What Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)?
What Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)?
You may have noticed that many of our physical therapists at SB Physio have the title “Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)” after their name. But what does that actually mean — and how does it affect your care?
Let’s break it down.
🎓 What Is a DPT?
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a licensed healthcare professional who has completed a doctoral-level program in physical therapy. This degree is now the entry-level standard in the United States for becoming a physical therapist.
It means your provider has:
Completed 3 years of graduate education beyond a bachelor's degree
Undergone rigorous training in musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and functional rehabilitation
Passed the national licensure examination required to practice
DPTs are movement experts trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions that affect mobility, strength, balance, and quality of life.
🧠 What DPT Education Includes
A Doctor of Physical Therapy program includes:
Graduate-level coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, pain science, and clinical reasoning
Evidence-based practice and research interpretation
Medical screening skills to identify conditions that require referral to other healthcare providers
At least 30 weeks of full-time clinical rotations, often totaling 1,000+ hours of supervised hands-on patient care across outpatient, inpatient, and specialty settings
🔍 Is a DPT the Same as a Physical Therapist?
Not exactly — “Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)” refers to the degree, while “physical therapist” is the licensed profession.
All DPTs are physical therapists, but not all physical therapists hold a DPT. Some experienced clinicians may have earned earlier degrees like a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT) — both of which still meet licensing requirements.
Since 2016, the DPT has become the required degree for new graduates entering the profession in the U.S. This shift reflects an evolution in the scope and depth of physical therapy education.
Regardless of whether a PT holds a DPT, MPT, or BSPT, all licensed physical therapists must pass the same national board exam and meet continuing education standards to maintain licensure.
💬 Does It Mean I'm Seeing a Doctor?
Yes — but not a medical doctor (MD). A DPT is a clinical doctorate, similar to degrees held by pharmacists (PharmD), optometrists (OD), or chiropractors (DC).
DPTs are trained to:
Perform detailed evaluations of movement and function
Identify musculoskeletal impairments
Develop customized treatment plans
Refer you to a physician if something falls outside their scope
They are often a first point of contact for pain, injury, and mobility issues — especially in direct access states like California, where you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral.
🤝 Why It Matters at SB Physio
At SB Physio, your care is led by a team that includes:
Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs)
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
Supervised DPT students from accredited universities
This team approach ensures you're getting care that is up-to-date, research-informed, and designed around your goals — whether you're recovering from surgery, improving balance, or returning to your favorite activities.
Disclaimer
This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For questions about your condition or care, please consult your healthcare provider or licensed physical therapist.
