DPT-PhD Pathway

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

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

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the professional degree required for clinical practice in physical therapy, while the PhD in Rehabilitation Science prepares individuals to become independent researchers in the field. Combining both degrees equips students with the clinical expertise and scientific training needed to bridge the gap between research and practice. The goal of this transitional program is to develop clinician-scientists who will advance rehabilitation research, contribute to evidence-based practice, and shape the future of physical therapy through academic and scientific leadership.

Choosing the DPT-PhD pathway offers an efficient route to obtaining both degrees, emphasizing early research involvement and integrated coursework. Graduates benefit from a comprehensive education that combines clinical expertise with advanced research skills, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in academia, research, and clinical practice.

Integrated Clinical & Research Training – Students gain hands-on clinical experience while engaging in early research training, allowing them to bridge the gap between practice and scientific discovery.
Seamless Transition Between Degrees – A clearly defined timeline ensures that students can smoothly progress from the DPT curriculum to full-time PhD training.
Mentorship & Faculty Support – Students receive guidance from expert faculty mentors in both clinical and research settings, helping them develop the skills needed for independent scientific investigation and academic leadership.
Career Advancement – Graduates are well-positioned for careers in academia, rehabilitation research, and clinical innovation, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based physical therapy and rehabilitation science.

Group photo of the RESTORE Team.

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.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Tuition and Financial Resources webpage
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

Graph showing financial benefits of pursuing a PhD.

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

"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."

Anonymous Graduate

Research Assistant Professor

"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

Commonly Asked Questions

Courses completed from clinical degree programs cannot be counted toward PhD degree (DPT, MD, MSOT/OTD, etc.). You may be able to transfer graduate level credits (5000 level and above) earned at another accredited institution or credits earned as a non-degree student within the CU system. The credit transfer process is guided by the Graduate School and may require program approval.

Due to the full-time status of the PhD training, you may only work clinically outside of PhD training for up to 10 hours a week. Clinic hours may not be scheduled during normal working hours (M-F, 8am-5pm) during your first year. Depending on your specific research, you may have patient and clinician interaction. Additional opportunities also exist through the CU Anschutz Medical Campus for clinical experience in pro-bono clinics.

Interested in Learning More?

To express interest or ask more questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley at
Jennifer.Stevens-Lapsley@CUAnschutz.edu.

Tools & Resources

CU Campuses

CU Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Colorado Physical Therapy

School of Medicine

Doctor of Physical Therapy-Rehabilitation Science PhD Pathway

DPT-PhD Transitional Program Overview