In speaking with my supervisor about career advancement and opportunities within the Department of Veterans Affairs, he informed me that positions are being offered to those with a DPT credential only, and proceeded to tell me the limited number of positions for those without the degree. This was an eye-opener for me and caused me to start looking around.
After several discussions with co-workers that had undergone similar tDPT programs throughout the U.S., Utica College was suggested. I was familiar with the area, not the school. Researching different tDPT programs, Utica College was identified repeatedly as being in the top five schools for obtaining a doctoral degree. It became my school of choice. Utica College provides a solid program with all learning conducted online, except for a three-day residency that kicks off the start of the program. The application and admission process went smoothly. I want to highlight this point because I graduated from an international school not associated with the U.S., and currently not accredited by APTA. The admissions team did their due diligence in evaluating my past educational experiences, practical work in the field and continued learning desire, and identified my commitment to being the best therapist I could be. Once I was accepted to Utica College, the information came pouring in, preparing me for the program, identifying the expectations and providing specific topics culminating in a final project called a capstone practicum.