Non-Degree Bridge Program | Foreign-trained Physical Therapists

Non-Degree Bridge Program Courses for foreign-trained Physical Therapists

St. Scholastica鈥檚 Non-Degree Bridge Program is tailored to help foreign-trained physical therapists meet U.S. licensing requirements. Offered alongside our transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program, it addresses educational content gaps to meet FCCPT physical therapy standards and credentialing needs.

Advance Toward U.S. Licensure in Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy

Are you a foreign-trained physical therapist/physiotherapist looking to learn more about the culture of the PT field in the United States? Learn as you work toward becoming a practicing physical therapist in the U.S.

St. Scholastica offers 100% asynchronous online courses with multiple starts to help foreign-trained physical therapists meet the competency requirements and prepare for U.S. licensure. Through the Non-Degree Bridge Program, you can explore courses before committing to the full tDPT program, or address educational deficits between your international degree and U.S. standards. You鈥檒l also be challenged to deepen your clinical expertise and encouraged to collaborate and share insights within a supportive, values-based Benedictine learning environment.

The Non-Degree Bridge Program offers flexible, individualized learning paths for foreign-trained physical therapists preparing for U.S. licensure. Courses are designed to support physical therapy credentialing through FCCPT requirements. Contact graduate admissions to determine which courses best align with your international physical therapy license goals.

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Program Details

Tuition

Tuition: $832/credit*

* Tuition rates are for the 2025-26 academic year. Additional fees and costs for course materials may apply. Total program cost and completion time varies depending on transfer credits and individual program plans. Tuition rates are subject to change.

Textbooks

Almost all textbooks are provided free online.

Curriculum

Available Courses*

PTH 8960 Examination and Evaluation for the International Therapist

Designed for the international physio- or physical therapist, a focus on the acquisition and application of fundamental examination, differential screening, and consultation applications in physical therapy practice. Students apply their knowledge of tests and measures for the musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and wellness in workplace systems. (3 credits; 15 weeks)

PTH 8965 Integumentary Evaluation, Management, and Debridement for International Therapists

To introduce the management and assessment of clients with integumentary disorders. Factors affecting wound repair will be presented. Tests and measures to assess skin integrity and tools for managing integumentary disorders will be discussed. (1 credit; 8 weeks)

PTH 8970: Professional Topics for the Internationally Trained Physical Therapist

Intended for the internationally trained physical therapist to explore various professional topics within the Physical Therapy profession in the United States. It is designed to enhance clinical decision-making with regards to supervision of support staff, delegation, documentation, and discharge and discontinuation. (1 credit; 8 weeks)

PTH 8975: Mechanical Agents and Airway Clearance

Designed for the international physical therapist, this course focuses on select mechanical agents and airway clearance interventions that are within the scope of physical therapy practice. (1.5 credits; 8 weeks)

PTH 8976: Mechanical Agents lab

A hybrid course offering basic instruction of mechanical traction interventions through online coursework. And, an in-person lab including a competency/practical evaluating the application of mechanical traction interventions. (.5 credits; 8 weeks)

PTH 8980: Basic Sciences for the International Therapist

Regional musculoskeletal anatomy and basic science topics that emphasizes the functional relationships between musculature, nervous tissue, vascular, and skeletal components for the extremities and axial skeleton. Additional content includes genetics, histology, nutrition and application to physical therapy practice. (3 credits; 15 weeks)

*Students are required to demonstrate English fluency in both written and verbal communication.

Admission Information

Application Requirements

Free online聽
Copy of credential evaluation

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Non-Degree Bridge Program Courses for foreign-trained Physical Therapists

Advance Toward U.S. Licensure in Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy

Receive Program Information

Contact Us

Tuition

Program Details

Tuition

Tuition: $832/credit*

Textbooks

Curriculum

Available Courses*

PTH 8960 Examination and Evaluation for the International Therapist

PTH 8965 Integumentary Evaluation, Management, and Debridement for International Therapists

PTH 8970: Professional Topics for the Internationally Trained Physical Therapist

PTH 8975: Mechanical Agents and Airway Clearance

PTH 8976: Mechanical Agents lab

PTH 8980: Basic Sciences for the International Therapist

Admission Information

Application Requirements

Meet Our Faculty