31 questions you should ask before joining a DPT program

You have your sights set on becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), ready to jump into the world of healing and movement. It’s an exciting journey, but before you take the plunge, there are some important questions you should ask yourself and of the program you’re interested in. This can help you carefully consider which program is the best fit for you. 

Questions to ask potential DPT programs

When looking at potential DPT programs, many questions can be incredibly beneficial to help you decide on a program. Questions you want to ask can cover topics like curriculum, faculty experience, research opportunities and even campus life questions. These questions can help you get a good look at what your experience in the program could look like.

Accreditation:

• Is the DPT program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)? 

Curriculum:

• What is the curriculum structure for the program and how is it designed?
• Are there specific focus areas or specialties offered within the program? 
• How much clinical experience is integrated into the curriculum?
• How long does the program last?

Faculty, class size and diversity:

• What is the faculty-to-student ratio? 
• What are the qualifications and experiences of the DPT faculty members? 
• How large is each class?
• What efforts are made to help promote diversity and inclusion within the program for students and staff?
• What is the process for selecting and training clinical faculty and preceptors?

Clinical rotations:

• How are the clinical rotations arranged, and what types of clinical settings will be available? 
• Are students allowed to choose specific clinical sites or specialties for their rotations?
• What are the levels of support and guidance provided to students during clinical rotations? 
• How are clinical sites evaluated, and what feedback is provided to students?

Licensure exam pass rates:

• What is the first-time pass rate of the program for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)? 
• How does the program support its students when they are preparing for the licensure exam?

Research opportunities:

• Does the DPT program offer research opportunities for the students? 
• Are students required or encouraged to participate in research projects?

Facilities and resources:

• What facilities and resources do students have access to, such as laboratories and research equipment? 
• Do students have opportunities to access cutting-edge technology in the field? 
• How is technology integrated into the program’s curriculum to help boost the learning experience?
• Are there virtual or online components to the program?

Student support services:

• Are academic advising and counseling services readily available for students? 
• Does the program have mentorship or peer support systems in place?

Graduation and employment rates:

• What is the graduation rate for the students in this DPT program?
• What percentage of graduates go on to gain employment in the physical therapy field shortly after graduation?
• Can the program provide information on the outcomes for their graduates, such as employment rates and salary ranges?
• Can the program provide success stories or testimonials from program alumni?

Cost and financial aid:

• What is the total cost of the DPT program, including tuition and fees?
• Are there scholarships, grants or other financial aid options available to students?

Student involvement:

• What opportunities outside of the DPT program are available to students, such as extracurricular activities, student organizations or professional development opportunities?

Questions to ask yourself to help pick a DPT program

In addition to asking questions about the prospective program, it’s important to ask yourself questions as well. It can help you be cognizant of your wants and needs to help you pick the best program to fit your aspirations:

• What motivates you to become a physical therapist?
• What’s your learning style?
• What’s your ideal program duration?
• Can you afford the cost of the program?
• Do you have a specialty or focus that you want to go into for your career?

Choosing the right Doctor of Physical Therapy program is an important decision that can significantly impact your education and future career. Before settling on a program, it’s essential to answer these crucial questions about the program and yourself. It’s also advisable to reach out to current students and alumni to help you get firsthand perspectives on their experiences in the program. This can help you ensure that the program you select will align with your goals and expectations. Ultimately, making an informed decision based on the answers to your questions can help you on your way to a successful and fulfilling educational journey in physical therapy. 

Is narrowing down a DPT program posing a challenge for you? Back in Motion Physical Therapy is here to help 

Need a partner to help you address challenges like how to decide on a DPT program? Back in Motion Physical Therapy of Alliance Physical Therapy Partners’ nationwide partnership in care is here for you.

We’ll help you get the support you need on your way to becoming a newly graduated physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. Even better, you’ll get full access to our employee support services while still maintaining full control over how you’re working to improve your skills. 

Find out if our Alliance PTP partnership has a career opening for you today.