Why DPT?

The profession of physical therapy is ever evolving and changing. One of the biggest changes in the last 20 years has been the transition to the DPT or Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. As of today, all Physical Therapy Schools are at a doctoral level (except for one). By the year 2020, a graduating Physical Therapist will not be eligible to take the boards and become a licensed Physical Therapist unless he or she has a DPT (those already licensed without a DPT will still be licensed and able to practice). This means that all graduates of those programs have extra training in differential diagnosis, pharmacology, radiology, and often more time spent out in various clinical rotations.

The education provided by DPT programs is intensive and comprehensive. Graduates come out ready to treat a wide range of patients – young, old, athletes, couch potatoes, parents, kids, and everyone in between. Between Corvallis and Albany Sport and Spine, there are 6 physical therapists with DPT after their names.

Doctors of Physical Therapy are educated and prepared to practice without the direct supervision of a doctor and have the training to know when it’s necessary to refer you to your primary care physician or a specialty physician. Check out one of our previous blog posts about direct access here – https://csspt.com/2014/06/13/direct-access-2/.

One of the owners of CSSPT just graduated with her transitional (tDPT) doctorate in August. Carrol worked hard over the past few years – not only running a business and family, but studying for tests, writing papers, and giving presentations. Carrol, or should we say “Dr. Esterhuizen”, has graduated with the most up to date information on physical therapy and what treatment is best for her patients. We are so proud of her – way to go Carrol!

-Erin Bell PT, DPT