- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Regis University
- University of the Cumberlands
- Arcadia University
- University of Utah
Pain-free movement is a luxury that’s often overlooked—until you feel that nerve-tingling, chill-inducing pang of a slipped disc or a torn tendon. Only when an injury becomes so painful you can barely move do you realize how important mobility is (and how you’ll never take walking up the stairs for granted again).
If you’re passionate about helping people regain strength and mobility after suffering accidents or injuries, a physical therapy career might be right for you. Though they can’t prescribe medication or conduct surgeries, physical therapists have the potential to change patients’ lives through movement.
Practicing physical therapy requires a license—and to get a license, you’ll first need a doctoral degree. In this article, we’ve listed five of the top eligible online physical therapy programs to kickstart your career. Because physical therapy requires occasional in-person training, all of these programs are hybrid, with both on-campus and virtual components.
Our Methodology
Best Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs
Should You Enroll in an Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program?
You should consider several factors before enrolling in online physical therapy school. Though hybrid programs offer greater flexibility and, sometimes, more cost savings than traditional degree programs, you should evaluate the following before committing:
- Your learning style. If you prefer meeting in person rather than in virtual environments, an online program could be challenging for you. Even though hybrid programs include in-person instruction and learning experiences, there’s the online component to consider. Consider reaching out to the schools you’re interested in to find out how much of the curriculum is delivered online versus in person.
- Your budget. Hybrid programs require some on-campus instruction, so if you’re not already close to a campus, it’s possible you’ll need to relocate. Earning a DPT usually requires moving around several times a year for clinical practica and other immersive education experiences. Be sure to factor commuting and travel costs into your budget when considering a hybrid DPT program.
- Accreditation. Earning a degree from an accredited institution and program enhances the validity of your degree. DPT programs are generally accredited by CAPTE, but be aware that post-professional programs in physical therapy—like Sc.D. degrees—can’t be accredited.
Accreditation for Online DPT Programs
To ensure adherence to quality standards for education, institutional accrediting agencies review entire colleges and universities based on their adherence to rigorous standards. Programmatic accreditation also exists for specific programs within institutions.
Doctorate physical therapy programs can be accredited by CAPTE, which provides specialized accreditation to entry-level physical therapy programs and clinical doctoral education programs.
How To Find the Right Online Physical Therapy Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
Think about what you’d like to do with your career after earning your degree. In most cases, people who earn a DPT go on to seek licensure and practice physical therapy in a clinic or private practice.
If you’re planning on becoming a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). Your doctoral degree must come from a CAPTE-accredited institution to be eligible to take the exam.
Hybrid physical therapy programs involve an on-campus component, so be sure to consider your ideal location, too. Where do you see yourself living in the next few years? Are you open to moving around for clinical practica?
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The cost of earning an online doctoral degree depends on the individual institution. Some programs cost over $1,000 per credit; Regis University, for example, charges $1,011 per credit for tuition, totaling $111,210 in tuition for the entire 110-credit program.
Other schools are less expensive, like Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. With 100 credits at $265 per credit, tuition for Texas Tech’s Sc.D. degree costs $26,500.
Luckily, there are several financing options available for students with different needs. Here are a few of the most common:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are funded by individuals and organizations and awarded to successful applicants. They’re usually based on academic achievement or financial need.
- Grants: Grants are generally needs-based funds that are awarded by state and local governments. To qualify for a grant, you’ll first need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
- Loans: Students borrow money from a lender and pay it back (plus interest) after graduating. You can take out either public or private loans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Physical Therapy Programs
Can physical therapy be done virtually?
Yes. If physical touch isn’t required in the appointment, physical therapists can connect with their patients on virtual telehealth platforms.
Are you called a doctor with a doctorate in physical therapy?
Not in the sense of a medical doctor (MD). Many physical therapists earn a doctoral degree, but they can’t diagnose conditions, perform surgeries or prescribe medication.
Is a doctorate in physical therapy the same as an MD?
No, a doctorate in physical therapy isn’t the same as an MD. Unlike MDs, DPTs can’t prescribe medicine or diagnose conditions.