2023 Best Online Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

Overview of Online Physical Therapy Degrees

Physical therapy doctorate programs draw all types of students and professionals. Some have medical backgrounds but chose physical therapy training over nursing or medical school. Others may have athletic backgrounds and are interested in working in sports medicine or related fields.

Doctoral degree programs in physical therapy teach students how to properly assess and treat patients with dysfunctional movements from pre-existing conditions. Students learn how to communicate with clients, devise action plans to meet their individual needs, keep track of their progress, and share preventive care techniques.

If you are new to the physical therapy field, there are entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy programs that use a campus, hybrid, or online structure. 

The physical therapy profession has moved away from the master's degree, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) is now required to be a licensed practicing physical therapist. 

If you are a practicing physical therapist with a Master of Physical Therapy or Bachelor of Physical Therapy, you may choose to earn the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy online. This program is for physical therapists (PTs) who entered the field before DPTs became the minimum educational requirement for licensure.

The transitional DPT program is almost entirely online. It is a flexible way for current PTs to learn the latest skills in the field and gain the higher credential.

Program Requirements

Most full-time DPT programs require 120 to 130 credit hours and take three years to complete when enrolled full-time. While the general classes in DPT programs can be completed online, students may need to complete clinical courses on campus. 

Along with the didactic coursework, most programs also require students to complete fellowships or clinical rotations to help them gain hands-on experience. 

Online DPT degrees are often transitional programs designed for practicing physical therapists who earned only a bachelor's or master's degree before the field shifted to requiring doctoral degrees. These programs can take less than three years to finish depending on your educational and professional background. Be sure to check individual program requirements to ensure you're considering the right program for your career needs.

Physical Therapy Courses

To learn the skills to help patients recover their range of motion or relieve pain, students take courses in natural science, physical therapy techniques, and patient management; this physical therapy theory is then applied during intensive clinical rotations. Here are some examples of classes students might take in their DPT program:

Accreditation and Licensing Requirements

All professional physical therapists need to be licensed to practice legally in the United States. 

To become licensed, students will need to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy through a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

CAPTE is the most important accrediting agency for graduate programs in physical therapy. Accreditation ensures that DPT degree programs meet industry standards and that students are prepared for careers in the field.

Licensing requirements vary by state. However, most states require clinical work and a passing grade on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a licensed PT. Some states also require that applicants pass separate tests on medical ethics or state medical laws.

The NPTE is administered by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). To take the exam, applicants must complete a CAPTE-accredited degree program or an alternative academic program approved by the FSBPT.

To maintain licensure in most states, PTs must complete continuing education classes every few years to update their training. 

Students should contact their state board directly to make sure they have the most current information about licensure. The FSBPT has more information about the eligibility requirements for the national exam and contact information for state licensing boards.

Related Careers and Specializations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in physical therapy are in high demand, projected to grow by 17% over the next decade. Physical therapists earned a median salary of $95,620 per year in 2021.

While 36% of licensed PTs work in physical therapy offices, these professionals tend to earn less compared to those who work in hospitals, home healthcare, and nursing facilities. Hospitals are the second largest employer for PTs with 30% working in a state, local, or private hospital.

Licensed PTs can get certified in specialty areas such as geriatrics or women's health once they gain enough experience in the field.

To earn certification, practicing PTs will need to complete 2,000 hours working in their specialty and pass a certification exam through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

ABPTS currently certifies PTs in the following eight areas:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapists treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders or those who have had cardiac or pulmonary surgery. 
• Clinical Electrophysiology: Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical functions of the body. PTs who specialize in this area record and interpret monitored data and apply their findings to a patient's physical therapy plan. 
• Geriatrics: Physical therapy for older and aging patients will be in higher demand as the U.S. population ages. Older patients often deal with multiple physical issues, including muscle or joint pain, soreness, muscle loss, and other medical issues.
• Neurology: Neurology physical therapists must be patient, as progress with patients suffering from brain injuries can be very slow. Neurology physical therapists often help people re-learn basic functions, including walking and talking. 
• Orthopedics: Orthopedic physical therapy is one of the most common kinds of physical therapy, as these PTs work with people who have broken or weak bones. 
• Pediatrics: Pediatric physical therapists work with young children or babies.
• Sports: Professional sports teams, college sports teams, and fitness centers often employ physical therapists to work with injured athletes. Some colleges offer entire degree programs dedicated to this specialization, usually known as sports medicine. 
• Women's Health: Women's health specialists assist patients with medical conditions such as pre- and postnatal discomfort, incontinence, osteoporosis, and lower back pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Degrees