Postprofessional Programs

Department of Physical Therapy

International MHS Applicants, please click here

The postprofessional programs in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy offer various master's and doctoral degrees designed to provide practicing physical therapists the necessary tools to advance skills and knowledge, as well as expand career opportunities. The Krannert School of Physical Therapy has been offering postprofessional education since 1984. The curricula include weekend and web-based formats allowing students to earn a degree, without having to relocate to Indianapolis.


Peter Rundquist (right) thanks Duane Sanders (left). Duane taught courses in our postprofessional program for 23 years!

Range of degrees
Postprofessional students have three distinct degree choices. The Master of Health Science (MHS) degree program enables physical therapists to earn an advanced degree with 36 additional credit hours. The doctoral programs include the Doctor of Health Science (DHS) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees.

Master of Health Science
The master's degree program provides advanced educational opportunities for practicing physical therapists desiring to improve their clinical skills and knowledge.

Content Areas

 MHS

Clinical Emphasis  

18

Critical Inquiry

3

Minor Areas

6

Electives

9

Total

36

 credits

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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Students interested in the postprofessional DPT must have a U.S. license to practice physical therapy. This degree is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of physical therapists in the areas of evidence based clinical practice and medical sciences.

Content Areas

DPT

BS to DPT

Screening & Diagnosis

13

Physical Therapy Practice

6

6 additional credits 

Doctoral Profession

3

Health Promotion/Education

6

Inquiry/Scholarship

6

Minor

0

6 additional credits 

Total (for applicants with a PT master's degree)

34

 credits 

Note: U.S. bachelor's-trained therapists are required to complete 46 credits to earn the DPT.

46 credits total

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Doctor of Health Science (DHS) Program
The DHS degree allows physical therapists to extend their knowledge and skills in screening and diagnosis; scholarship; and minor areas including administration, education, or professional issues. Additionally, this degree prepares leaders for the profession of physical therapy.

Content Areas

 DHS

Basic and Clinical Sciences

54

Screening and Diagnosis (9 credit min) 

Clinical Emphasis (30 credit min)

Clinical Electives (15 credit max)

Critical Inquiry

9

Minor

9

General Electives

18

Total

90

 credits minimum

Word View and/or print sample program of study

Transfer Credits and Prior Learning Experience: Students may transfer up to 12 credit hours of course work/or prior learning assessment into the MHS or DPT programs. Students earning an excess of 128 semester credit hours in their baccalaureate degree program may request consideration to transfer up to 6 credit hours from upper-level coursework into the MHS degree program. Students admitted to the DHS program may transfer up to 45 credit hours of graduate course work and/or prior learning assessment. Graduates from the Professional physical therapy program at the University of Indianapolis may transfer up to 60 credit hours.

Opportunity to Specialize
Students in the postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program are exposed to a range of courses across various specialty areas. Students in the MHS and DHS programs identify an area of clinical emphasis in orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric, or geriatric physical therapy.

Individualized Programs of Study
In conjunction with an advisor, students design an individualized program of study developed within the parameters of their chosen program. This approach allows students the flexibility to complete their degree at their own pace.

Postprofessional PT students may also register for postprofessional courses in occupational therapy and gerontology.

Flexible Format
A variety of learning experiences are available within the postprofessional programs.

Weekend courses offer a combination of independent study and intensive classroom interaction with faculty and students. Each course requires only one weekend in Indianapolis, with various projects prior to and after the on-campus commitment.

Web-based courses establish an electronic classroom community with students working from their homes.

Independent studies and practicums are designed to enhance degree plans and to incorporate additional resources.

Nationally Renowned Faculty
The postprofessional programs include the expertise of core and adjunct faculty members. Core faculty members have a primary professional commitment to the University of Indianapolis. Adjunct faculty members share their knowledge and expertise on a part-time basis. The variety of formats offered have allowed the assembling of an impressive group of adjunct faculty members from across the nation.

Admission
The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if any information provided is found to be inaccurate or falsified.

For additional information about the postprofessional programs at the University of Indianapolis, please contact admissions counselor, Lisa Tehan, at 800-232-8634 ext. 4909 or 317-788-4909 or send an e-mail to tehanl@uindy.edu.