Program Overview

University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, as well as a PhD in Rehabilitation Science. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in physical therapy, preparing them for careers in clinical practice, research, and academia.

DPT-PhD Pathway

The DPT-PhD pathway is a dual degree program that allows students to earn both a DPT and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in research and academia, and provides them with the opportunity to gain advanced research training and experience.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the DPT-PhD pathway, applicants must have been accepted into the CU DPT program and meet the eligibility requirements for the PhD program. Applicants must also indicate their interest in the pathway on their PTCAS application to the CU DPT Program, and notify the Program Director of their continued interest in transitioning to the PhD program by January 1 of Year 2 of DPT training.

Program Structure

The DPT-PhD pathway is a 6-7 year program that includes both DPT and PhD training. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in physical therapy, as well as advanced research training and experience.

• DPT Training: 3 years
• Transition Opportunities: 1-2 years
• PhD Training: 2-3 years

Transition Opportunities

During the transition period, students have the opportunity to engage in research assistantships, participate in the CCTSI T32 program, or complete a year-long clinical education internship. These opportunities provide students with valuable research experience and help to bridge the gap between clinical training and PhD research.

PhD Training

The PhD training phase is designed to develop students into independent researchers, with a focus on clinical research projects and completion of a minimum of 30 hours of required coursework.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the DPT-PhD pathway are well-positioned for careers in academia, research, and clinical practice. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in their field, and to make significant contributions to the advancement of physical therapy and rehabilitation science.

Financial Benefits

The DPT-PhD pathway offers a number of financial benefits, including a fully funded PhD program, stipends, and opportunities for additional scholarships and training grants.

Testimonials

Graduates of the DPT-PhD pathway have reported that the program provided them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their careers, and that the PhD training opened doors to new career opportunities that would not have been available with a DPT alone.

Commonly Asked Questions

• Can you transfer credits into the PhD program? Courses completed from clinical degree programs cannot be counted toward PhD degree.
• Are there opportunities for clinical work during the PhD program? Due to the full-time status of the PhD training, you may only work clinically outside of PhD training for up to 10 hours a week.
• What opportunities are there for teaching experience or education? Teaching is not the focus of training or a requirement of this PhD program, but teaching assistant opportunities exist within the CU DPT program.
• Will there be early exposure to research as a DPT student? Early opportunities for paid lab experience and exposure are available starting as soon as your first semester of DPT school.