"It was a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful program. Thank you so much. "

—Ann-Maree Williams, DPT

"The structure and content of the tDPT program made it possible for me to attain a long-time goal: to pursue my study in the field of physical therapy at the doctoral level. I have achieved a greater sense of professionalism and skills to go along with that. Even though I had already been in practice for over 15 years when I started the program, I was continually able to apply material from the courses to my work as I moved through the program. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and dedication to the profession by way of research activities/contributions to the literature directly addresses the APTA’s "Vision 2020" statement and brought all of us program graduates to the forefront of the profession."

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"I really did enjoy the program and got a new perspective on the practice of PT than I previously had."

—Patti Towsley, DPT

"As far as patient care, I have incorporated Dr. Boissonnault’s Medical Screening coursework in my daily practice with more thorough patient medical history forms, and better general medical screening with my initial evaluations. In addition, I have started a journal club within the clinic, sharing Rita’s Critical Literature Assessment information with my staff, as a means to ensure the best evidence-based practice within our facility."

—Shelley A. Krampf, DPT

"One of the many strengths of this curriculum is its content that addresses the critical knowledge that comprises the transition DPT program and achievement of the APTA preferred curricular content outcomes across health systems. Likewise, this program was attractive to me because of its stellar and well known faculty teaching critical course content, flexibility in its design through a CD-ROM based learning approach where access can occur at any time including for someone like myself with a heavy travel schedule and workload where Internet access is not always available. The approach of a CD-ROM (slides with lecture voice) and hyperlinks to research articles and more is extremely efficient and flexible learning that can occur on a plane or train let alone at home."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"The courses in pharmacology, imaging studies and evidence-based practice alone have made me a much better clinician, and well-respected among the physician group I work with."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"I truly did receive a quality education and felt that there was very little to critique when I completed the DPT. After having Dr. Tepper as an intermittent instructor during my graduate program, I felt fortunate to have him again during the DPT program. You have assembled a quality staff and it was well represented through course presentation and content."

—Michael Collins PT, DPT

"Just taking a management position in a very busy outpatient practice - the tDPT program help me understand coding, reimbursement, medicare compliance issues with coding and billing and I feel that because of the knowledge I attained, I am running a very profitable AND compliant clinic - doing extremely well from a business perspective. These are issues that I did not learn about in my masters program or even as a staff PT prior to this employment experience."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"It puts on the front page of who I am as a practitioner. It reminds me of the level of care that I am capable of providing and despite what other practitioners around me may do it is my responsibility as an autonomous practitioner to uphold the greatest standard of care."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"Thanks for all you do to make this excellent program possible. I'm finding daily uses for the material I'm learning."

—Paul DeRegt, PT

"I have been taking a more comprehensive approach to treating my patients, not only for their specific diagnosis but for other conditions that may affect the way I treat them. I have also been more confident referring or recommending other specialties and communicating effectively with physicians."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"I now see myself more as one of the key players within the healthcare system and have taken on a more active role as a professional, representing and advocating our profession and the unique services we provide. Additionally, I have taken on encouraging other members of our PT profession to further develop their sense of professionalism and accompanying skills. With respect to my clients, I am now in much more frequent contact with other professionals about their care."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"I feel more confident to incorporate all aspects of patient care into my evaluation after performing the exam. I feel comfortable explaining and educating patients regarding imaging findings and how it impacts their individualize treatment plan. I more aware of patient centered therapy and approach each and have become a greater advocate for my profession."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"The tDPT program significantly changed my perspective on the evolving role of the physical therapist as a primary care provider. In order to best serve our patients (referred by physicians or not), we must be more diligent in our screening of patients for significant disorders that might be out of our scope of practice. The program has prepared me well to screen more effectively and to be better prepared to practice autonomously. In addition, the Professionalism coursework was particularly enlightening about the many environments in which we practice and how those environments may be impacted by a shift to direct access."

—Recent tDPT Graduate

"I only would have taken the time required to complete this program if I strongly felt I was lacking in the areas covered. This program consists of information needed to become an independent, well rounded practitioner that can function in their specialty - movement dysfunction! All patient's deserve the most thorough evaluation, the most efficient and thorough treatment and a therapist that can utilize their knowledge of medications, imaging, legal issues, recent good research and confident communication with other practitioners. I only acquired this full package after completing this DPT program. From what I have seen especially with therapists that graduated 8 + years ago, they need this program, our discipline needs this program to continue to progress physical therapy to a new level. The knowledge of the instructors in this program is inspiring and priceless! I cannot clearly put into words how this group of individuals have advanced my level of thinking, my approach to care, eliminated my excuses and inspired my quest to light a fire under other therapist's. "

—Kristi Hampton, DPT

"The Transitional DPT program offered by University of Montana/Rehab Essentials is outstanding. The organization of the program was excellent and the courses were enriching and very stimulating. I found the faculty terrific in terms of their expertise, accessibility and flexibility!! They are leaders in their fields of specialization and seem to understand the needs of adult learners extremely well by making assignments and information relevant and useful for the professional already in practice. I enthusiastically recommend this program to any physical therapist seeking to advance his/her degree. Elizabeth Ross, MMS, PT "

—Elizabeth Ross

""For physical therapists as a genre to become the practitioner of choice, the doctorate in physical therapy is no longer a luxury but is instead emerging as a mandatory training process which allows the physical therapist to provide best practice to clients and enhance professionalism. The t-DPT at the University of Montana integrates distance based learning and the realities of balancing work, family and friends while providing a well rounded educational experience that challenges students to reach beyond their comforts to find the richness of personal potential as well as the potential that the practice of physical therapy can offer. While enhancing my knowledge and skill sets with this t-DPT program I have still been able to balance the challenges of a new position at work and the birth of my son. I have recommended this program to all my colleagues. " Michael McGregor PT Genesis Rehab Services Clinical Specialist "

—Michael McGregor PT

"Many thanks for sending the class photos - what an incredible group of professionals! I am in awe of the dedication of our faculty and the commitment of everyone present this weekend to further our own life-long learning and the profession of physical therapy. What fun it was to meet classmates who proclaimed - "I KNOW you" (from our discussion board chats!). After our weekend at UMT, I feel inspired, a bit less stressed, and highly motivated to move myself, and my peers, toward Vision 2020. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible - and to all the classmates who shared it with me. What a great group! What a great tDPT program!!! Ethel Elliott 4/20/2010"

—Professionalism Seminar