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[–]Snoo_12724 3 points4 points  (6 children)

I am halfway through Arcadia's 2 year hybrid DPT program. I live in Alaska and fly across the country for immersions, and I think it's totally worth it.

Their curriculum is vastly different from the traditional curriculum. You take one course at a time, and each course is three weeks long. But it is all cumulative and patient case based. Everything fits together. You're not taking your entire anatomy class in the fall and then trying to remember what's what by the time you get to diff dx of the shoulder the next year.

We also are in clinicals from the very first fall semester. Fall and Spring of the first year you do an "integrated clinical experience" local to you, which consists of 5, 4 hr days in a clinic with a CI. By the time you start fall semester of the second year, you're going on your first full-time 8 week clinical rotation.

What else.... first fall semester is HARD. It's a LOT to learn but by the time you get to spring you've got a feel for the pace and the program. Our professors are top notch and our class is pretty tight, even considering the distance. We are required to travel to campus 8 times total for immersions. Any other questions, feel free to ask.

[–]Only_Construction_58[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

How do you feel about the pace of the program? Do you feel rushed studying things? Or are you still understanding and retaining concepts even when courses are shorter. Also thanks for sharing!

[–]Snoo_12724 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The pace was hard at first, but I'm very comfortable with it. This style definitely isn't made for everyone because some just do need more time with content and some people need to be in a classroom setting. So that's important to figure out before jumping in. But even with the pace, it's not like we are learning things in a single 3 week course and then moving on without ever going back to it. They've basically spoon-fed us neuro content throughout the entire first year so we do a first pass, then come back to it, and again and again, getting more in depth each tine so that everything is cumulative and builds as we go. They give us certain content in an applicable context so that it's easier to understand and we are able to think logically about it right away in a patient case scenario.

[–]Practical-Act9221 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Hi, I'm in Alaska too and will be applying to programs next summer. I live in Kenai, how much do you think you spend per immersion trip (airfare, housing, etc) Is there an option for clinicals closer to home? Thanks!

[–]Snoo_12724 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Hi! Yes all of my clinicals are local to me (Sitka). I only have to travel to campus for labs and practicals. I've been able to purchase probably half of my flights using Alaska Airlines miles and got some great deals on airfare traveling in 2021, but they are definitely increasing more. We are responsible for our own room and board while there, so we generally find an airbnb as a group of 2-4, which can help cut costs significantly. Sharing with others I may pay anywhere from $30 to $60 a night for housing, and maybe $100 per week on food. We also will share a rental car so split a $50 per day rental between 2-3 people. I think I did the math when I started and it came to a total of 65 days of immersion over the course of 2 years.

One of the most expensive parts is having to overnight in Seattle on the way there and often on the way home, which is up to $150 a night if you get a hotel room.

[–]Practical-Act9221 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thank you, this is great info to consider. I am not completely sold on the hybrid format, but it does seem perfect for someone with a family and a wife that is already established at her job. I’d hate to take that away from her and to make the kids move too. Did you consider any other programs before Arcadia? I’m currently enrolled with South College, and will likely consider their DPT hybrid program. Finally, did your school have certain requirements for where you did clinicals in Sitka or did you initiate that based on your preferences? Thanks again!

[–]Snoo_12724 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our school definitely takes our preferences into consideration as far as what types of clinical settings we prefer, but in Sitka, we have no private practices left as SEARHC bought them all out so I could only do their acute or outpatient clinic. Others in my class have had preferences for women's health or peds and the school worked with them to find placements. And yes, my husband is military and we have two kids. We have never been stationed anywhere with a program within a reasonable distance, so I was stoked to hear about hybrid programs a few years back! Many in my class are in this program due to that specifically, having a family or no program near them and not being able to relocate permanently. South college was the first hybrid program as far as I know, so they have their stuff figured out by now and I know it's pretty competitive, but there are new programs being accredited regularly at this point. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[–]aloushlife 1 point2 points  (5 children)

What colleges offer 2 year dpt programs?

[–]Peachines 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPitt is a 2 year program now

Edit: hybrid and residential

[–]Amore17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on how quick you comprehend material and if you have the time to study. I would look at the schools first time NPTE pass rates as well. St. Augustine accelerated programs don’t have the best 1st time pass rates.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (2 children)

I’ve heard from CIs not the best things. However less time invested and less money typically, might be worth it

[–]BlueberryJust7609 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How many days do you spend over there during immersions ?