Dual degrees, are they neccesary?

[geronamo26]

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Lately I have been seeing colleges offer the DPT degree along with other degrees such as PhD in engeneering, health sciences, etc. My question is, would it be worth the extra schooling? Would people with dual degrees be at an advantage? Get paid more?

 

[johncronejr]

A DPT/Engineering dual degree??

I can't imagine a dual degree would increase pay for a person that only wants to do physical therapy work. However, if you think you may aspire to be in a directorship role or perhaps therapy equipment design, then sure I could see it being a benefit.

Have you ever heard the term "over qualified"? While more education is never really a bad thing, it can make potential employers feel that they may just be a stepping stone if you are over qualified for the position.

I plan on getting a PhD or a DSc because I hope to be able to teach in a PT program one day: plus I just like learning more.

 

[geronamo26]

Northwestern University has a duel degree program with engeneering and physical therapy...its new

 

[callmecrazy]

Lately I have been seeing colleges offer the DPT degree along with other degrees such as PhD in engeneering, health sciences, etc. My question is, would it be worth the extra schooling? Would people with dual degrees be at an advantage? Get paid more?

Those programs would be geared more toward those interested in research or teaching. However, I don't think it will get you any more pay as a PT.

 

[MotionDoc]

These programs are analogous to the MD/PhD programs that train Physician-Scientists. PT/PhD programs range from the interdisciplinary BIOMS program at UDel to PhDs in Physiology, Engineering, Movement Science, and yes Physical Therapy.

The idea is to give an individual both doctoral level clinical and research training in hopes that they further the scientific base of the profession. We all can see the significance of this in evidence and outcome based practice. In addition, research trends are now moving to multidisciplinary projects, and in medical research, Physical Therapist trained researchers will obviously hold a special niche in rehabilitation.

Does it increase pay? Well, you get paid according to the field you work in. You are paid as a scientist, professor, clinician, or whatever private industry pays if you end up there.

BUt, if your goal is to be a clinician, the PhD is worthless for you. Do a residency program, or two...