2023 Best Online Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
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Overview Accreditation Careers FAQsPhysical therapists enjoy the benefits of working in health care — making a positive difference in people’s lives, working one-on-one with clients, earning a comfortable salary — without the high-stress environment that comes with some medical roles. By earning your doctorate in physical therapy, you can learn how to work directly with patients, providing short- and long-term care to manage and improve their pain. See our list of the best online programs offering doctoral degrees in physical therapy. You may also be interested in checking out a similar doctorate degree, such as occupational therapy or perhaps a master's in health education.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
List Of Accredited Online Physical Therapy Schools
School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
---|---|---|
Northeastern University Global Network | ||
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences | 1,604 | $37,486 |
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | 1,265 | $19,511 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 1,204 | $36,159 |
Utica University | 1,169 | $22,110 |
University of St Augustine for Health Sciences | 690 | $17,864 |
The College of Saint Scholastica | 621 | $38,282 |
Arcadia University | 565 | $44,440 |
University of Michigan - Flint | 548 | $23,502 |
Shenandoah University | 492 | $33,180 |
Florida Gulf Coast University | 338 | $25,162 |
Winston-Salem State University | 155 | $16,188 |
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | 94 | $15,523 |
Bellin College | 24 | $21,760 |
Northeastern University Global Network
- Annual Tuition: $25,575
- Locations: Boston (MA)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Northeastern University Global Network (NEU) — a large, private nonprofit institution — offers an online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy requiring 24 or 33 credit hours, depending on a student’s prerequisite courses. The program, which can take one to three years to complete, is designed for physical therapists who want to further their expertise in the field. Students have the option to choose between a clinical or education track.
At NEU, students use Canvas to complete coursework synchronously. Online student resources include tutoring, counseling, disability support, etc. The program’s admission requirements include a statement of purpose, resume, two letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
- Annual Tuition: $37,486
- Locations: Kirksville (MO)
- Accreditation: HLC
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU), a small private institution, offers an online Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy. The program can take students up to 22 months to complete, with a customized degree plan where students choose their courses. Sample coursework includes Integumentary Physical Therapy, Radiology and Imaging, and Pharmacology.
ATSU’s online students complete coursework both asynchronously and synchronously through Canvas. Online student support includes tutoring and disability services. ATSU’s admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree or higher in physical therapy, a minimum 2.70 GPA from a physical therapy program, official transcripts, proof of licensure, and a portfolio.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Annual Tuition: $19,511
- Locations: Lubbock (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Students wanting to further their education in physical therapy can pursue an online Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), a small, public institution. With this program, licensed physical therapists can obtain continuing education credits throughout the curriculum. Advanced Clinical Practice for the Hip Complex, Neuroscience of Pain, and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Screening are a few core classes in the curriculum.
At TTUHSC, online students complete coursework synchronously on the Blackboard platform. In addition, online students can access IT support, tutoring, a writing center, and library services. To apply, prospective students must be a clinician with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy or a doctor of physical therapy degree.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Annual Tuition: $36,159
- Locations: Chapel Hill (NC)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a large, public institution offering an online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy that requires 27 credit hours. The program is provided part time, and sample coursework includes Advanced Patient Management, Topics in Health and Wellness, and Child & Family Assessment and Intervention.
At UNC, students complete online coursework through either a synchronous or asynchronous format on Canvas. Online student resources include a writing center, math lab, and an academic success center. Before applying, it's important to keep in mind that UNC requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy and an active license to practice physical therapy.
Utica University
- Annual Tuition: $22,110
- Locations: Utica (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Utica University (Utica) is a medium-sized, private nonprofit institution offering an online Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy. Requiring 18 to 19 credit hours, the program can take students 16 months to graduate. Sample coursework includes Foundations of Autonomous Practice, Prevention and Wellness, as well as Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, to name a few.
Utica’s online students access coursework on Canvas, which is completed in both an asynchronous and synchronous format. In addition, Utica’s online student services are success coaching, counseling, and tutoring, among other benefits. For admission into the program, applicants must submit a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, current license or proof of eligibility to sit for a license, and a minimum of one year of work experience.
The College of Saint Scholastica
- Annual Tuition: $38,282
- Locations: Duluth (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
The College of Saint Scholastica (CSS) is a medium-sized, private nonprofit institution offering an online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy requiring 16 credit hours. The program is designed to fill in the gaps between a student’s previous bachelor’s or master’s degree and the entry-level Doctoral level curriculum. Sample coursework includes Diagnostic Imaging, Differential Screening, and Pharmacology for Physical Therapists.
At CSS, students complete online coursework synchronously on the platform Blackboard. In addition, online students have access to academic advising, counseling, and career services. Admission requirements include a previous degree in physical or physiotherapy and official transcripts.
University of Michigan - Flint
- Annual Tuition: $23,502
- Locations: Flint (MI)
- Accreditation: HLC
At the University of Michigan - Flint (UMFLINT) — a medium-sized, public institution — students can pursue two programs in physical therapy: (1) Doctor of Physical Therapy - Transitional DPT and (2) Dual DPT/MBA Health Care Management. The first program is 24 to 27 credits, and it's designed for licensed physical therapists. In contrast, the second program requires 144 to 53 credit hours and allows students to gain an additional degree in health care management alongside their online doctorate.
UMFLINT uses the platform Canvas to deliver asynchronous courses. Online student services include academic advising. Admission requirements for both programs require a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, a license to practice, a minimum 3.0 GPA in physical therapy courses, and a resume or CV.