If you want to advance your career in physical therapy quickly, enrolling in one of the accelerated 2-year DPT programs may be just what you need.
A two-year DPT program is an excellent choice if you want to enter the workforce faster than your peers or earn a physical therapy degree certificate in less time than it takes to complete an undergraduate degree.
This mode of delivery reduces a four-year undergraduate degree to two years.
Students who complete a two-year DPT program degree are eligible to take National Physical Therapy Exam licensing exams to become registered professionals in this field.
However, it is recommended that you pursue these programs at reputable and accredited institutions that offer this program whether as an accelerated degree or associate degree because they will qualify you for licensure and other professional opportunities.
Continue reading to learn more about two-year DPT programs, which will help you decide whether a two-year degree program in physical therapy is worthwhile.
What is a 2-year DPT program?
A two-year DPT program is an accelerated physical therapy program that allows students to complete their degrees in as little as 24 months.
These kinds of programs are extremely uncommon in the United States. They are also more common in Europe and other parts of the world where degree programs can be completed in a much shorter period of time.
They are typically more expensive than a three-year or four years DPT degree program, but you will save a year’s worth of money on things like housing, books, and daily living expenses.
Benefits of an accelerated 2 year DPT programs
Here are the benefits of enrolling in a two years DPT program:
- Progress faster and be ready to join the workplace in only two years.
- Increase your employability and have the option to gain a degree in just two years.
- Save money on tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.
- Stand out to future employers by demonstrating your ability to perform under stricter time pressures.
How does a two-year DPT work?
A 2 year DPT program would include all of the same modules and material as a three-year degree, but it would be delivered in less time.
There would still be three semesters per academic year, but with shorter breaks in between and few to no summer vacations.
While this may appear to be a bad deal, you would graduate and be job-ready sooner than those enrolled in three years or more programs, which has its own advantages.
Also, enrolling in a two years physical therapy program requires a significant time commitment, but the right program will fully prepare you for the profession.
While your specific classes will vary depending on your program, an example of a physical therapy school course list might include:
- Human anatomy
- Fundamentals of movement
- Research methods
- Clinical practice
- Exercise physiology
- Principles of exercise
- Kinesiology and biomechanics
Types of DPT programs
Below are the types of DPT programs:
- Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Programs
- Three and Three Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
- Post Professional or Transition DPT Programs
- Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
- Online DPT Programs.
Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Programs
The entry-level DPT program is now the standard for those wishing to work as physical therapists. While master’s degrees in physical therapy were previously accepted, you can no longer become certified as a physical therapist without a DPT degree.
This degree is intended for individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree as well as any prerequisite coursework required by the program (typically in the sciences).
Three and Three Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
Some schools allow students to combine their bachelor’s and DPT degrees into a 6-year program. Students admitted as college freshmen will complete the program without having to apply to DPT programs separately.
Students in 3 and 3 programs don’t have to worry about what educational prerequisites they’ll need to meet before applying to DPT school because they’re already baked into the first half of the curriculum. This is a good option for those who know they want to be physical therapists from the start.
Post Professional or Transition DPT Programs
A Transition DPT is for physical therapists who want to further their education in order to meet current certification standards. Physical therapists who were licensed prior to the DPT requirement are not required to earn a post-professional DPT.
However, the program can assist you in learning the content that has been added under current accreditation standards in order for you to be educated to the same standard as physical therapists who are just entering the workforce.
Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
Students in hybrid DPT programs can complete a portion of their education online. Students may complete the majority of their coursework at home but must return to campus for more hands-on and clinical work.
They will also complete clinical experiences, usually near their home, though you should always check clinical placement flexibility before applying to a program.
Hybrid DPTs are an excellent choice for those who require flexibility in terms of where they live and how they complete their degree.
Online DPT Programs
At the moment, online doctor of physical therapy programs is interchangeable with hybrid DPTs. There is currently no online DPT available that does not require students to report to campus on a semesterly.
Where can I study for a 2 Year DPT program?
