Individual PT Courses vs. a Post-Professional DPT: Which Is Right for Me?
If your physical therapy credential evaluation identifies educational deficiencies, you may be wondering whether you should complete a few individual university courses or enroll in a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
The best choice depends on your identified deficiencies, the number of additional credits you need, your previous academic degree, and your long-term educational goals.
Some internationally educated physical therapists can address their academic deficiencies through a small number of targeted courses.
Others with substantial professional education credit shortages and multiple missing topics may find that a post-professional DPT program provides a more comprehensive educational pathway.
Importantly, these options are not always mutually exclusive. A student may complete a DPT program while also addressing educational deficiencies through courses within the program or additional individual courses.
Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision without unnecessary coursework.
What Is the Difference Between Individual Courses and a Post-Professional DPT?
There are two primary educational pathways to consider when addressing academic deficiencies.
| Individual University Courses | Post-Professional DPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Address selected educational requirements | Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree |
| Enrollment | Nondegree-seeking student | Degree-seeking student |
| Coursework | Selected courses based on individual needs | Defined doctoral curriculum |
| Academic credits | Depends on courses selected | 20 or 30 credits at UM, depending on eligibility |
| Degree awarded | No additional degree | Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| Potential to address CWT deficiencies | Yes, depending on course content | Yes, depending on curriculum and identified deficiencies |
| Tuition | Standard rate of $425 per credit | Standard or adjusted rate for eligible students |
| Best suited for | Students needing limited additional coursework | Students seeking a doctorate or needing broader professional education |
Neither pathway automatically guarantees that all identified deficiencies will be resolved.
The credential evaluator determines whether completed coursework satisfies the applicable requirements.
When Do Individual University Courses Make Sense?
Individual courses may be the most practical choice when your evaluation identifies a limited number of missing professional education topics or a relatively small academic credit shortage.
For example, suppose your evaluation identifies deficiencies in:
- Pharmacology
- Diagnostic imaging
- Legal and ethical considerations in physical therapy
If appropriately selected university courses address those missing topics, you may not need to complete an entire DPT program.
The University of Montana offers online physical therapy courses that eligible students may take as nondegree-seeking students.
This approach may allow students to:
- Focus on specific identified deficiencies.
- Complete fewer academic credits when deficiencies are limited.
- Avoid coursework unrelated to their immediate educational requirements.
- Pursue additional education without committing to an entire degree program.
However, individual nondegree-seeking courses do not lead to a DPT degree.
Students with significant credit deficiencies may also discover that completing numerous individual courses is less financially attractive than pursuing a comprehensive doctoral program.
When Might a Post-Professional DPT Program Make More Sense?
A post-professional DPT program may be worth considering when an internationally educated physical therapist has substantial professional education credit deficiencies, multiple missing professional topics, or an independent interest in earning a doctoral degree.
The University of Montana offers online, asynchronous post-professional DPT pathways designed for physical therapists seeking to advance their education.
Bachelor's-to-DPT Pathway
- 30 academic credits
- Designed for eligible physical therapists with a bachelor's-level educational background
- Available in a traditional seven-semester or accelerated five-semester pathway
- Leads to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
Master's-to-DPT Pathway
- 20 academic credits
- Designed for eligible physical therapists with a qualifying master's-level degree in physical therapy or recognized academic equivalent
- Five semesters (traditional) or three semesters (accelerated)
- Leads to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
Both pathways provide professional education across multiple areas of contemporary physical therapy practice.
The post-professional DPT is an educational advancement program. It is not an entry-level licensure program and does not independently establish eligibility for U.S. physical therapy licensure.
Example: A Student With Multiple Topic Deficiencies and a Large Credit Shortfall
Consider an internationally educated physical therapist whose CWT evaluation identifies:
- A professional education deficiency in pharmacology
- A professional education deficiency in diagnostic imaging
- A professional education deficiency in differential diagnosis
- A professional education credit shortfall of 25 credits
The student may initially consider taking individual university courses to address the three missing topics.
However, completing only those targeted courses may leave a significant professional education credit deficiency.
For an applicant eligible for the University of Montana's 30-credit bachelor's-to-DPT pathway, the post-professional DPT program may offer another option.
Depending on the actual course content and evaluator's determinations, some courses within the DPT curriculum may address missing professional topics while also contributing eligible credits toward the professional credit shortfall.
The student would not automatically need to complete 25 additional credits on top of the DPT program.
