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DPT Schools
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DPT Schools - November 7, 2000 4:00:00 AM
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Dash
Posts: 31
Joined: November 6, 2000
From: Durham, NC
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Hello all I am new to the forum. I am changing careers from accounting to physical therapy and have decided to apply to several DPT programs including Duke, Emory and USC. I was wondering if there are any current students or others that can give me any kind of information regarding the programs at these schools. Any feedback would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Shawn H.
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Re: DPT Schools - November 10, 2000 7:03:00 AM
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mcap
Posts: 652
Joined: February 8, 2000
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Shawn:
There are previous threads where this issue was debated....passionately. I suggest you go through some of the older ones and take a look.
Is the DPT right for you. Depends on your circumstances. There are several questions to consider:
1. Is the curriculum of the DPT program you are applying to radically different from it's old curriculum. I know of programs switching to the DPT that do not radically alter their content. But apparently some do and add much more.
2. Right now the DPT will not lead to any advanced clinical or academic opportunities in and of itself. YOur pay will be comparable. BUT this may change in the future.
3. The extra year of expenses and tuition can really add up in the long run - as an accountant, you know this better than me.
Some people are graduating with six figure debts into a field that in no way pay enough to allow them to make monthly payments.
Many DPT students I know simply have not done the math.
I would conclude by saying this. If you feel that this is truly the field for you and you know that you will be dedicated then explore the financial realities. If the added expense will not criple your finances and this is your calling then I would recommend the DPT.
HOWEVER, make sure that you are enrolling in a quality program not one that is simply going to the DPT and adding some extra courses. Is is more important to go to a good program than it is to have a title. Many good programs (including mine [IMG]http://www.rehabedge.com/forums/smile.gif[/IMG] are moving in this direction so you might be in luck. But the degree given doesn't always reflect the quality of the content.
As always...the best thing to do is to find grads of some of these programs and to get their opinions.
Good luck and welcome to the profession....
mcap
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Re: DPT Schools - November 10, 2000 8:37:00 AM
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Dash
Posts: 31
Joined: November 6, 2000
From: Durham, NC
Status: offline
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mcap:
Thanks very much for the feedback. I have reviewed some of the older threads on the DPT before and did get alot of info from them. What program are you in?
Also besides the obvious differences in educational requirements, etc. what is the difference in a physiatrist and a physical therapist? It seems that they perform many of the same duties although I assume since a physiatrist is an MD he/she can order and interpret imaging and prescribe meds. It seems that one of the major pushes for the DPT is to be a primary clinical care practitioner but isn't that basically what a physiatrist is? Again any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Shawn
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Re: DPT Schools - November 10, 2000 12:54:00 PM
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mcap
Posts: 652
Joined: February 8, 2000
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Shawn:
I went to Columbia which is preparing to convert to the DPT. I am out of school for about 4 years now and counting. SallieMae is actually keeps track for me, month by month and dollar by dollar [IMG]http://www.rehabedge.com/forums/frown.gif[/IMG]
A physiatrist????? They are very different. A physiatrist is a physician with and MD or DO degree and a residency in rehabilitation medicine. As physicians it is their responsibility to diagnose the patient. Ours is to evaluate and treat. These may seem like similar responsibilities but they are different.
In many situations, physiatrists exert a great deal of authority over PTs. It is a bone of contention in some areas. The are often the medical directors of PT departments.
The two are not interchangeable even though, in some instances, there may be some overlap. If you are considering physiatry then there are the greater issues of being a doctor and practicing medicine to consider.
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Re: DPT Schools - November 14, 2000 6:45:00 AM
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Dash
Posts: 31
Joined: November 6, 2000
From: Durham, NC
Status: offline
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mcap:
Again thanks for your feedback. I was wondering if you have any opinion on the program at Duke. It seems to be pretty good but if anyway else has had some experience with it I would appreciate your comments. I know that Andrew Ball has said that he was impressed with the students there and it is where I hope to be accepted.
And yes the cost of the DPT is a major issue for me especially at a private school so that is something that I have to contend with. I am very interested in doing research as well as practice as a clinician and understand that is another goal of the DPT. Can you teach with a DPT?
Shawn
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Re: DPT Schools - November 15, 2000 8:07:00 AM
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mcap
Posts: 652
Joined: February 8, 2000
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Shawn:
I have direct experience with the Duke program but in general, I have heard very good things about the program. I assume it is one of the best but Andrew has more experience with it.
No one will be able to tell you what opportunities will be available to you with the DPT. If you are interested in research, the DPT, in theory, should prepare you more thoroughly. It may also increase adjunct teaching possibilities, I am not sure. As an adjunct, you will need to have some expertise in a particular area.
If you are interested in a full-time faculty position or in full time research, then an additional degree will probably necessary. For most tenure track positions currently, I think they are asking for completion of or pursuit of a PhD. As more advanced DPTs evolve, they may be suitable as well. We shall see. The entry level DPT however, will probably not be acceptable for full time teaching or research.
No one knows what will happen although I am sure some people have a better idea than me.
If you have additional questions about the field then feel free to email me privately at mcap56@hotmail.com.
Take care,
Mcap
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Re: DPT Schools - November 15, 2000 8:09:00 AM
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mcap
Posts: 652
Joined: February 8, 2000
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Shawn:
The first line should read "I do NOT have direct experience with the program"
mcap
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