What Is a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)?

DPT stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy. It's an advanced degree than many practicing physical therapists (PTs) have. Down the road, though, all practicing PTs will be DPTs.

This article looks at what it takes to earn a DPT, what DPTs do, where they work, and what to expect from an appointment with a DPT.

Earning DPT Credentials

When you see DPT after a physical therapist's name, it means they've completed the necessary training to become an entry-level physical therapist.

After getting an undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor's degree), someone getting a DPT goes through three more years of schooling. Most of the coursework focuses on movement sciences. Classes include:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Kinesiology (movement)

They may also take other basic science classes such as neurology, cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) rehabilitation, and pharmacology. They may have to complete a special research project, as well.

A major component of DPT education is clinical rotations. During PT school, the student spends time in physical therapy clinics or hospitals, working closely with licensed therapists to learn the basics and hone their rehab skills.

The student may have clinical rotations in a:

• PT clinic
• Hospital
• Nursing home
• Cardiac rehab clinic
• School

Once this is finished and they earn the DPT degree, they still must pass the national PT examination in their state in order to be licensed and practice as a physical therapist.

What Does a DPT Do?

A doctor of physical therapy is a movement expert who can help you regain normal functional mobility after injury or illness. DPTs use a variety of techniques and treatments, including:

• Therapeutic exercise prescription
• Wheelchair modifications
• Joint mobilization
• Functional mobility training
• Application of therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation
• Exercise prescription for improved cardiac and pulmonary function

DPTs also use their expertise to help prevent disability or movement problems. So, if you have any problems with mobility, working with a DPT may be a good idea.

Where Does a DPT Work?

A DPT may work in a variety of settings, such as:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Cardiac rehab clinics
• Neurology-based rehab clinics
• Spinal cord injury clinics
• Schools
• In patient's homes as a homecare therapist
• Outpatient PT clinics
• With sports teams

Physical therapists work with people of all ages, from birth through the later adult years. If you have a problem with normal functional movement, someone with a DPT degree is a good choice to see to help you regain normal mobility.

If you're hospitalized, a professional with a DPT may come to your room to help you regain normal functional mobility so you can return home safely.

What to Expect From a DPT

When working with a DPT, you can expect them to be a movement expert who has a vast knowledge of the body's systems. Your therapist is trained to recognize movement impairments and manage pain.

They can determine whether your condition is severe and requires some other treatment besides physical therapy. And they can implement strategies to help you regain normal, pain-free functional mobility.

If you've had a heart attack or cardiac surgery, you may work with a DPT as part of your cardiac rehab program. They can prescribe the right amount of aerobic exercise to improve your cardiac and respiratory function.

If your child has a movement impairment, they may work with a DPT in their school. The therapist can help ensure that your child's functional movement impairment doesn't limit their ability to participate in school activities.

What if My PT Doesn't Have a DPT?

Many working physical therapists don't have a DPT, yet it's still legal for them to practice.

In the early 2000s, the American Physical Therapy Association set out to have the DPT be the entry-level degree for all PTs by the year 2020. But older therapists with bachelor's or master's degrees can continue practicing under their credentials.

Specialized programs now offer a transitional DPT (t-DPT) degree. The t-DPT is earned over the course of about 12 months, after which the PT can begin using DPT.

Some therapists choose not to obtain the t-DPT degree and continue to practice under their bachelor's or master's degrees. They're still qualified therapists, typically have several years of real-world PT experience, and can achieve excellent outcomes with their patients.

Summary

DPT stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy. That's the degree for people becoming entry-level physical therapists.

Getting a DPT involves three years of school beyond another degree. It requires coursework, clinical work, and passing a national exam.

DPTs work in a variety of medical settings as well as in schools and with sports teams. They're specialists in movement and can help you recover from injuries and mobility-limiting illnesses.

DPT became the required degree for new PTs in 2020. However, PTs practicing before then aren't required to become DPTs.

A Word From Verywell

If you're injured or ill and are having trouble moving normally, or if pain limits your ability to complete your day-to-day tasks, you may benefit from working with a DPT degree.

Physical therapists with a DPT are considered clinical doctors. They can assess your condition and offer treatments that can help you quickly and safely recover.