Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PPDPT)
The Physical Therapy Program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) offers a Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PPDPT) degree for foreign-educated physical therapists (FEPTs) who are not residents of the United States. This program, in addition to degree augmentation, provides the participants with a unique opportunity to learn advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills in specialty areas beyond those taught in entry-level physical therapy programs. The online didactic and onsite practical courses of PPDPT are designed to deliver an exceptional education and enhance participant’s level of practice and competency in managing variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Through this program students are expected to master performance of advanced manual techniques; to acquire profound clinical reasoning skills and to become experts in their area of specialty. Students will have this opportunity to transfer the practical courses in the PPDPT program toward optional certification programs in Dry Needling, Vestibular Rehabilitation.
Applications available September 1.
The intent of the PPDPT program is not to qualify individuals to secure licensure in the US. Participants will have the chance to remediate some of the deficiencies seen during educational credential evaluations. However, it will not guarantee that a FEPT will be able to meet all the requirements for licensure in the US.
Campus Availability
The PPDPT program is a ONE Year program which is offered through 3 semesters. This program, taught in English, provides a hybrid method of classroom and real-time online courses. Select didactic and practical clinical courses will be taught at UNG campus. Other basic science courses with no laboratory requirements will be taught through real-time online webinars.
| Course | Delivery | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Musculoskeletal I – Extremity Disorders & Sports Injuries |
On Campus | 5 |
| Advanced Neurological Rehab Course | On Campus | 2 |
| Biostatistics & Research Methods | Online | 3 |
|
Evidence-Based Practice |
Online | 3 |
| Primary Care Skills – Primary Care and Physical Examination for Physical Therapists | On Campus | 3 |
|
Clinical Pharmacology for Physical Therapists |
Online | 3 |
| Course | Delivery | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Musculoskeletal II – Spine & Pelvis Dysfunction |
On Campus | 5 |
|
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Incontinence |
On Campus | 3 |
|
Special Topic Elective: Alternative & Complementary Medicine in Physical Therapy |
On Campus | 3 |
|
Research Project |
Online | 3 |
|
Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Values for Physical Therapists |
Online | 3 |
|
Physical Therapy in Pediatric Orthopedics |
Online | 2 |
| Course | Delivery | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
Differential Diagnosis & Clinical Reasoning for Physical Therapists |
Online | 3 |
| Advance Physical Therapy for Peripheral Vestibular Disorders, Cervicogenic Dizziness & Cervicogenic Headache | On Campus | 3 |
Work Environment
Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists entering the profession need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for physical therapists was $87,930 in April 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy will come from the aging baby boomers, who are not only staying active later in life, but are more susceptible to health conditions, such as strokes, that may require physical therapy. In addition, physical therapists will be needed to treat people with mobility issues stemming from chronic conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.