Doctor of Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the tDPT Program?

Boston University’s tDPT program is currently one of the few online doctoral programs designed specifically for experienced and working clinicians. The transitional DPT bridges the gap between BS/MS degree entry-level practitioners and the current DPT entry-level graduate. The transitional DPT offers an opportunity to complement current knowledge and skills with advanced content designed to promote a high level of competence and autonomy. Students are placed in 12-person cohorts and will progress from one course to the next until graduation. The tDPT program is in an asynchronous format, meaning there are no set lecture times and students will access the classroom when it is convenient to do so while meeting daily and weekly assignment deadlines. However, students must keep pace with their cohort throughout the program. We currently use IntraLearn as our learning platform as it is user-friendly and accessible for students on the move. Many additional external links and resources are available, along with hard-copy textbooks that will be shipped to you.

2.How challenging is an online degree program at Boston University?

Most of our students find that our online courses are more rigorous than any traditional class they have taken. You can be assured that the return on your hard work will be immediate as you apply your learning to the real world.

3. Will my diploma say “Online” degree?

No. You will receive the official, traditional diploma of Boston University. You will earn the same degree that is earned by an on-campus student.

4. How is Boston University's tDPT Program accredited?

Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Regional accreditation is the highest level of accreditation any institution in the US can achieve.

5. How long is the program?

The coursework can be completed in 16 months. There are eight courses, each lasting approximately six weeks. You will enroll in six, three-credit courses and two, two-credit courses for a total of 22 credits.Your Admissions Advisor will assist you with the enrollment calendar, highlighting the unique benefits of each start date.

6. How many credits and courses do I take each semester?

You will take two courses a semester. You will take one course during the first six weeks of the semester, and another course during the second sixth week of the semester.

7. What kind of assignments can I expect?

The scope of assignments may vary from reading texts, articles, group projects, case studies, completing written assignments, participating in discussions, analyzing video segments, etc. The program’s online learning portal is the center of the learning experience. It is here where you will access course information, communicate with your instructor and fellow learners, takes quizzes, post assignments and view grades, all from the convenience of your home or office.

8. How much does the program cost?

See the Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most current information or speak to your Admissions Advisor.

9. What financial aid options are available?

There are many types of assistance that students consider:

•	Tuition Reimbursement programs with employer.
•	Federal/ public loans through the US Dept. of Education.
•	VA benefits – All veterans should be speaking with their local VA office about eligibility.
•	Federal and state agencies have programs that provide tuition assistance and sometimes subsistence to eligible students.
•	Any sources of private funding that students/parents may access. Home equity loans, trusts, savings plans, employment earnings, etc. may be options.
•	Alternative private loans: Unlike scholarships and grants, loans must be repaid. Educational loans are usually subsidized, and therefore have more favorable terms than consumer loans. However, because they must be repaid, you should borrow no more than necessary. We encourage students to earn as much as possible from employment and to minimize expenses.

To learn more about private and public loans, contact your Admissions Advisor 1.866.232.0232, ext. 3278 (US and Canada) +1.647.722.6642, ext. 3278 (International) or email for further assistance.

10. When do I start the program?

There are six available start dates per year. The deadlines to apply are as follows:

Fall Session 1: July 24, 2006;
Fall Session 2: September 18, 2006;
Spring Session 1: November 27, 2006 ;
Spring Session 2: January 30, 2007;
Summer Session 1: March 27, 2007;
Summer Session 2: May 29, 2007.
(Dates are subject to change. Contact an Admissions Advisor for exact deadlines.)

11. What does an average week look like for a student enrolled in the online tDPT program at Boston University?

This program is designed for the working professional who must balance the demands of work, home, and study. Most students require 15-20 hours of study per week and they creatively carve out that time by studying after the kids are in bed, on weekends, before the family gets up, in those few spare moments at the office, during downtime in an airport. Your course facilitator and your Program Manager will help keep you on track. Students also find their cohort is a tremendous source of support in managing their time and studies.

12. Who is Boston University?

Situated in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University has nurtured a proud 186-year tradition and rich heritage since its inception in 1839. Rest assured, you will be attending an actual brick-and-mortar school, which you'll experience first-hand through the residency event at the end of your program and during graduation.

13. What are my next steps?

If you are interested in applying for admission, please call

1.800.232.0232, ext. 3278 (US and Canada)
+1.647.722.6642, ext. 3278 (International)
or
email dpt@embanet.com.

We are here to help you expedite the application process and make your transition into graduate studies as smooth as possible.