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2023 Best Online Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 5/17/2023
2023 Best Online Doctoral Degrees in Physical Therapy Badge

Physical 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.

2023 Best Online Doctoral Degrees in Physical Therapy Badge
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List Of Accredited Online Physical Therapy Schools

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.

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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:

Patient Evaluation

Bedside manner and methods for evaluating patient cases are explored in this course. Students learn how to interview patients and review medical records.

Exercise and Manual Techniques

Students study manipulation of the limbs and other exercises to increase the range of motion. Hands-on stimulation, such as massage, is also discussed.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

This is a specialized clinical course that covers particular exercises and assistive devices for musculoskeletal injuries. Topics like balance training and gait are discussed.

Therapeutic Exercise

Students learn the major strategies for relieving pain and restoring motion through exercise. This clinical course covers the exercises themselves and the skills for instructing and assisting patients in performing the exercises.

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.

What Else Should You Consider?

Earning a bachelor's degree is an essential step for all physical therapists as it's a requirement for a doctorate program. However, students don't necessarily have to major in physical therapy to prepare for a DPT program. 

Because DPT programs are grounded in the sciences — chemistry, physics, anatomy, biology, and kinesiology -- students who hold bachelor's degrees in these subjects often go into physical therapy.

Aside from a bachelor's degree, students usually need to submit undergraduate transcripts, reference letters, and standardized test scores when they apply for graduate programs.

Students who are interested in the industry but don't necessarily want to become physical therapists might opt for shorter degree programs. Those looking to save time and money on their degree can see our lists of the most affordable master's in exercise science or most affordable master's in physical education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Degrees

How Many Degrees Do You Need To Be a Physical Therapist?


Generally speaking, students will need a bachelor's and a doctoral degree to become physical therapists.

Some programs are designed so that students take specific pre-professional undergraduate courses before they advance to a doctorate program rather than earning a full bachelor's and then applying for postgraduate programs.

What Physical Therapy Specialty Makes the Most Money?


Graduates who go on to become employed as physical therapists make the most money in home healthcare services and nursing and residential care facilities, with median yearly salaries of $99,000 to $100,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Sports medicine and cardiovascular/pulmonary specialties are also highly paid physical therapy professions, although specializing in any field is likely to boost your income.

Can You Get a Physical Therapy Degree Online?


Yes, you can get a physical therapy degree online, although most programs require in-person components like clinical practices and internships. These can usually be done at a local health clinic or facility for distance learners. Many online PT degrees are hybrid programs, which combine online courses with on-campus clinicals.

Is Hands-On Training Required?


Physical therapy is a very hands-on profession, and physical therapy students need to learn clinical skills. Any physical therapy program that prepares students for licensure requires students to complete clinical experience. This is also a requirement for licensure.

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:

Patient Evaluation

Bedside manner and methods for evaluating patient cases are explored in this course. Students learn how to interview patients and review medical records.

Exercise and Manual Techniques

Students study manipulation of the limbs and other exercises to increase the range of motion. Hands-on stimulation, such as massage, is also discussed.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

This is a specialized clinical course that covers particular exercises and assistive devices for musculoskeletal injuries. Topics like balance training and gait are discussed.

Therapeutic Exercise

Students learn the major strategies for relieving pain and restoring motion through exercise. This clinical course covers the exercises themselves and the skills for instructing and assisting patients in performing the exercises.

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.

What Else Should You Consider?

Earning a bachelor's degree is an essential step for all physical therapists as it's a requirement for a doctorate program. However, students don't necessarily have to major in physical therapy to prepare for a DPT program. 

Because DPT programs are grounded in the sciences — chemistry, physics, anatomy, biology, and kinesiology -- students who hold bachelor's degrees in these subjects often go into physical therapy.

Aside from a bachelor's degree, students usually need to submit undergraduate transcripts, reference letters, and standardized test scores when they apply for graduate programs.

Students who are interested in the industry but don't necessarily want to become physical therapists might opt for shorter degree programs. Those looking to save time and money on their degree can see our lists of the most affordable master's in exercise science or most affordable master's in physical education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Degrees

How Many Degrees Do You Need To Be a Physical Therapist?


Generally speaking, students will need a bachelor's and a doctoral degree to become physical therapists.

Some programs are designed so that students take specific pre-professional undergraduate courses before they advance to a doctorate program rather than earning a full bachelor's and then applying for postgraduate programs.

What Physical Therapy Specialty Makes the Most Money?


Graduates who go on to become employed as physical therapists make the most money in home healthcare services and nursing and residential care facilities, with median yearly salaries of $99,000 to $100,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Sports medicine and cardiovascular/pulmonary specialties are also highly paid physical therapy professions, although specializing in any field is likely to boost your income.

Can You Get a Physical Therapy Degree Online?


Yes, you can get a physical therapy degree online, although most programs require in-person components like clinical practices and internships. These can usually be done at a local health clinic or facility for distance learners. Many online PT degrees are hybrid programs, which combine online courses with on-campus clinicals.

Is Hands-On Training Required?


Physical therapy is a very hands-on profession, and physical therapy students need to learn clinical skills. Any physical therapy program that prepares students for licensure requires students to complete clinical experience. This is also a requirement for licensure.

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