The following universities offer two-year DPT programs:
- Arcadia University
- Baylor University
- South College
- Tufts University
- Andrews University Transitional DPT
- Shenandoah University Transitional DPT
- University of Michigan – Flint Transitional DPT
- The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Transitional DPT.
#1. Arcadia University
The Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Arcadia University prepares aspiring physical therapists to be the next generation of innovative, patient-centered practitioners. The curriculum at the school is intended to be delivered through a combination of online sessions, on-campus immersions, and clinical education experiences.
Students will spend eight weeks in an inpatient or outpatient setting, supervised by a licensed physical therapist, followed by a 24-week full-time clinical internship.
#2. Baylor University
Baylor University’s mission is to advance societal health through innovative physical therapy education, connection, inquiry, and leadership.
This physical therapy school offers a unique hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that allows you to complete your degree requirements in two years.
Their blended learning format combines distance education best practices, on-campus lab immersion sessions, and clinical education experiences to prepare you as a physical therapist and servant leader in this critical profession.
#3. South College
South College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program offers a 2 year DPT blended-learning model, providing students with a flexible semi-online option for entering the physical therapy profession.
The innovative curriculum, clinical education program, and post-professional residency collaborations are specifically designed to lower the cost of DPT education while also accelerating your future career in physical therapy.
This program includes 65 weeks of classroom instruction spread across 5+ academic quarters, as well as 31 weeks of full-time clinical education in a variety of settings, including an 8-week experiential component and a 23-week terminal clinical experience.
#4. Tufts University
Tufts DPT programs provide an accelerated hybrid education model designed to develop high-performing healthcare professionals with the skills and perspectives required to meet team-oriented healthcare demands in the twenty-first century in order to serve the health and well-being of diverse populations.
When applying to Tufts DPT programs, keep in mind that students who apply for and enroll in DPT Boston must attend clinical skills labs in Boston, whereas students who apply for and enroll in DPT-Phoenix must attend skills labs in Phoenix.
#5. Andrews University Transitional DPT
Andrews University’s transitional two-year DPT program offers advanced learning for practicing physical therapists in medical screening, differential diagnosis, clinical leadership and administration, imaging and laboratory science, therapeutic exercise prescription, education, and research.
#6. Shenandoah University Transitional DPT
Shenandoah University educates students to be critical, reflective thinkers, lifelong learners, and ethical, compassionate citizens committed to making responsible contributions to their community, nation, and world.
Their two-year DPT program stands out by preparing practicing physical therapists to become doctoral-level clinicians through the development of critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills in a collaborative, personalized setting.
#7. University of Michigan – Flint Transitional DPT
The University of Michigan-Flint’s Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program is offered 100% online for currently practicing physical therapists interested in augmenting their bachelor’s or master’s education to earn a DPT degree.
In contributing to your professional growth, the t-DPT program enhances your knowledge and skills, broadens your clinical perspective, and prepares you to be a competent doctoral-level physical therapist practitioner.
#8. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Transitional DPT
This 2 year DPT program is designed for licensed physical therapists who are seeking additional knowledge and skills along with a doctoral degree. The program combines distance learning and web-based instruction with ongoing clinical application.
The web-based instruction allows therapists to continue in practice while pursuing this advanced degree.
FAQs about 2 Year DPT Programs
Are there 2-year DPT programs?
Yes, several institutions provide two-year DPT programs.
Who would benefit from two-year DPT degrees?
A shorter course may be ideal for mature students who are juggling study with other commitments such as work and family, as a year less at university would allow them to return to work sooner or possibly save a year's worth of childcare costs.
How do two-year DPT degrees work?
A two-year degree would include all of the same modules and material as a three-year degree, but it would be delivered in less time.
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Conclusion
A 2 year DPT program is an ideal academic program for PT students who are juggling study with other commitments such as work and family, as a year less at university would allow them to return to work sooner.
Students who live at home and are less involved in the social aspects of university life may prefer the shorter route, particularly if the end qualification is their primary focus.
Those who have a clearer idea of what they want to do with their careers may believe that the shorter academic structure gets them there faster.
So, if this academic path is right for you, get started right away!
