Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

Related Areas of Study

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is the process used to provide assistance to individuals suffering from motor problem incurred by accident, surgery, or from other sources. Therapists are responsible for tracking and updating programs based on the progress of a given patient, working closely to ensure that goals are met.

Additionally, physical therapists will work with patients and families to provide education regarding treatment and how to facilitate recovery through exercises and practices in the home. Physical therapists may work in hospitals and clinics or have their own practices and facilities.  A physical therapist will also work with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

PT’s will assess and manage plans of care for patients through a series of evaluations, examinations, and data.  As evidence-based health care practitioners, they work to understand each patient as an individual and design a unique recovery plan for every person.

Physical therapists wear many hats in their daily job duties.  Examples of job duties can range from helping a person recover from an serious injury to increasing patient mobility and strength leading up to a big race.  Given the range of duties, professional training must allow for PT's the meld to the needs of patients.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$87,220

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

57.50%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

216,920

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Physical Therapy Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York is offering degrees in Physical Therapy that provides a dynamic and diverse environment with opportunities for both entry-level and post-professional study, practice, and research. The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is designed to educate students who want to enter the field of physical therapy. As of now, they are developing exciting post-professional programs. Meanwhile, the programs available are part of the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine in the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in Irving Medical Center. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Duke University is offering a unique Doctor of Physical Therapy program.  What sets them apart is their close teacher-student relationships, accomplished faculty, association with one of the world-s great medical schools, and consistently high rankings. Additionally, some of the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs have the ability to offer prospective students the unique opportunities that are available at Duke. Their primary objective is to develop the next generation of the profession’s leaders who are expertly prepared to integrate the best available devices in the patient-centered management of function and quality of life. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University is offering a CAPTE accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program.  Approximately 90-95 students are entering this program each year, making them one of the largest physical therapy schools located in the U.S. Since they are headquartered at the nation’s premiere academic medical centers, they have the critical mass to provide their students, scientists and clinicians with the unparalleled resources for generating new knowledge, building leadership talent, and developing expert skills for the globally competitive healthcare marketplace of the future. The curriculum in this program is designed to prepare graduates for the national physical therapy exam and state licensure. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

A degree program for Doctor of Physical Therapy is offered at Washington University in St Louis. This is accredited by CAPTE and ranked as the best in the country by the News and World Report. This program is structured to prepare students for professional leadership. Their faculty are recognized for their extensive knowledge in treating orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions and of movement impairment classification. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Programs for Doctor of Physical Therapy are available at the University of Southern California that are available in residential and hybrid formats to support the individual needs and educational goals of their students. These programs are ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and are CAPTE accredited. Their programs feature a renowned faculty of scientists and clinicians along with world-class facilities and a talented and diverse student body. Graduates of these programs are ready to provide patient-centered and evidence-based care to their future patients.  

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Emory University is offering a professional doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. This transition from the Master’s degree to a professional doctorate will better prepare physical therapists for practice in an evolving health care environment. Students in this program will develop expertise in movement and movement dysfunction which is unique in health care. Additionally, the students in this program are blown away by the genuine concern of the welcoming faculty and staff that they meet here.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University is a comprehensive and rigorous graduate-level program that offers experiential learning to its students. Those who completed this program became innovative, global leaders who showed excellence in clinical practice, community service, and research. Northeastern University offers one of the longest-accredited physical therapy programs in the U.S. and provides the only program with cooperative education. Students will receive the opportunity to participate in several simulated patient encounters with people living in the community and represent a variety of health conditions. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers one of the nation’s highest ranked physical therapy programs. This DPT program is welcoming prospective students from a variety of backgrounds. Its mission is to develop and sustain a diverse student body that learns and works together with the faculty in an equitable, respective and inclusive environment. Students here are honed to become effective communicators, skilled in integrating evidence into practice, and critical thinkers. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University is offering a nationally top-ranked program in Physical Therapy. This program allows its students to interact with both patients and practitioners at a clinical site within the area of Boston. That is why, students who completed this program have experienced physical therapy practice with various types of patients and diagnoses in multiple clinical settings. This program also provides terrific speakers every week, lets students participate in workshops, and enjoy social events. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University is offering an entry-level degree program in Physical Therapy. This DPT program has an innovative curriculum that encompasses the study of normal and abnormal structure, function, theory and practice of physical therapy. Students in this program will learn how to establish a plan for professional development and life-long learning. The program will also teach several ways in assisting the development of and advocacy for health policy standards which are tied to physical therapy practice. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Florida was established in 1958. They offer an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program which consists of a dynamic and growing faculty who are dedicated to excellence in education, service, and research. It guarantees to provide the kind of education needed for graduates to take the professional license examination to embark on a professional career in physical therapy. As a result, 100% of their DPT graduates have successfully found employment after completing their degree. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami is devoted to providing quality educational experiences that will enable its graduates to carry out the expanding responsibilities of physical therapists as autonomous health care providers. This department seeks to embody the American Physical Therapy Association vision of physical therapists as they are personally involved in “Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience”. That is why, the collective efforts of the faculty are directed toward attaining specific goals and objectives as expressed in the American Physical Therapy Association’s philosophic statement. The Department of Physical Therapy is determined to provide excellence in physical therapy and expand evidence-based practice of physical therapy. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Ohio State University claims that their extensive program for Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy is still unsurpassed in the U.S. This program has been preparing students for successful careers in PT for more than 60 years and until today, it is still considered to be among the very best programs of its kind in the country. The contributing factors that make this degree program valuable are their well-trained faculty, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and a network of supportive mentors and alumni. This CAPTE accredited program also allows its students to customize their degree with a variety of advanced educational opportunities, letting their students extend their entry-level education with graduate specializations in global health, pediatrics, and research. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Marist College offers a training that is designed to help you become prepared for the National Physical Therapy Examination and for successful careers as doctors of physical therapy. They offer a full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy which consists of 36 months of didactic and clinical work. This program will teach students how to merge hands-on skills, clinical judgment, critical inquiry and ethical care in promoting optimal functioning both of current and future clients throughout their lifespan. The mission of this program is to develop the next generation of physical therapists by giving the highest standard of excellence in physical therapy education. 

