schools graduates practitioners that are just scrambling after scraps that insurance companies throws at us after reaping the bulk of premiums from their members.

If you want to make money, then negotiate for the most profitable reimbursement for your time and effort. School has not shown itself to be a high percentage yielding investment choice.

Hi BJ,

  I was searching for information to support creating a career ladder in the hospital I work for based on earning advanced degrees like the DPT.  I submitted a wage increase proposal for attaining the DPT degree and was asked to provide information from other facilities that do monetarily recognize the DPT program.  In your post, you stated that your health system increased the base salary of PT's with the DPT in mind.  Would you be willing to share that information with me regarding pay differential.  I don't necessarily need the pay scales, only the increased amount.  I greatly appreciate any help you can provide me.

Thank you in advance for your time!

Heidi M. Howard, PT, DPT

I think this is an interesting discussion in seeing what a lot of people think of these issues.  I have my master's degree in PT and some years experience.  I want to continue to learn and advance my skills and knowledge.  I recently looked at the doctorate programs that are currently available and am kind of disappointed.  I don't want a superficial degree.  I actually want to learn advanced skills that I can use in practice.    A lot of the programs have a significant portion online which makes me think the degree is just about going through the motions and paying up.  I don't even know if I should pursue it at this point since the profession seems to be a mess right now.  I definitely agree with some of the posts about how the cost of the education required and the financial payout do not match.  I think its great that a lot of PTs, including myself, want to further their education and skills to improve patient care and outcomes with the hope that it will benefit them as well.  However, it doesn't seem that any increase in PT salaries is even possible due to cutbacks in reimbursement and limitations on the number of visits allowed.  I don't even know what universal healthcare would mean for the profession which seems inevitable in the near future.  Are PTs overqualified for the actual job?  Maybe I should have become an orthopedic doctor instead.   I think a lot of people went into the profession with good intentions of making a positive difference doing what they enjoy (working with people, working in the health/fitness industry, etc).  PTs chose to go into physical therapy for a reason rather than becoming "doctors".  Entry level DPT as a requirement does seem kind of ridiculous.  If I knew this when I started school, I probably would have chosen a more profitable profession in the medical field (although I like therapy, you do have to pay the bills and who wants to be overqualified and underpaid).  I don't know if the APTA goals are realistic.  PTs are already strapped for time and often have to delegate a lot of the care to assistants and aides because of the clinics caseload whether the PT likes it or not (and it does affect quality).    It does seem like a lot of therapists are concerned about the letters after their name and their certifications and I haven't noticed any better outcomes or improved quality of care.  There does seem to be an us versus them mentality concerning new DPTs and PTs with many years of experience.  I am worried that although the DPT may increase knowledge and ambition, it may not actually make a difference in the clinic where time and money are limited.  I don't see PT salary increasing much no matter what education we receive unless patients are willing to pay out of their own pocket to see a PT "doctor" or "specialist" with this or that certification (a lot of patients don't even realize that they are receiving a different level care from an aide versus a PT)...otherwise, where would the money come from?  It will be very interesting to see what comes of the profession in the next 10-15 years.