Physical Therapy Dual Degree Programs

[andy0311]

I'm a pre-PT student and would like to open my own private practice someday. On the sidelines, I'm also interested in doing research and helping to create innovations/ideas, designs, and devices ect. to help America's disabled and elderly population. So is there like a DPT/PHD dual degree program? If so, can you give me a list of the schools that offer it! Thanks. Also does a DPT/MPH dual degree program emphasize research??? or is that not the way to goo.

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[jbizzle]

I haven't seen a DPT/PhD dual degree. Usually all ive seen are the DPT/MBA or DPT/MOT dual degrees. I would pursue the DPT/MPH dual degree but I dont think I can get into a program that offers a DPT/MPH. The reason is because if I do get burned out (see the other thread about PTs going to med school) I have an MPH to fall back on, which I can use if I want to work over seas and help with the peace corps and actually get paid, or work at a US embassy in the Philippines or something to promote health/wellness <-- Yeah I already researched it, apparently the US embassys around the world need them all the time.

 

[MotionDoc]

I'm a pre-PT student and would like to open my own private practice someday. On the sidelines, I'm also interested in doing research and helping to create innovations/ideas, designs, and devices ect. to help America's disabled and elderly population. So is there like a DPT/PHD dual degree program? If so, can you give me a list of the schools that offer it! Thanks. Also does a DPT/MPH dual degree program emphasize research??? or is that not the way to goo.

I am currently a DPT/PhD student. There are a handful of schools across the country that offer dual degree programs. If you are interested in rehabilitation research and/or academia, it is an excellent combination. Even if the schools you are interested in don't offer a dual program, there is nothing stopping you from completing the DPT and continuing with a PhD. If you go that route, I'd advise you have strong clinicals during the PT phase of your training and that there is opportunity to do clinical work during your PhD years.

 

[Akiramay]

I think you do research while getting your PhD. Northwestern University in Chicago offers a really great dual DPT/PhD program. Only one girl in my class is doing it right now.

 

[vederosa]

What kinds of options/advantages do you think of having the PT/PhD combo?
Just thinking about options. I'm doing an MPT and am considering either a DPT or PhD when I am done, but wanted to weigh all the pros/cons of each one. Any thoughts?