The credits earned through accepted DPT coursework may contribute toward the identified professional credit deficiency at the same time that the coursework addresses missing topics.
However, completing the 30-credit degree does not guarantee that all 25 deficient credits or all missing topics will be accepted.
The evaluator determines which courses and credits satisfy the applicable educational requirements.
This example is hypothetical and does not represent an approved educational plan.
How Do Tuition Costs Compare Between Individual Courses and a Post-Professional DPT?
The cost of addressing educational deficiencies depends on the number of courses required, enrollment status, and eligibility for special tuition rates.
The University of Montana's standard tuition rate for post-professional physical therapy coursework is $425 per credit.
International students enrolled in a post-professional DPT degree program who reside in designated countries and regions may be eligible for an adjusted rate of $250 per credit.
Adjusted-rate tuition is not available to nondegree-seeking students. Students taking individual courses outside the degree program pay the standard tuition rate.
Adjusted-Rate Tuition for Eligible International Students
The University of Montana offers adjusted-rate tuition to eligible international physical therapists residing in designated countries and regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
For eligible degree-seeking students, tuition is $250 per credit rather than the standard $425 per credit.
Eligibility is based on the student's country of residence and applicable program requirements, with residency eligibility determined at admission.
Because the list of eligible countries and regions may change, students are encouraged to talk to an enrollment coach to confirm their eligibility.
An enrollment coach can also help students understand the financial differences between taking individual courses and completing a post-professional DPT program.
Explore University of Montana Post-Professional DPT Programs
Comparing Tuition Costs
Consider the following examples:
| Educational Option | Credits | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Individual nondegree-seeking courses | 6 | $2,550 |
| Individual nondegree-seeking courses | 12 | $5,100 |
| Individual nondegree-seeking courses | 18 | $7,650 |
| Bachelor's-to-DPT program, standard tuition | 30 | $12,750 |
| Bachelor's-to-DPT program, adjusted-rate tuition | 30 | $7,500 |
| Master's-to-DPT program, adjusted-rate tuition | 20 | $5,000 |
These figures represent tuition only, excluding applicable additional fees. Adjusted-rate tuition is available only to eligible degree-seeking students, with eligibility determined at admission.
Why This Comparison Matters
Suppose an internationally educated physical therapist is eligible for adjusted-rate tuition and needs 18 credits of additional professional education.
At the standard nondegree-seeking tuition rate of $425 per credit, those 18 credits would cost $7,650.
If that same individual is admitted to the 30-credit bachelor's-to-DPT program and is eligible for the $250 rate, the entire degree program would cost $7,500 in tuition.
In this example, the student could potentially earn a DPT degree for slightly less tuition than completing 18 credits of individual nondegree-seeking coursework.
However, the DPT program involves more coursework and a longer academic commitment. It may also not address every deficiency identified in the student's credential evaluation.
The best decision depends on the student's academic eligibility, educational goals, time commitment, and the specific coursework needed.
For eligible students with significant professional credit deficiencies, comparing the full cost of individual coursework against the DPT program may reveal educational opportunities that are not immediately obvious.
Can I Start My DPT While My CWT Evaluation Is Still in Progress?
Yes. Eligible students may begin the University of Montana's post-professional DPT program while their physical therapy credential evaluation is underway.
A completed CWT evaluation is not necessarily required for admission to the University's post-professional DPT program because professional licensure credential evaluation and academic program admission serve different purposes.
Applicants must independently satisfy the University's academic admission requirements. International applicants who do not yet hold a U.S. physical therapy license need an academic equivalency report for admission. It is relatively inexpensive and typically takes about two weeks, compared with the several months a CWT evaluation can take.
For internationally educated physical therapists whose long-term goal is to earn a DPT, pursuing both processes concurrently may offer a significant time advantage.
Example: Beginning the DPT While Waiting for an FCCPT Evaluation
Suppose an internationally educated physical therapist begins the FCCPT credential evaluation process while applying to the University of Montana's accelerated bachelor's-to-DPT program.
Credential evaluations may take several months, depending on the evaluator, required documentation, and processing timelines.
Rather than waiting for the evaluation to be completed, the student may choose to begin the DPT program once admitted.
The University's accelerated bachelor's-to-DPT pathway can be completed in five semesters.
Depending on the timing of enrollment and evaluation completion, the student may complete approximately two semesters of the DPT curriculum while the credential evaluation is being processed.
