The DPT program is certainly above and beyond the MS level program...however, we recognize it as a D...

1. Is the DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree a joke?
The DPT program is certainly above and beyond the MS level program...however, we recognize it as
a DPT degree...We recognize that it is NOT, I repeat, NOT a pHD which is an entirely different field
of specialization and practice.
Finally, recognize that many of the health care pracitices are showing this trend...audiology,
pharmacology, and speech language pathology.
But if you'd rather go to a PT who has not had the training to recognize that you need to go back to
your doctor...then it's your life and wasted time/money.
ADDENDUM: A physiatrist is not a "real doctor of physical therapy." A physiatrist is a MEDICAL
doctor who is an expert in MEDICAL management of people who are underdoing rehabilitation.
Namely, more detailed knowledge in pharmacology, radiology, differential diagnosis, research, etc.
For instance, a medical diagnosis might be "herniated nucleus pulposus" but the PT dx is:
derrangement syndrome based on how the pain behaves with repeated movement testing. First, the
DPT does not result in higher salary. It was done to make the practicioner better able to screen for
other health issues that may arise during the course of therapy. This will be needed as direct access
is pushed through...meaning we will need to be better screeners to rule in what is a
neuromusculoskeletal problem and what isn't. As more and more responsibility is shoved onto the
physical therapist, the field has collectively realized that there were many components lacking in our
education. Sorry you feel that way. The problem is that most non-professionals do not understand
the difference between functional and medical diagnosis...nor the different between medicine and
the professional practices.
. Another example is a medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease...here the PT dx would be "gait
abnormality" which is based on the physical assessment. These other health issues often require
referral to another provider (often times back to the physician). Rather, it has been in process over
the last decade.
The DPT is still recognized as an "entry level" degree and in no way influences political power.
Second, the PT degree did not go to a doctorate overnight. This is mearly to protect the patient.
The extra coursework went above and beyond the traditional master's degree...and even though the
DPT is still considered "entry level," the APTA does recognize the fundamental differences in
programs.
You can look for yourself to compare a DPT level program:
http://pt.creighton.edu/newptVer2/pt/ent...
and an MS level program

2. http://catalog.niu.edu/preview_program.p...
Notice the difference in diagnostic and core science level classes. These are in no way medical
diagnoses which SHOULD be left to the physician. They have an UNDERSTANDING of what we do,
but do not receive the most up to date information on techniques used in therapy.
Fianlly, PTs recognize that we cannot make a MEDICAL diasnosis, but it is imperitive that we make
a "PT diagnosis"...this includes terms that describe functional limitations. They are not, I repeat, not
fully educated on the hands on techniques we apply during therapy