School of Health Sciences Physical Therapy

t-DPT Program

The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (t-DPT) at The University of South Dakota is the first online doctoral program in the South Dakota Regental system. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is conferred upon completion of a structured 5 semester, 25 credit hour online post-professional educational experience that augments current professional knowledge, skills and behaviors. The program is designed based off the American Physical Therapy Association's Preferred Curricular Model for the Transitional Clinical Doctoral Program and Learner, as well as their competencies for the Transitional Clinical Doctorate Competencies. Further information may be found in the USD Graduate Catalog. 

For information regarding the t-DPT Program, please contact:
  • Pat Cross, PT, DPT, Asst. Professor - Chair of Transitional Doctorate Program
  • Becca Jordre, PT, DPT, Asst. Professor - Chair of Physical Therapy Admissions
  • Lana Svien, PT, Ph.D., MA, Professor - Physical Therapy Program Chairperson
Students with Disabilities

Admission decisions at the U. are made without regard to disabilities. All prospective students are expected to present academic credentials at or above the minimum standards for admission and meet any technical standards that may be required for admission to a specific program. If you are a prospective student with a disability and need assistance or accommodations during the admissions/application process, please contact the Director of Disability Services, 119B Service Center North, USD, Vermillion, SD 57069. Phone: 605-677-3172. E-mail: disabilityservices@usd.edu.