Physical Therapy (ScD) - Hybrid

Program Overview

The Sc.D. Program in Physical Therapy at TTUHSC is tailored to practicing physical therapists who want to continue their post-professional education:

• Admission is open to clinicians holding a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy, or a doctor of physical therapy degree.
• The program provides an advanced clinical curriculum that includes concepts from biomechanical, tissue specific, and motor control models that relate to every physical therapy setting and patient population.
• The hybrid curriculum is presented in a weekend course format with web-based course enhancement.
• The program allows clinicians to develop relationships and share ideas in the areas of clinical practice, research, and
  teaching.
• You are encouraged to continue with your clinical employment while enrolled. Your professional work setting is the ideal setting for applying what you learn in the program.
• As an Sc.D. student you have the option of clinical research or clinical teaching for your clinical dissertation project.
• The curriculum serves as a potential option for continuing education units.

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) does not offer accreditation for post-professional programs in physical therapy, such as the Sc.D. in Physical Therapy.

The TTUHSC Sc.D. program in Physical Therapy develops professional leaders, mentors, educators, and clinical researchers.

• Since its inception in 2001, over 45% of our program graduates have gained full-time faculty positions in entry-level physical therapy education programs.
• Over 30% have developed into post-professional educators outside the formal academic setting. These individuals continue to work in clinical settings while serving as educators to other clinicians through workshops or continuing education courses.
• Several program graduates are serving in an academic leadership capacity and many have transitioned into clinical director or clinical owner positions.

For TTUHSC School of Health Professions to offer online courses in a state other than Texas, TTUHSC must first comply with that state's requirements. These requirements differ from state to state, with requirements being more rigorous and expensive in some states than others. TTUHSC SHP is currently working to gain authorization to offer online courses in all states. Please check your state’s individual requirements before enrolling in any online courses.

For more information, please reach out to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at (806) 743-3220 or health.professions@ttuhsc.edu. 

Admissions Requirements

The ScD program begins twice a year, in the Summer and Fall. Please visit the link below for deadline information. The online application and all supporting documentation must be received by the deadline.

Official GRE Scores
The GRE is not required for the ScD program in Physical Therapy.

Degree
A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral (DPT or tDPT) Professional degree in Physical Therapy is required for admission into the ScD Program.

Minimum GPA
A minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 is required; this includes all courses taken at every institution attended.

Clinical Practice
Applicants must be currently practicing as a physical therapist, where at least one year of clinical experience is required. 

Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for an application to be complete and should be completed by the following: one from an employer or former university educator and one from a colleague in the health professions. Letters of recommendation are submitted online through the SHP Application. A recommender's name and email address will be required. Your recommender will receive an email with a link to our recommendation form for them to submit electronically. Please do not submit letter of recommendation forms from other institutions.

Resume
A current resume is required to be submitted. You can email this to health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.

International Applicants
All foreign coursework must be evaluated by a Foreign Credential Service. We also require TOEFL/IELTS Scores for any applicant for whom English is their second language (scores are considered on a case by case basis).

We will no longer accept foreign transcript evaluations from Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy, Inc. (FCCPT).

Application Process

Applications are considered on a rolling basis for acceptance into the program. Individual applications are reviewed once materials have been received; therefore, it is in the applicant's best interest to complete their application, including submission of required documentation, as early as possible. Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Applicants who meet the above listed requirements and are deemed competitive candidates for admission will be invited for interviews.

Interviews

Admission interviews are granted by the ScD admissions committee by invitation only. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting documents.

Application Submission Checklist

1. Online SHP Application
2. Application Fee
3. Official Transcripts
4. Letters of Recommendation - Two required
5. Resume

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs. Please contact our office by phone at 806-743-3220 or email at health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.

Tuition & Fees 

The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.

Estimate Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.

Apply for Scholarships  Apply for Financial Aid

The TTUHSC Sc.D. program in Physical Therapy develops professional leaders, mentors, educators, and clinical researchers.

• Since its inception in 2001, over 45% of our program graduates have gained full-time faculty positions in entry-level physical therapy education programs.
• Over 30% have developed into post-professional educators outside the formal academic setting. These individuals continue to work in clinical settings while serving as educators to other clinicians through workshops or continuing education courses.
• Several program graduates are serving in an academic leadership capacity and many have transitioned into clinical director or clinical owner positions.

For TTUHSC School of Health Professions to offer online courses in a state other than Texas, TTUHSC must first comply with that state's requirements. These requirements differ from state to state, with requirements being more rigorous and expensive in some states than others. TTUHSC SHP is currently working to gain authorization to offer online courses in all states. Please check your state’s individual requirements before enrolling in any online courses.