I'm a DPT student at WashU. The above thread is correct. the DPT is not a physician. We do not prescribe meds, order imaging, or perform any invasive procedures. The DPT is a physical therapist with a doctorate degree. The level of education and training one recieves with the DPT depends on the school you go to. To say the least, some schools are better than others.
In terms of directing a clinic, many of our new DPT WashU grads have been offered positions to direct a facilityfrom the start, but some may not want to start directing right away so you can gain more experience and learn from other PTs. I have asked the new grads the range of salary they have been offered, and there is a huge range from 55k - 85k starting.