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Physical Therapy degree program at George Washington University offers endless opportunities. It provides interactive coursework, professional and faculty role models and is headquartered in an ideal location in the heart of the nation’s capital. To that end, students of this program enjoy being a part of a tight-knit network of students, professionals, alumni, and faculty at a nationally ranked university. This program guarantees to cater to students an integrated clinical experience, high fidelity simulation opportunities and the use of standardized patients. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Connecticut’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This is a three-year, post-bachelor’s program designed to prepare physical therapists equipped to stay abreast of advances in physical therapy and health care. This program enhanced the strong didactic and clinical education experience and fosters each student’s individual talents. They help their students assure that their patients receive top quality care through conducting a collaborative research with an exceptional team of mentors. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

An exceptional and well-rounded program for Doctor of Physical Therapy is offered at the University of Washington – Seattle Campus. This is perfectly suited for students who wish to graduate as physical therapy generalists. Students of UW are privileged to study in one of the top departments for rehabilitation services in the United States. Additionally, their DPT program is APTA’s CAPTE accredited. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Baylor University is offering an innovative and accelerated DPT program that makes completion of degree requirements possible in just two years. Their blended learning format includes on-campus lab immersion sessions, best practices in distance education and clinical education experiences. Another unique feature of this program is its seamless transition into a variety of post-professional residency training programs which results in advanced specializations in sports, geriatrics, orthopedics, pediatrics, and neurorehabilitation upon graduation. This contemporary and evidence-based curriculum promises to provide to students everything that they need to be an efficient servant leader in this vital profession. 

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Medical School of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is offering a program for Physical Therapy. This Division is designed to create and integrate innovative research discoveries practice and education to develop collaborative physical therapists and rehabilitation scientists that can advance health care and disease prevention for diverse communities in Minnesota and beyond. Their Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is tailored as an active learning cohort which prepares students with the didactic knowledge and clinical skills required to be leaders in the profession. They also have a DPT/PHD joint degree program that permits students to expand their education and further their research through applying credits toward a PhD in rehabilitation Science as they work on their DPT. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Department of Physical Therapy at University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburg Campus offers one of the oldest and highly regarded physical therapy educational programs in the U.S. Their Physical Therapy program is ranked 1st in the nation according to News & World Report. The primary goal of this program is to advance the profession of physical therapy through scholarly activity, professional service and education. They make sure that before their students graduate, they are prepared to be change agents in transforming health care. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Stony Brook University’s Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree has been educating and training physical therapists for almost 50 years and was able to produce 1,900 graduates. This program is known for its capability to develop leaders of the profession that manifests evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making skills required for autonomous practice. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to provide direct patient care in a multitude of physical therapy settings. They have developed critical inquiry and can pursue careers in administration, education, or in research. 

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Chapman University ranked in the top 100 graduate programs in the 2021 edition of US News & World Report. This program has been continually accredited since 1928 and is the longest running Physical Therapists Education program in the United States. This program provides 1 professor to 12 students to ensure personalized education. Students also receive 24/7 access to Rinker Campus and laboratory facilities. 

