Doctor of Physical Therapy-Rehabilitation Science PhD Pathway
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus DPT-PhD pathway facilitates a viable educational plan for promising students with a strong interest in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. This collaborative dual degree pathway between the CU Physical Therapy Program and the Rehabilitation Science PhD Program provides an efficient approach to earning both a clinical doctorate and a research doctorate.
DPT-PhD Transitional Program Overview
To express interest or ask more questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley at
Jennifer.Stevens-Lapsley@CUAnschutz.edu.
General Timeline
The DPT/PhD Transitional Program at the University of Colorado provides a structured pathway for students to integrate clinical training with advanced research, fulfilling the requirements for both the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and PhD in Rehabilitation Science. The estimated timeline outlines key milestones, from early research engagement and PhD application to the final stages of doctoral training. The combined program is typically completed in 6-7 years, preparing graduates to become clinician-scientists who advance rehabilitation research and evidence-based practice.
DPT Training
During this phase, students will focus on DPT coursework and clinical education experiences alongside their cohort. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to explore various research focus areas and potential labs, gaining early research exposure and experience through work-study student researcher positions with faculty mentors.
Relevant Milestones and Deadlines
- June, Year 1: Begin DPT training
- December, Year 2: Deadline to express interest in transitioning to the PhD program upon DPT completion
- January, Year 2: Schenkman Scholarship application deadline
- December, Year 3: Complete PhD application package
- December-May, Year 3: Complete DPT training.
Transition Opportunities
Following DPT graduation and before the PhD program, students have several valuable opportunities to bridge their clinical training with advanced research including:
- Research Assistantship: Engage in research assistantships within designed lab groups, gaining practical experience and contributing to ongoing research projects.
- CCTSI T32 Program: Apply to participate in the CCTSI T32 program, which offers a balanced mix of 50% research and 50% clinical activities, providing a unique opportunity for hands-on learning in both areas.
- Year-long CE Internship: Participate in a year-long clinical education internship through the CU DPT Program, further refining clinical skills before entering full-time PhD training.
These opportunities allow students to continue developing both their clinical expertise and research skills during the transition between DPT completion and PhD program start.
Relevant Milestones and Deadlines
- Completion of Physical Therapy Licensure (NPTE) Exam
- January, Year 4: PhD Interview Day
PhD Training
This phase is designed to develop students into independent researchers through direct involvement in clinical research projects and completion of minimum 30 hours required coursework, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute significantly to the field of rehabilitation science and become leaders in academic and scientific research.
Relevant Milestones and Deadlines
- August, Year 4: Begin PhD Training
- May, Year 4: Preliminary Examination
- Year 5-6: Comprehensive Exam
- Year 6-7: Dissertation Defense
Admission Requirement and Process
- To be eligible for the DPT-PhD pathway, applicants must have been accepted into the CU DPT program and meet the eligibility requirements for the PhD program
- Early Identification: DPT students should indicate their interest in the pathway on their PTCAS application to the CU DPT Program.
- Notify the Program Director: Communicate your continued interest in transitioning to the PhD program to Dr. Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley via email by January 1 of Year 2 of DPT training.
- Full Application Package: Submit the full application package for the Rehabilitation Science PhD program during Year 2 of the DPT program.
- For detailed information on tuition and costs, please visit the DPT program websites.
- PhD students are not responsible for tuition costs, as the program is fully funded. In addition, students receive stipends and have opportunities to receive additional scholarships, training grants, and other financial support
Our Students, Alumni, and Career Opportunities
Financial Benefits of DPT and PhD Training
Annual total compensation of non-PhD and PhD physical therapist careers over a 30-year period. Careers examined include (A) clinical physical therapists, (B) academic non-PhD physical therapists, (C) academic PhD-trained physical therapists with less than 50%-time commitment to scholarship, and (D) academic PhD-trained physical therapists with time spent in majority scholarship. The leftmost side of the gray boxes indicate the start of each training period and academic rank (B)–(D). The leftmost side of each graph represents DPT graduation.
Garbin AJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Gritz RM, Tucker CA, Bade MJ. Long-Term Career Earnings in Academia Might Offset the Opportunity Cost of Full-Time PhD and Postdoctoral Education for Physical Therapists Who Hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. Phys Ther. 2023;103(4):pzad015. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzad015
Words from DPT/PhDs
Testimonials
"Having a clinical background significantly helps to guide my research questions and ensure they are translational with high impact on both patients and the physical therapy profession. As a current Assistant Professor, having these degrees offers variability in my work days with the opportunity to conduct research, teach and interact with DPT students, and collaborate across the healthcare system at my university all with the ultimate goal of contributing to advancements in physical therapy."
Elanna Arhos
PT, DPT, PhD, Assistant Professor“The PhD opened doors for numerous other career opportunities that would not have been available with a DPT alone. The PhD provides much more extensive research training and experience than an individual can obtain with only a DPT, even if they work in an academic setting.” – (Research Assistant Professor)