The Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) was the standard entry-level qualification for individuals seeking to become licensed physical therapists in the United States. This degree represents a significant, though now historical, step in the professionalization of physical therapy education. This article explores the MSPT’s former role, its defining characteristics, and its current relevance in a field now centered on the clinical doctorate degree.
Defining the Master of Science in Physical Therapy
The MSPT was an entry-level professional degree requiring a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field, before enrollment. The program usually spanned two to two-and-a-half years of intensive post-graduate study. The curriculum provided a comprehensive foundation in the biological and movement sciences, alongside the clinical skills necessary for patient care.
Core coursework focused heavily on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology, preparing graduates to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. Students completed supervised clinical rotations integrated throughout the program. This training allowed graduates to sit for the national licensure examination and begin professional practice.
The Historical Role of the MSPT Degree
The MSPT degree marked a major milestone in the evolution of physical therapy education, succeeding the earlier model of a Certificate or Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT). As the profession’s body of knowledge and clinical responsibilities expanded, educational requirements were elevated to match the increasing complexity of patient care.
The transition to the master’s degree (MPT or MSPT) as the minimum standard began in the late 1980s and was largely complete by the early 2000s. This change enhanced the academic standing of physical therapists and ensured they possessed a deeper understanding of scientific principles and clinical reasoning. Establishing a graduate-level degree as the entry point strengthened the profession’s identity as a science-based healthcare discipline.
The Shift to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Despite the move to the master’s level, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) pushed for an educational upgrade to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, driven by a mandate for greater autonomy. The first DPT program graduated students in 1996. The APTA set a goal, known as Vision 2020, to make the DPT the required entry-level degree. This goal was realized in January 2016 when the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) mandated the DPT for all accredited professional programs.
This shift aimed to position physical therapists as autonomous practitioners who could serve as primary care providers for movement disorders, often utilizing direct access (practice without a physician’s referral). The new doctoral standard necessitated an expansion of the curriculum, incorporating advanced content in differential diagnosis, medical screening, and pharmacology. The DPT reflects the practitioner’s enhanced diagnostic capabilities and the depth of training required to practice evidence-based medicine.
Key Differences Between MSPT and DPT
The distinction between the MSPT and the DPT lies primarily in the program length and the advanced coursework. The MSPT typically required two to two-and-a-half years of study, while the DPT is a three-year professional degree. This additional year allows for a significant increase in both academic and clinical hours.
DPT programs incorporate substantial advanced material often elective or not covered in the MSPT curriculum. This includes detailed instruction in medical and differential diagnosis, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and pharmacological screening. Furthermore, DPT candidates complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience, an increase over the typical 800 to 1,000 hours associated with former master’s programs.
Practice Rights for MSPT Holders
Individuals who earned an MSPT degree before the DPT became the required entry-level credential are licensed and authorized to practice physical therapy today. This is accomplished through “grandfathering,” which permits existing degree holders to maintain their professional status and full scope of practice. An MSPT holder has the same license and can perform the same clinical functions as a colleague with a DPT.
The scope of practice is governed by state licensing boards and is not dictated by the entry-level degree. Some state licensing boards may have varying continuing education requirements for master’s-level therapists compared to those with a DPT. Regardless of the degree, all licensed physical therapists must pass the same national licensure examination and meet state requirements for ongoing professional development.
Continuing Education and Career Advancement for MSPTs
MSPT holders have several pathways to advance their credentials and clinical knowledge. The most direct is the transitional DPT (tDPT) program.
Transitional DPT (tDPT)
These programs are designed for licensed physical therapists who possess a master’s or bachelor’s degree and wish to achieve degree parity with current DPT standards. The tDPT curriculum is often shorter and more focused, aiming to augment the practitioner’s existing knowledge base by filling educational gaps related to advanced topics like pharmacology and diagnostic screening.
Board Certification
MSPT holders can also pursue clinical specialization through board certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). These certifications are available in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, sports, and geriatrics, and are open to all licensed physical therapists regardless of their entry-level degree. Achieving board certification demonstrates advanced clinical competence and expertise in a specific practice area.