Postprofessional Programs

International MHS Applicants, please click here.

NEW! Graduate Certificates

The postprofessional program in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy offers graduate certificates and academic master's and doctoral degrees designed to provide practicing physical therapists with 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 courses include weekend and Online formats allowing students to earn a degree, without having to relocate to Indianapolis.

Watch PT Postprofessional program video

Flexible Format
A variety of learning formats are available within the postprofessional program. Weekend courses offer a combination of independent study and intensive classroom interaction with faculty and students. Most courses require only one three-day weekend on campus at the University of Indianapolis with pre-course and post-coursework completed Online, making it convenient for clinicians located throughout the country to attend classes. Many weekend courses include clinically-based labs during the course. Some courses meet for two days, and some are offered fully Online. Online courses establish a community with students working from their homes. Independent studies and practica 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. Our students learn from an impressive group of adjunct faculty members from across the nation.

Individualized Programs of Study
Our students receive personal attention. 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 UIndy graduate-level courses and postprofessional courses in occupational therapy and gerontology.

Range of Degrees and Graduate Certificates
Postprofessional students have three degree and three graduate certificate choices. Each graduate certificate (orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics) requires 18 credits. The Master of Health Science (MHS) enables physical therapists to earn an advanced academic degree with 36 credit hours. The doctoral degrees include the Doctor of Health Science (DHS) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

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.

Graduate Certificates
This is a great option for clinicians who want to expand their clinical competence. These also provide content for individuals planning to sit for specialization examinations.
One core course plus 5 elective courses = 18 credits
Neurology
Orthopedics
Pediatrics

Master of Health Science (MHS)
The master's degree provides advanced educational opportunities for practicing physical therapists desiring to improve clinical skills and knowledge.
Core               15
Electives        21
Total               36 credits

 View and/or print sample program of study
Program of study combined with gerontology

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Students interested in the postprofessional DPT must have a U. S. degree and 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.
Screening & Diagnosis          13
Physical Therapy Practice      6 (6 additional BS to DPT)
Doctoral Profession                3
Health Promotion/Education 6
Inquiry/Scholarship                  6
Minor                                           0 (6 additional BS to DPT)
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.

 View and/or print sample programs of study
Program of study combined with gerontology

Doctor of Health Science (DHS)
The DHS degree allows physical therapists to extend their knowledge and skills in screening and diagnosis and scholarship. Major areas include orthopedic and neurologic PT; minor areas include administration, education, or geriatrics. Additionally, this degree prepares leaders for the profession of physical therapy. Students may take up to 10 years to complete the DHS degree requirements.
CHS Core          15
PT Core              9 
Major                   24
Inquiry                 6
Minor                   12
Electives             6
Juried Project    9
Total                    81 credits

 View and/or print sample program of study
Program of study combined with gerontology

MHS and DHS Core Courses
PTPP 505 Legal and Ethical Issues
PTPP 536 Foundations in Professional Writing
PTPP 537 Clinical Research
PTPP 538 Professional Issues
PTPP 501 Scientific Basis of Orthopedic PT or PTPP 509 Theoretical Foundations of Neurologic PT

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 36 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 51 credit hours.

Admission
Our admission staff will assist with any questions.
Apply to one of our degree or certificate programs or apply to take up to three postprofessional courses as a non-degree student.
The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if any information provided is found to be inaccurate or falsified.