This may be a silly question, but...

[HopetobePT]

An acquaintance of mine just finished going to school for her DPT and included "DPT, PT" at the end of her name. I have seen others put "PT, DPT" after their name because they received a bachelors degree in physical therapy a long time ago and then went back and got their DPT. I'm just wondering why some recent graduates are including "DPT, PT" if they don't have a bachelors or masters in physical therapy and only have a DPT. Why wouldn't they just be DPT?

Hopefully I didn't make this question too confusing. It's just something I've been wondering.

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[jblil]

Usually one only lists the highest degree in the same discipline. I have a M.Sc. and I don't list my B.Sc. since it's in the same field. To answer your question, I think "PT, DPT" is overdoing it.

Personally I think it's a bit pretentious to string all those initials after your name, esp. in a non-work environment. I know folks who are still in medical school and who sign their personal emails (personal, not professional) "Future M.D., class of 2015". Silly!

 

[johncronejr]

The correct way is to list "PT, DPT" behind your name. You place PT first because that is what you are licensed as. The DPT follows as your degree.

We were told that in academic settings some may place DPT first followed by PT, but in a clinical setting, you will be Mr. John Doe PT, DPT

 

[HopetobePT]

Thank you for your responses, and what you're both saying definitely does make sense if someone has both the PT and DPT degrees. In this case, though, the student doesn't have a PT degree before getting her DPT. The student has a bachelors in exercise science and a DPT, so I was just wondering why the "PT" would also be listed if she only has a DPT. Didn't know if there is something I'm just not understanding since I've seen more than one recent graduate with only a DPT list the "DPT, PT".

 

[okramango]

In this case, though, the student doesn't have a PT degree before getting her DPT... so I was just wondering why the "PT" would also be listed if she only has a DPT.

The first "PT" does not refer to a degree. It refers what the person is licensed as. If the person is licensed as a physical therapist, then they list "PT" as the first thing after their name.

Following what the person is licensed as, the degree is listed, which in this case is DPT.

So if someone has a DPT and is licensed to practice PT, the initials would be "PT, DPT".

 

[rangardrum]

The first "PT" does not refer to a degree. It refers what the person is licensed as. If the person is licensed as a physical therapist, then they list "PT" as the first thing after their name.

Following what the person is licensed as, the degree is listed, which in this case is DPT.

So if someone has a DPT and is licensed to practice PT, the initials would be "PT, DPT".

This.

 

[HopetobePT]

Thank you all for taking the time to clear this up for me!👍

 

[dptstudent2014]

Thank you for your responses, and what you're both saying definitely does make sense if someone has both the PT and DPT degrees. In this case, though, the student doesn't have a PT degree before getting her DPT. The student has a bachelors in exercise science and a DPT, so I was just wondering why the "PT" would also be listed if she only has a DPT. Didn't know if there is something I'm just not understanding since I've seen more than one recent graduate with only a DPT list the "DPT, PT".

Hi,
The way they are using their title is correct. The PT is referring to the fact that they are passed their board licensure exam. The DPT is referring to the fact that in school they received the DPT degree. You can't just put DPT because that is implying that you aren't licensed. Hope that helps.

 

[DancerFutureDPT]

and just to add to the fun...when you're a student, you'll sign your notes "Jane Doe, SPT" (student physical therapist).

And when you graduate, but haven't taken the licensure exam yet/are awaiting your results but are working, you'll sign it "Jane Doe, GPT" (graduated physical therapist)....at least that's how it was in our clinics.

 

[jesspt]

Hi,
The way they are using their title is correct. The PT is referring to the fact that they are passed their board licensure exam. The DPT is referring to the fact that in school they received the DPT degree. You can't just put DPT because that is implying that you aren't licensed. Hope that helps.

But all PTs could just put Jane Doe, PT. All that is required is that we list our professional designation.

 

[Dr Kat Lieu]

This is APTA's View on whether or not DPTs should call themselves Doctors.

Resource: see number 32 http://www.apta.org/PostprofessionalDegree/TransitionDPTFAQs/