Advance your career with an innovative online program built by the University of Montana and Rehab Essentials.

US Accelerated MS to DPT
Designed with You in Mind

Rehab Essentials has partnered with the University of Montana to offer a budget-friendly transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (ppDPT) degree program that allows working professionals to complete the degree on their terms, online and on their time. Each course within the curriculum is designed to advance critical thinking to the doctorate level while building on clinical skills.  Plus, the University of Montana is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Be empowered. Move Your Career Forward.

Throughout this post-professional program you will gain advanced critical thinking, professional knowledge, and skills to apply of the science and art of physiotherapy. You will be empowered to move your career forward and be better prepared to become a leader in physical therapy.

The innovative, world-class curriculum is taught by the best and brightest faculty. The contemporary 100% online format engages you from virtually anywhere, when you are ready, on your schedule. You have 24/7 online access to your courses and assignments when you are ready from virtually anywhere. Courses can be viewed and reviewed anytime within the semester. Deadlines and key dates for assignments, quizzes and exams are easily found in the course dashboard to keep you on track.  And all with a budget friendly tuition. Plus, the University of Montana is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Benefits
  • Earn your DPT in just one year
  • 100% online and asynchronous solution creates flexibility allowing you to study on your schedule and view your courses on almost any internet connected device
  • Budget-friendly tuition
  • Communicate directly with our expert faculty
  • Contemporary content from nationally-recognized subject matter experts
  • Advanced critical thinking and professional knowledge you can apply immediately in your Physical Therapy role
  • You will be empowered to move your career forward
  • Prepared to become a leader in physical therapy
  • Graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Montana, an institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Key Dates
Projected Semester Start Dates*
Spring 2026
December 29, 2025
Summer 2026
April 13, 2026
Fall 2026 Cohort
August 24, 2026
Application & Materials Deadlines
Summer 2026
March 16, 2026
Fall 2026 Cohort
July 27, 2026

*Schedules for future academic semesters are projected for planning purposes. Dates are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed upon acceptance.

Curriculum
Accelerated MS to DPT
20 Credit, 3 Semester Program.
Tuition
Intentionally designed to remain one of the most affordable DPT pathways without compromising educational excellence. Tuition is billed per semester with 3–4 payment installments available each term.
$425 per credit
Accelerated MS to DPT
$8,500*
Application Fee (non refundable)
$85
Graduation Fee (non refundable)
$45
Course Sequence

Choose your Start Month.

Semester 1

Aug - Dec

Total Credits: 6

Semester Tuition: $2,550

Business and Marketing 2 CREDITS →
Clinical Decision Making: Guide to Physical Therapist Practice 1 CREDITS →
Legal and Ethical Issues for Pt's: Considerations In Risk Management 1 CREDITS →
Pharmacology in Rehabilitation 2 CREDITS →

Semester 2

Jan - Apr

Total Credits: 8

Semester Tuition: $3,400

Critical Assessment and Application of Best Evidence 3 CREDITS →
Differential Diagnosis: Screening for Medical Disorders 2 CREDITS →
Documentation, Coding, Payment, and Compliance: Managing for Success in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Environment 1 CREDITS →
Medical Imaging In Rehabilitation 2 CREDITS →

Semester 3

Apr - Aug

Total Credits: 6

Semester Tuition: $2,550

Capstone for ppDPT 4 CREDITS →
Professionalism: The Doctoring Profession 2 CREDITS →

Semester 1

Jan - Apr

Total Credits: 6

Semester Tuition: $2,550

Business and Marketing 2 CREDITS →
Clinical Decision Making: Guide to Physical Therapist Practice 1 CREDITS →
Legal and Ethical Issues for Pt's: Considerations In Risk Management 1 CREDITS →
Pharmacology in Rehabilitation 2 CREDITS →

Semester 2

Apr - Aug

Total Credits: 8

Semester Tuition: $3,400

Critical Assessment and Application of Best Evidence 3 CREDITS →
Differential Diagnosis: Screening for Medical Disorders 2 CREDITS →
Documentation, Coding, Payment, and Compliance: Managing for Success in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Environment 1 CREDITS →
Medical Imaging In Rehabilitation 2 CREDITS →

Semester 3

Aug - Dec

Total Credits: 6

Semester Tuition: $2,550

Capstone for ppDPT 4 CREDITS →
Professionalism: The Doctoring Profession 2 CREDITS →

Semester 1

Apr - Aug

Total Credits: 6

Semester Tuition: $2,550

Business and Marketing 2 CREDITS →
Clinical Decision Making: Guide to Physical Therapist Practice 1 CREDITS →
Legal and Ethical Issues for Pt's: Considerations In Risk Management 1 CREDITS →
Pharmacology in Rehabilitation 2 CREDITS →

Semester 2

Aug - Dec

Total Credits: 8

Semester Tuition: $3,400

Critical Assessment and Application of Best Evidence 3 CREDITS →
Differential Diagnosis: Screening for Medical Disorders 2 CREDITS →
Documentation, Coding, Payment, and Compliance: Managing for Success in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Environment 1 CREDITS →
Medical Imaging In Rehabilitation 2 CREDITS →

Semester 3

Jan - Apr

Total Credits: 6

Semester Tuition: $2,550

Capstone for ppDPT 4 CREDITS →
Professionalism: The Doctoring Profession 2 CREDITS →

Schedules for future academic semesters are projected for planning purposes. Dates are subject to change without notice and will be confirmed upon acceptance.

Rehabilitation Administration Certificate (RAC)

Students can complement their ppDPT degree with the Rehabilitation Administration Certificate (RAC). This option adds three focused courses in value-based care, leadership, and a capstone project, designed to prepare you for management roles in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

Students may select the RAC option during the application process.

*Available to PTs, PTAs, ATCs, Ex Phys, M Ex Sci, NPs, PA’s & licensed nutritionists, massage therapists, and personal trainers with at least a bachelor’s degree **RAC ONLY – If you would like to take the combined ppDPT and Rehabilitation Administration Certificate, then you would complete the requirements associated with the ppDPT application. Tuition is $425 per credit. Payment option is available.

Requirements

Below are the requirements to be considered for this program. These should be submitted as part of the application process. If you send documents before applying, we may not be able to match them to your file. See the How to Apply section below for more details.

 

If you attained your MPT or MSPT from a CAPTE accredited institute:

  • Copy of Physical Therapy license
  • Official transcript(s) directly from the university, college, or recognized clearinghouse

If you attained your MPT or MSPT from a non-CAPTE (or foreign) institute:

  • Copy of US Physical Therapy license
  • Official transcript(s) directly from the university, college, or recognized clearinghouse
  • Academic equivalency documentation from the Institute of Foreign Credential Services that states your degree is equal to a Master’s in PT. Select General Analysis, and have the report sent directly to Rehab Essentials.
How to Apply

Applying is easy! 

  • Ensure you have an electronic copy of your physical therapy license and your FCCPT/equivalent evaluation report (if required) to upload during the application process.
  • Complete the online application and have official transcripts sent electronically or mailed to the address below:
Rehab Essentials, Inc

ATTN: Admissions Coordinator

1889 Tamarack Lane

Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Email: admissions@rehabessentials.com

All required materials must be received via email or postmarked no later than application deadline noted above in Key Dates. Spots are limited and assigned on a first come, first serve basis.

Apply Now