Transitional DPT Distance Program

Effective January 2009 admission, the Transitional DPT program is no longer accepting applications.

In 1999, the School instituted a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to make doctoral-level education readily accessible to licensed practitioners.

The Transitional DPT program builds on the foundational values and beliefs of the physical therapy faculty at Creighton University. The Physical Therapy Department is committed to leadership in clinical doctoral education through academic excellence and innovation, scholarly contributions, and service to society and the professional community.

The DPT degree advocates a commitment to patients and society by inculcating a lifelong commitment to learning, service, and reflective inquiry-based practice. As such, it is in harmony with the values of the profession of Physical Therapy. The program emphasizes integration of theory and practice from the foundational, professional and clinical sciences, critical self-assessment, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, advocacy and health policy.

The DPT meets societal needs and is consistent with the profession of physical therapy. Commitment to patients, society and the profession in the realm of service, research and education is essential and life long. This transitional (post-professional) pathway is designed to provide opportunity and challenge for practicing clinicians to enhance their professional competence and career marketability. Within our school, opportunities exist for enhancement of generalist clinical skills or focused professional practice area.

 

Transitional DPT Program Entry Level OT Program

At the Creighton University Medical Center 2006 Commencement, Fr. John P. Schlegel, S.J., Creighton University President stated, "Your professors have challenged you to be leaders in your professions. As a student, you were expected to go beyond the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary. Your patients will expect no less of you. Do not disappoint them. Ethics, service, and excellence: These three words have been consistent across the 127 years of Creighton's existence; they serve as the foundation for what we do today. You will carry these with you; they are marks of a Creighton health care professional."

Julie Ekstrum, DPT, an assistant professor of physical therapy at Creighton University, is now a Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. Ekstrum will be formally recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at the Combined Sections Meeting in February 2008.