Program Experience
How long will it take to learn if I have been admitted?
Usually within 1–3 weeks from when you submitted your application.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. We have students worldwide. Partnerships exist with Syllabi Consultancy (Central/East Africa), FEU-NRMF (Philippines), GES (Middle East), and IPTA (South Asia) for residents in specific regions.
How long do the post-professional programs take?
Program length depends on your highest therapy degree when you enter and course work.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (ppDPT): Most students complete in about 12–28 months.
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ppOTD): Most students complete in about 20–28 months as well.
Are all courses online?
Yes, all courses in the ppDPT program are online.
Am I required to be on campus at any time?
No. Our programs are fully online, and there is no on-campus requirement. You will, however, be invited to attend the University of Montana commencement ceremony each summer to celebrate your achievement, but attendance is completely optional.
Is class participation required?
Every course has a discussion forum. Some courses have grading requirements tied to forum participation.
Do I need to be on the computer at a certain time?
All courses are self-paced within the semester and follow assignment and exam deadlines.
Can courses be taken out of sequence?
No, courses are taken within your cohort according to the course schedule.
Are exams taken online?
Yes, all exams are available online and must be completed by the posted deadline.
Do courses run on Mac and PC?
Yes, courses run on most interfaces including Mac, PC, and mobile devices.
Is financial aid available?
Costs are kept low through reduced post-graduate credit rates and no accessory fees. Federal financial aid may be available if taking 6+ credits per semester. Additional opportunities may exist through employers, APTA, AOTA, or private scholarships.
Are the programs accredited?
Our transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (ppDPT) and transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ppOTD) programs are post-professional. Because you are already licensed, these programs do not require CAPTE or ACOTE accreditation. Instead, your degree is awarded by the University of Montana, which is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). For reference, entry-level DPT and OTD programs at the University of Montana are CAPTE and ACOTE accredited (but transitional or post-professional programs do not fall under those agencies).
Is there a referral program?
Yes, current ppDPT students or alumni can make qualified referrals through the Referral Rewards Program.
How was the ppDPT curriculum established?
Based on APTA Education Division’s “Preferred Curricular Model for the Transitional Clinical Doctoral Program and Learner.”
Enrollment & University Resources
How do I register for a class?
You must be an accepted student with a student ID number to register through Cyberbear. Apply first if you are not accepted.
How do I access the UM Library?
Go to https://www.lib.umt.edu. Use your NetID and password to log in.
When will I receive my diplomas or certificate?
After your final semester is complete and your graduation application has been processed, your degree will be formally conferred and your diploma or certificate mailed to you.
Is there a commencement at the university?
Yes, commencement for the ppDPT and ppOTD is held once a year in May at the University of Montana. Attendance is optional.
How do students get transcripts?
The most convenient way is through the National Student Clearinghouse at www.studentclearinghouse.org. Provide your Student ID or SSN.
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