Once the evaluation is received, the student can compare identified deficiencies with:
- University of Montana courses already completed
- Courses remaining within the DPT curriculum
- Additional individual courses that may be necessary to address outstanding deficiencies
This allows the student to make progress toward earning a DPT while also completing coursework that may later be relevant to their educational deficiencies.
The amount of coursework completed before the evaluation is issued will vary based on actual processing and academic timelines.
Will I Need to Repeat Courses I Have Already Completed?
Not necessarily.
If coursework completed through the post-professional DPT program is later accepted by the credential evaluator as satisfying an identified topic deficiency, the student would not ordinarily need to repeat the same coursework to satisfy that requirement again.
For example, suppose a student completes university coursework covering medical screening and differential diagnosis.
After receiving the credential evaluation, the student discovers deficiencies involving those educational topics.
The student may submit documentation of the completed coursework to the evaluator for review.
If the evaluator accepts that coursework for the identified deficiencies, the student may satisfy those requirements without taking another course covering the same material.
This may help reduce unnecessary duplication.
However, students should not assume that every course within the DPT curriculum will address a specific CWT deficiency. The evaluator determines whether the completed coursework is acceptable.
Can I Combine a Post-Professional DPT Program With Additional Individual Courses?
Yes, subject to university enrollment and academic requirements.
The post-professional DPT program and individual deficiency courses are not mutually exclusive.
A student may complete a post-professional DPT degree while also taking additional individual courses to address specific deficiencies that are not covered by the doctoral curriculum.
For example, a student may have a substantial professional credit shortage and several missing professional topic requirements.
Courses within the DPT program may address many of those requirements, while a limited number of additional courses may be necessary for topics that remain unmet.
This combined approach may be appropriate for students whose goals include both earning a DPT degree and addressing their educational deficiencies for U.S. licensure.
Additional courses outside the DPT curriculum may involve separate tuition charges and may not count toward the degree.
Does a 30-Credit DPT Program Automatically Resolve a 30-Credit Professional Deficiency?
No.
A 30-credit post-professional DPT program awards 30 academic credits upon successful completion, but the credential evaluator determines which credits are eligible toward each identified requirement.
The evaluator may distinguish between professional education credits, general education credits, clinical education requirements, and other categories.
A student may also have missing professional topics that are not fully addressed by the DPT curriculum.
In those circumstances, additional coursework may be necessary.
Completing a DPT program and satisfying a CWT evaluation are related educational goals, but they are not the same determination.
Does My Previous Degree Determine Which DPT Pathway I Can Enter?
Yes. Prior academic education is an important factor in determining eligibility for the University of Montana's post-professional DPT programs.
The bachelor's-to-DPT pathway is intended for eligible physical therapists with a bachelor's-level educational background.
The master's-to-DPT pathway requires a qualifying master's-level physical therapy degree or recognized academic equivalent.
For internationally educated physical therapists, the name of a degree does not automatically establish equivalency to a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree.
A professional physical therapy credential evaluation for licensure is not the same as an academic degree equivalency evaluation.
For example, an individual may satisfy professional educational equivalency requirements for U.S. physical therapy licensure without holding an academic degree recognized as equivalent to a U.S. master's degree.
The University's admissions requirements determine which post-professional DPT pathway the applicant is eligible to enter.
Is It Better to Wait for My Credential Evaluation Before Starting a DPT?
That depends on your long-term educational goals.
If Your Primary Goal Is to Address Licensure Deficiencies
Waiting for your credential evaluation may be the more practical choice if your goal is simply to complete the minimum additional education required for U.S. physical therapy licensure.
Without the completed evaluation, you may not know which specific educational topics or credits are deficient.
You may discover that only a small number of individual courses are necessary.
If Your Primary Goal Is to Earn a DPT Degree
Beginning a post-professional DPT program while your credential evaluation is underway may make sense if you intend to earn the doctoral degree regardless of your evaluation results.
This allows you to make progress toward your DPT while the evaluation process continues.
Once the credential evaluation is received, you can compare identified deficiencies with completed and remaining degree coursework.
If Your Goal Is Both U.S. Licensure and a DPT Degree
Completing the processes concurrently may offer advantages.
The degree coursework may contribute toward some identified deficiencies, and any additional unmet requirements can be considered alongside the remaining program curriculum.
However, neither the degree nor the credential evaluation guarantees the outcome of the other.
How Long Does Each Educational Pathway Take?
The timeline for individual courses depends on the number of courses required and the student's enrollment schedule.