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

A highly-ranked DPT program that offers exceptional clinical education is offered at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. This entry-level Doctor of physical Therapy program is a three-year, full-time degree program which prepares students for practice in physical therapy. It has been continuously accredited by CAPTE since 1980 and has relationships with clinical facilities throughout the United States and internationally. Rutgers also takes much pride on their faculty who are both national and international leaders in the field of physical therapy. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

San Diego State University is offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program that provides a cutting-edge curriculum. Students in this program are honed to be prepared to work with patients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. The curriculum will also train them to become evidence-based practitioners and consumers of research. The program will impart a foundational science background including full cadaver dissection in the new, state-of-the-art gross anatomy laboratory dedicated exclusively for DPT student’s use. 

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of South Florida is offering a DPT program that focuses on training the next generation of Physical Therapists who are meant to work Moving Lives Forward through discovery, expertise, collaboration, innovation, knowledge, partnerships, and leadership. One of the things that makes USF so proud of this program is because it has 100% faculty involvement in local, state, and national PT professional organizations. Moreover, it is one of only three programs in Florida that is ranked in the top 100 by US News & World Report. Aside from that, they are the 1st state university to offer a DPT in Florida. 

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Treatments Provided By a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist will help patients with wellness, fitness, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and overall health promotion to optimize health and well-being. The list below will provide greater insight into the advantage of physical therapy. PT's can help relieve chronic pain to rehabilitate sports injuries. The top ailments a physical therapist can help others include assistance with:

Back and neck pain Balance issues
Fibromyalgia Cancer-related complications
Joint injuries Carpal tunnel syndrome
Brain injury Spinal cord injuries
Arthritis Post-operative rehabilitation
Cerebral palsy Rotator cuff injuries
Knee Injuries Sports injuries
Fractures and trauma Cystic fibrosis
Incontinence Lymphedema
Chronic pain Multiple sclerosis
Osteoporosis Muscle strains
Parkinsons disease Obesity
Diabetes Pelvic pain
Ankle Injuries Plantar fasciitis

 

Difference Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistants?

The difference between a physical therapy assistant and physical therapist comes down to education, training, body of knowledge, and job responsibilities. A physical therapy assistant is required to earn a degree or certificate of completion from an accredited college or university which will take 1-2 years of full-time matriculation to complete.

On the other hand, a physical therapist will need to earn an advanced degree in physical therapy which takes 6-7 years to complete depending on the program and number of classes taken. In addition to the educational requirements, physical therapists have an intensive clinical clerkship along with far greater job responsibilities and state licensure requirements.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

There are basically three different PT doctor degree types to choose from when considering a vocation as a physical therapist. The degree programs include a DPT, PTA to DPT Bridge Program, and a MSHP. Research each degree type from top physical therapy schools today with our leading edge degree finder tools. Finding the best physical therapy schools is only a search away.

  1. DPT The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is the gold-standard for physical therapists around the country and come in two flavors: Direct Entry DPT and Post-Professional DPT. The Direct Entry DPT is an all-in-one program or 3x3 program whereby students spend three years on undergraduate, pre-professional curriculum and the last 3 years on graduate-level curriculum. The Post-Professional DPT, on the other hand, is a program designed for physical therapy professionals with a masters in physical therapy or bachelors degree in physical therapy.
  2. PTA to DPT The PTA to DPT Bridge program is a degree program designed for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Many colleges and universities offer online and on-site bridge programs to help mesh the degree program into a busy work schedule during the didactic portion of the program.
  3. MSHP The MSHP is a program that stands for Master of Science for Health Professionals, including a physical therapist. Classroom-based or online Master of Science for Health Professionals programs exist to help students and professionals in the field take advantage of career opportunities in applied practice, research, education, and management.

DPT Degree Programs

Coursework for physical therapy degree programs will vary by PT school. Yet, you will discover physical therapy programs have many overlapping classes. After performing research into dozens of programs, a list of common classes are outlined below to help you better understand the content of a physical therapy degree program. A sample of classes in a DPT program from physical therapy schools may include:

  • Musculoskeletal Anatomy
  • Cellular & Systems Physiology
  • Integrated Patient Management
  • Lifespan Motor Control
  • Therapeutic Interaction in Health Care
  • Clinical Biomechanics
  • Pathophysiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Mechanics of Human Gait
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Principles of Disease
  • Acute Care in Physical Therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Orthopedic Therapy
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuropathology
  • Clinical Clerkship

Physical Therapist Education Requirements

Physical therapy school requirements prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist patients who have debilitating ailments. A physical therapist will assist by evaluating the patient and developing a plan to promote movement, remove pain and restore function to the injured area.

A degree in physical therapy is usually issued at the master's and doctoral level. Pre-physical therapy programs are offered at the associate and bachelor degree level. A master's program in PT will typically take 3 years to complete and doctoral programs an additional three years on average.

