Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for the Transition DPT program if I have a BS in PT?
Any U.S. licensed physical therapist with a BS or MS in Physical Therapy is eligible for the program. The number of courses required to complete the degree varies depending on your prior level of education.
When can I start the Transition DPT program?
The program has a rolling admission, allowing students to enter into the program at various times throughout the year. It is recommended that first time students start by taking DPT 770T Professional Development. This course starts in January, May and August of every year. Unlike the entry-level program, there is no sequence to the courses, except that DPT 770T Professional Development is encouraged as the first course. In addition, DPT 713T Dynamics in Physical Therapy Practice, which includes the capstone experience, should be taken at the end of the Transition DPT program. Typically, the student and a faculty advisor design a learning experience that effectively meets individual needs and expectations.
Can I continue working while doing this program?
Absolutely! The Transition DPT program was designed for the working physical therapist. Our format is structured to allow you to continue your education while also continuing your other personal and professional commitments. On average, students report spending six to eight hours a week on course work.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most Transition DPT students complete the program in 18-24 months, taking one course every eight-week term. However, depending on your prior level of education, you will have 4-5 years to complete the degree so you can choose to go at a slower pace. Most students take one course every term, others may opt to take an eight-week term off depending on what else is going on in their lives. We encourage all students to go at a pace that works for them. This program is highly flexible.
Do I have to take any graduate test, like the GRE, to apply to the program?
NO. The application process is simple and includes only the application, application fee, official transcripts from your PT education, evidence of current and valid PT licensure in the United States, two letters of recommendation and a one-page essay.
Are there prerequisites for the program?
NO. Other than the admission requirements there are no other prerequisites for this program.
What is the cost of the program?
The current cost for the 2009-10 academic year is $481 per semester hour. All courses are three semester hours, or $1,443 per course. The total cost of the program depends on your prior level of education and course waivers. In addition to tuition costs, about half of the courses require textbooks.
Can I take Transition DPT courses before I actually apply for acceptance into the program?
Yes. Prospective students may take up to six semester hours (two courses) as a special or non-degree seeking student before actually applying and matriculating into the Transition DPT program. If you would like to take a course as a special student simply complete the special student application form and fax it back to Alison Campbell at 303-964-5400. Click here for special student application. If you prefer, you may complete the special student application form online.
Click here for special student online application.
Be sure to indicate on the application what class and term you would like to be enrolled in. For the course schedule, click here.
How many students are allowed into each course?
Currently, Regis University requirements for online courses state that the class size for online-only courses (no on-campus component) is a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 students. Courses that have on-campus intensives (weekend on-campus activities) can enroll up to 30 students. This class size allows for effective interaction between the students and course faculty.
I've never taken an online course before. What computer skills do I need to be successful?
Most students in the Transition DPT program are new to online learning. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of computers and be comfortable with navigating web pages using common internet browers, attach documents to e-mails and participate in online discussion groups. An orientation to online learning is available to students two weeks prior to the start of courses and is mandatory for all new students. Additionally, students starting with DPT 770T Professional Development are given extra guidance related to the online classroom to help them adjust to online learning. All students must have reliable, internet access.
How many courses have to be completed each year?
No requirement. All of the courses in the Transition DPT program are completed in eight-week terms. There are six 8-week terms a year. The majority of students take one course every eight weeks. However, it is possible to take more than one course a term. Given that most students in the program are practicing PTs, it is not advisable to take more than two courses in any one eight-week term.
How many courses will I need to take to complete the degree?
If you have a master's degree in physical therapy from a program other than Regis, you can expect to take 9 to 11 courses (depending upon PTET evaluation or APTA clinical specialty) which can be completed in 18-22 months. BS prepared physical therapists can complete the program in 12 to 15 courses (depending on PTET evaluation or APTA clinical specialty) which can be completed in 24-30 months, taking one course at a time.
What is the PTET?
The Physical Therapy Evaluation Tool (PTET) is offered through APTA as a way to objectively and efficiently assess your prior experience for college credit. We encourage PTs with over five years of experience to complete the PTET as it has been our experience that the majority of these individuals receive the maximum allowable credit waived (thus having to complete the lowest number of courses as described above).
How many core courses and elective courses are required?
The Transition DPT program requires six core courses, two to three management courses, and the remainder of the courses are elective course determined by the student. See Transition DPT Curriculum.
Would I be able to complete the program requirements by taking online courses only?
Not entirely. All courses are online but a few have a weekend hands-on components in addition to the online portion of the class. You will be on campus 3-4 weekends total depending on which management courses you choose. Weekend courses are typically Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Courses with weekend intensives contain material not suitable for total online delivery. For example, we offer a course on manipulation of the cervical and thoracic spine. The course has an online component, but a weekend intensive course concentrates on developing the manual techniques. The on-campus courses are indicated with an asterisk in the above list. To find out the dates of upcoming weekend intensives, go to the course schedule link above.
How many courses with a weekend intensive requirement are offered each semester?
Typically, no more than two. If two courses are offered that have a weekend intensive, we will try to address the requirements for both courses in the same weekend session. It may require a maximum of a four-day stay – Friday thru Monday.
Can I do this program if I do not live in Colorado?
YES. We have a large number of Transition DPT students who live outside of Colorado. Also, because Regis is a private university there is no difference in tuition costs for Colorado residents vs. non-residents.
Is there a limit as to how quickly someone can accomplish the online requirements?
We expect that the person who wants to complete the degree as quickly as possible should be able to do so in 12-24 months. The wildcard here is that someone like you, who is a few years out may be able to have some credits waived due to professional experience and possible certifications acquired. This is why individuals who are interested may need to consult with a faculty advisor to determine the most appropriate plan. Unlike the entry-level program, the Transition DPT has more flexibility in offering the student course options to match interest areas.
My current job will reimburse me for the tuition of courses taken at an accredited university with a passing grade. Will there be a grading system and documentation I would be able to provide to my employer?
Students taking Transition DPT courses will receive letter grades, which will be reflected on the official transcript. For example, in DPT 741T Management of Lumbosacral Disorders, the students are graded on 1) online chat group discussions related to patients management from an evidence-based practice perspective, and 2) written case report which involves tracking clinical outcomes on a patient and describing the intervention and decision making process. Typically, there will be no formal testing in the Transition DPT courses.
If I am a Regis University PT alumni, do I need to complete the entire application (recommendation letters, transcripts) for the fall semester?
Regis University PT graduates do not need to submit transcripts. However, we do want a colleague or supervisor to comment on your clinical skills, so the recommendations are required. The essay is also required. As a reminder, you can take up to 2 courses (6 credit hours) prior to formally matriculating to the program. Therefore, you can try the Transition DPT program before fully committing. As a non-degree seeking student, you do not have to complete the full application process in order to take your first course.
What are the minimum technical requirements for online courses?
Technical requirements of online courses are available at www.regis.edu/rhshpspecs .