The University of Montana offers:
- Bachelor's-to-DPT: 30 credits over five accelerated semesters or seven traditional semesters.
- Master's-to-DPT: 20 credits over five traditional or three accelerated semesters.
Post-professional DPT courses are delivered online and asynchronously within academic semesters.
Actual completion timelines depend on enrollment, academic progress, and university requirements.
How Can the Strelis PT License Deficiency Navigator Help Me Compare These Options?
The Navigator provides a free educational planning service focused on University of Montana coursework.
By uploading your completed physical therapy credential evaluation, you can explore courses that may address your identified academic deficiencies.
Our educational planning process helps you consider:
- Which professional topic deficiencies may be addressed by individual courses
- Where one course may cover multiple missing topics
- How eligible credits may contribute toward professional or overall academic credit shortages
- Whether individual coursework or a post-professional DPT program may be worth considering
- Which requirements may remain unmet after completing a proposed educational pathway
The Navigator focuses on University of Montana coursework rather than comparing every available university program.
The educational planning service is free. University tuition, credential evaluation fees, and other applicable costs are separate.
Course recommendations are advisory and do not constitute official evaluator approval or an academic admissions determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a DPT degree to address my CWT deficiencies?
Not necessarily. Some applicants may address their deficiencies through individual university courses. Others may benefit from a post-professional DPT program, particularly when they have substantial professional credit deficiencies or want to earn a doctoral degree.
Will a 30-credit DPT program satisfy a 30-credit professional credit deficiency?
Not automatically. The credential evaluator determines which courses and credits satisfy the applicable requirements. Additional coursework may be necessary.
Can I start the post-professional DPT program before receiving my FCCPT evaluation?
Yes, provided you meet the University of Montana's academic admission requirements. Students may begin the degree while their credential evaluation is underway.
If I complete DPT courses before receiving my evaluation, will I have to retake them?
Not necessarily. If the credential evaluator accepts previously completed coursework as satisfying an identified deficiency, the student may not need to repeat that coursework for the same requirement.
Does adjusted-rate tuition apply to individual nondegree-seeking courses?
No. Nondegree-seeking students pay the applicable standard tuition rate of $425 per credit. Adjusted-rate tuition is available only to eligible degree-seeking students.
How do I know if I may be eligible for the $250-per-credit adjusted rate?
The University of Montana offers adjusted-rate tuition to eligible international physical therapists residing in designated countries and regions.
To find out whether you may be eligible, talk to a Strelis enrollment coach. An enrollment coach can help you review your country of residence, educational background, and intended DPT pathway to understand which tuition rate may apply.
Adjusted-rate tuition is available only to eligible post-professional DPT degree students, not individual nondegree-seeking students.
Explore University of Montana Post-Professional DPT Programs
Can I complete the bachelor's-to-DPT program in five semesters?
Yes. The University of Montana offers an accelerated 30-credit bachelor's-to-DPT pathway structured over five semesters.
Can I combine the DPT program with additional deficiency courses?
Yes, subject to university requirements. Some students may benefit from earning a DPT while taking additional courses to address educational topics not fully covered within the degree curriculum.
Does earning a post-professional DPT guarantee U.S. physical therapy licensure?
No. The post-professional DPT is an educational advancement program. Applicants must independently meet the requirements established by their intended state licensing authority.
Can the Navigator guarantee the most affordable educational pathway?
No. the Navigator provides free educational planning recommendations focused on University of Montana coursework. The best pathway depends on the student's individual evaluation, degree eligibility, tuition classification, and educational goals.
Get Your Free Educational Pathway Plan
Not sure whether individual university courses or a post-professional DPT program makes more sense for your educational deficiencies?
The Navigator can help you explore your options.
Upload your credential evaluation to identify potentially relevant University of Montana coursework and consider how different educational pathways may address missing topics and academic credit requirements.
Whether your goal is to address individual deficiencies, earn a DPT degree, or accomplish both, understanding your educational options is an important first step.
Get My Free Educational Pathway Plan
Questions About Tuition or Program Eligibility?
Not sure whether you may be eligible for adjusted-rate tuition or which educational pathway is right for you?
Our enrollment team can help you understand your program options, tuition eligibility, and next steps.
the Navigator provides educational planning assistance focused on University of Montana coursework. Recommendations are not official credential evaluations, course pre-approvals, academic admissions determinations, or guarantees of physical therapy licensure.