Miami v. Delaware DPT

[js1989]

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Hi everyone:

So I know we all have tough decisions to make and I was wondering if anyone on here could help me out a little. I'm trying to really to weigh everything out before I make a final decision on what school to attend. I received acceptance from U. of Delaware and the U. of Miami. I currently live in NJ and most of my family, friends, girlfriend, etc. are here. I would say getting the best education is most important to me of course, but I'd also like to enjoy myself. Any pros/cons about the two schools? What do you guys think? Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[NewTestament]

I visited both schools and feel qualified to answer this question.

I visited Miami one year ago next weekend. I was a little underwhelmed to be honest. The entire program is on two floors on the south side of UM. There wasn't much floor space. They didn't have too many classrooms. The desks became makeshift lab benches. They printed all their Power Point slides. They discouraged use of laptops. A current student might want to correct me, but this is what I heard. Nonetheless, the students were enthusiastic about the program, and I'm sure they produce quality clinicians.

I was much more impressed with Delaware. The program is long-established and has produced quality research since the 1970s. The current program director graduated with a BS in physical therapy in 1974. The faculty there have years of experience and are loyal to the program. The class is small, with only 36 students. The facilities weren't much better than a high school, but that doesn't matter. Unlike UM, Delaware disparaged the USNWR rankings and couldn't care less about being #2 (UM was #7). BFD, they said. Also, Delaware is a 2.5-year program, while UM is three, partly because students only go to classes four days a week.

Ultimately the decisions depends on where you want to settle after you graduate. Do you dream of living in Florida? I did, and that's why I applied to several schools in Florida. Do you want to stay close to your family, friends, and girlfriend? If so, then stay in Delaware. You can go home on holidays, and you won't have to make new friends. You already have a network in New Jersey so finding a job might be easier. Both schools are private, so tuition is equal at both schools.

Kevin

 

[dacoaz77]

For the record I have never attended either of these schools, nor have I done any research on them. That being said, I work for a physical therapist who graduated from the UD program about six years ago. He said he was completely satisfied with the choice he made to attend over the other schools he was accepted to. He said that the pace was very intensive due to the 2.5 year program length, but that he felt very prepared to be a physical therapist coming out of the program. He mentioned that they have a clinic on campus which allowed for direct application of what you learned on a weekly basis. I have shadowed a handful of physical therapists and I can honestly say that he is head and shoulders above the rest. Is this because of his schooling? Tough to say, but he guys is amazing at his craft. Good luck!

 

[js1989]

This was a great post Kevin, thank you very much. I think underwhelmed is on point with how I felt about the facilities, and that my dissonance is more driven by the allure of Miami than the appeal of the program. However, one thing that I do really like about UM is the opportunity to take all of those electives. I don't know which area of PT I'm going to practice, and I feared that Delaware was overly focused on Sports/Ortho. Do you think the diversity was lacking at UD?

 

[NewTestament]

I didn't get the impression that Delaware had a focus on sports PT or any particular setting. I think they train their students to be quality PTs no matter where they are.

Don't let the facilities deter you. Facilities should not be a primary factor in your decision. UM is alluring, especially Coral Gables, but environment shouldn't a primary factor either. Both programs will do the same thing, but Delaware impressed me more. You'll pay equal tuition at both programs, but Delaware will get you into the workforce 6 months sooner, at a time when new graduates aren't applying.

Kevin