Physical Therapy Doctor of Science
Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy (ScD) is the first of its kind in the Southwest. The ScD Program is a logical means for therapists to achieve needed levels of expertise and specialization by providing an advanced skill set that is increasingly essential for successful practice in modern society. This program will provide therapists with the opportunity to develop the advanced knowledge base, clinical skills, and professional competencies needed for state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment of their patients. As result, it will allow them to increase their level of sophistication, efficiency, efficacy, and clinical outcomes in orthopaedic physical therapy practice.
The ScD Program is designed to prepare clinical practitioners in the area of advanced orthopaedic physical therapy with an emphasis in clinical diagnostics and manual therapy. In addition, the program provides ScD students with the opportunity to develop expertise in clinical education and/or research, thus contributing to the development and growth of evidence-based practice within the profession. Moreover, it provides students with expertise to manage patients with complex musculoskeletal problems. These learning opportunities will be enhanced through the new multi-million dollar teaching and research facilities located at TTUHSC, the latest technology, and faculty who are experts in the area of orthopaedic physical therapy practice.
Here are few of the highlights that make the ScD Program in Physical Therapy at TTUHSC an ideal setting for practicing physical therapists to continue their post-professional education:
The program admits clinicians with bachelor's or master's PT degrees, as well as a D.P.T. degree.
The program provides an advanced clinical orthopaedic curriculum that emphasizes PT diagnostics and manual therapy.
The curriculum is presented in a weekend course format with web-based course enhancement.
The program offers a clinical or research mentoring experience.
Students are allowed to continue with their clinical employment as PTs while enrolled, as their work settings provide the ideal place for applying what is learned in the program.
Each ScD student has the option of emphasizing clinical research and/or clinical teaching.
The curriculum can serve as a potential source for continuing education units.
The program provides preparation for Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) examination.
Thank you for your interest in our program. It is our belief that we offer one of the most unique and thorough post-professional orthopaedic physical therapy education programs in the country. Should you have any questions on the program, please do not hesitate to e-mail the program director at phil.sizer@ttuhsc.edu. For any questions related to prerequisites, enrollment deadlines, etc., e-mail our Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at allied.health@ttuhsc.edu.