A physical therapy major will need to know various fundamental sciences along with developing communication and analytical skills. Additionally, students will be trained to adeptly identify a variety of issues and empathize with the mental state of their patients. Courses part of physical therapist requirements may include:

  • Anatomy
  • Psychology
  • Genetics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Kinesiology
  • Chemistry

Physical Therapy Jobs and Licensing

A physical therapist must work closely with patients and with medical professionals like physicians and occupational therapists. As a team, they will help to establish and manage a treatment plan for a patient. Good listening skills and pleasant demeanor will go a long way in working with patients as well.

Physical therapists will identify discrepancies and difficulties in motor function and develop a plan for rehabilitating the damaged or dysfunctional area. Over the course of treatment the rate and success of rehabilitation will be evaluated, and the process modified as needed to adjust and correct any errors.

Licensure is required for PT's by most states. As such, individuals pursuing a career in physical therapy should review their state's licensing carefully. Variations will exist by state with respect to college requirements, supervised work experience, exams, and physical therapy continuing education credits.

Physical Therapy Certifications & PT Specialists

Some physical therapists may choose to pursue certification in a specialty after a number of years of experience have been gained. Certification is awarded through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). To receive certification a physical therapist must take an exam in his or her desired specialty, the successful passing of which confers the certificate.

PT students may be interested in pursuing a general education or investing in a specialized education. Those interested in a specific area of concentration can perform additional research into the viability of such areas in addition to college requirements. Examples of PT specialties can include the following tracks:

  • Cardiovascular
  • Pulmonary
  • Myofascial Release
  • Sports
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pediatrics
  • Geriatrics
  • Orthopaedics
  • Clinical Electrophysiology
  • Women's Health

Where to Physical Therapists Work?

Physical therapists can be employed in a wide number of settings across the country by public companies, private entities, and non-profit organizations. As such, PTs can provide professional care for patients in the following arenas: private practices, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, medical centers, outpatient clinics, medical offices, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, convalescent homes, community health organizations, schools, home health agencies, pediatric clinics, athletic facilities, and sports clinics.

Physical Therapy Career Paths

The job title of a physical therapy or PTs is the most commonly used job title across the industry, a few noteworthy variations exist. To best prepare you for the job market ahead, a list of related job titles for a physical therapist are listed below. The most popular job titles for physical therapists include:

  • Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Chief Physical Therapist
  • Home Care Physical Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Services Director
  • Pediatric Physical Therapist
  • Staff Physical Therapist (Staff PT)
  • Outpatient Physical Therapist
  • Physical Therapist, Director of Rehabilitation
  • Per Diem Physical Therapist
  • Registered Physical Therapist (RPT)

Physical Therapist Job Duties

Job responsibilities for a physical therapist may vacillate from employer to employer but will generally fall into a few primary buckets. The U.S. Department of Labor recently completed a survey of Physical Therapists revealing a unique list of job duties. The top job responsibilities of a physical therapist include:

  1. Assess and document a patients initial examination, followed by data evaluation to identify problems and intervention solutions
  2. Manage and document a patients overall goals, milestones, and follow-up intervals
  3. Plan, manage, and execute treatment plans to improve or restore physical conditions or alleviate discomfort
  4. Document treatment plans and outcomes in a patients chart
  5. Determine efficacy of treatment plans at select intervals and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit
  6. Review a patients medications, test results, and notes from other health care providers
  7. Perform real-time tests to identify prospective and existing problems
  8. Design individualized plans of care based on their medical expertise, best available research, the patients unique situations and goals and the expected outcomes of the plans.
  9. Coach and educate patients and families members about treatment plans and expectations from therapy
  10. Develop patient discharge plans

States with the Highest Employment of Physical Therapists

  • California 19,910
  • New York 16,390
  • Texas 14,910
  • Florida 12,480
  • Illinois 11,030

Top Paying States for Physical Therapists

  1. Nevada $120,820
  2. New Jersey $96,890
  3. California $95,350
  4. Texas $95,240
  5. Alaska $93,060

Physical Therapist Salary & Career Outlook

The average physical therapist salary is $85,400 a year. It is worth noting the expected job growth for PT's is an astounding 34% or nearly 5 times the national average. Education and experience play a large part in determining one's salary, as well as location. More densely populated areas will have a larger number of patients, resulting in more work and thus typically a higher DPT salary. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, some 71,800 physical therapists are expected to enter the workforce in the coming decade.

Jobs in physical therapy are expected to increase much faster than average over the next decade. This is due almost entirely due to the aging baby boomer population, which will require professional medical services, especially those of a physical therapist, as they will provide rehabilitative therapy for individuals in the range of high risk for cardiac arrest.

Advancements in technology have allowed the treatment of previously deadly problems to be survivable, also increasing the need for physical therapist to assist in the rehabilitative process. Outpatient care has also been affected by technology, allowing for quicker recovery, and the use of physical therapists to assist in normalizing motion.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com