Dr Mohammad Shafiq
A DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree is the key to becoming a licensed physical therapist. It’s essential to healthcare, especially with an aging population worldwide.
For a bright career, top DPT programs offer excellent training and clinical opportunities. They also keep up with the latest advancements in healthcare. If you’re thinking of applying, this guide can help you decide. It covers some of the best universities for DPT. We’ll also share what to look for in programs and career options. Let’s dive in!
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a professional degree. It prepares students to diagnose, treat, and manage movement disorders. A DPT program provides both classroom learning and hands-on clinical training.
Graduates can take licensing exams to become physical therapists. In the US, a DPT must practice as a licensed physical therapist. It replaces older qualifications like a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy.
The DPT degree is more advanced than other qualifications in physical therapy. Older programs like bachelor’s or master’s degrees are no longer the standard in the US.
The DPT focuses on independent clinical decision-making and evidence-based practices. It also includes advanced training in areas of specialization, such as biomechanics, therapeutic techniques, and patient management.
There are many great options for a DPT program. The schools on this list are known for their strong programs, excellent faculty, and hands-on training. Here’s our list with details of the best colleges for physical therapy.
Washington University in St. Louis offers a top-ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. According to US News and World Report, Washington University is the best university for DPT. The program lasts two years and eight months and is a full-time program that combines classroom learning with clinical practice.
Courses focus on movement impairment and orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions. Materials are taught in a way that connects theory to real-life applications. Outside the classroom, students participate in clinical training at off-site locations.
WUSL’s DPT program has been accredited since 1942. Common undergraduate degrees include biology, kinesiology, and health sciences. However, students with psychology, dance, business, and engineering degrees are also welcome.
The University of Delaware also offers top-rated accredited DPT programs. It is ranked No. 2 by USN World Report. This program focuses on teaching current treatment methods. It’s full-time and lasts 2.5 years with four sessions: fall, spring, summer, and winter. The CAPTE accredits the program.
UD offers two on-campus physical therapy clinics for hands-on learning: the Sports & Orthopedic Clinic and the Neurologic & Older Adult Clinic. Both clinics are located on the STAR Campus. Students treat real patients under the guidance of expert faculty. They also complete three full-time clinical experiences, each lasting 10 weeks.
The faculty are highly skilled and lead important research projects. Many have received funding from top organizations like the NIH and NSF.
The DPT program at the University of Iowa takes 2.5 years to complete. It has a proud history, starting in 1942. Students begin in July and graduate in December, two and a half years later. The program is quite competitive. Around 50 students are admitted each year.
The program focuses on evidence-based practice. Students develop problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills. They are trained to provide excellent care and take on the responsibilities of a physical therapist.
The University of Iowa Health Care system strengthens education. It is one of the largest university-owned teaching hospitals in the US, and students work closely with expert clinicians and scientists.
It is consistently ranked among the top physical therapy programs in the US. Recent graduates have had strong outcomes. All students have graduated, and all have found jobs. Nearly 99% passed the licensure exam on the first try.
Emory’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program takes 35 months. It starts in June and ends three years later in May. In the first two semesters, students focus on how the human body works. They also learn about movement science and communication skills needed for physical therapy.
From the third semester onward, students study diseases and how to solve clinical problems. They take courses like Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, and Pediatric Rehabilitation. After these classes, students spend 2 weeks in a clinic, observing and helping with patient care.
Students complete 30 weeks of full-time clinical internships in their second and third years. They also return to Emory for research projects and advanced courses in their final year. After graduation, students must pass a state licensure exam to practice as physical therapists.
Northwestern University's Physical Therapy program lasts 27 months. After completing it, students can sit for the licensing exam.
Northwestern is one of the largest physical therapy schools in the US. Its size and location provide unmatched resources for students and faculty. The program is part of a top academic medical center and accepts 90-95 students annually.
Duke’s DPT program offers a great chance to learn and grow. Students work closely with professors and get strong support from experienced faculty. The program provides opportunities to practice in team-based learning, hands-on clinical experiences, and research.
Duke's graduation and employment rates are really strong. The average graduation rate is 100%, and the employment rate is 100%. The ultimate board pass rate is 97%, and the first-time pass rate is 80.1%.
Washington University in St. Louis offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by CAPTE. It is a full-time program and takes three years to complete. The program has two main pathways: residential and hybrid.
In the residential pathway, students attend classes on campus. Learning happens in small and large groups. Clinical training occurs in the St. Louis region and other parts of the US. The campus provides advanced learning tools, labs, and resources.
The hybrid pathway combines online learning with hands-on experiences. Students study through interactive online sessions and attend lab immersions on campus.
DPT programs at Creighton University have two campuses: Omaha and Phoenix. They have an integrated curriculum and focus on serving underserved populations.
The DPT program in Omaha ranks among the top ten. It focuses on developing physical therapists who are dedicated to providing equitable care. For the past two years, the program has had 100% graduation and employment rates.
Established in 2022, the Phoenix program trains students to serve in areas with healthcare shortages. Creighton also has a Physical Therapy Residency Program offering specialized clinical practice training.
Note: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission.
Ohio State's Doctor of Physical Therapy program has over 60 years of experience and is known as one of the best in the country. For current physical therapists, it also offers several post-professional education programs. These include residencies in Orthopedics, Neurology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Sports, and Women’s Health.
OSU students can customize their degrees with graduate specializations in pediatrics, research, or global health. A post-professional master’s degree is also available for those interested in teaching or research roles.
Many faculty members have advanced degrees and have published research in top journals. If you want to combine a DPT with a PhD, this program can help you pursue a career in academics and research.
The job outlook for physical therapists is strong. The field is expected to grow 15% by 2032. In 2022, the median annual wage for PTs was over $97,700.
University of Pittsburgh’s DPT is well-ranked and prepares students for leadership in healthcare. It offers a 7-term curriculum with two formats: Residential and Hybrid. The hybrid option is for high-quality, interactive learning.
|
University Name |
Location |
Program Duration |
Tuition Fees |
|
Washington University in St. Louis |
St. Louis, MO |
2.5 years |
$134800 |
|
University of Delaware |
Newark, DE |
2.5 years |
$118,683 |
|
University of Iowa |
Iowa City, IA |
2.5 years |
$115529 |
|
Emory University |
Atlanta, GA |
3 years |
$124470 |
|
Northwestern University |
Evanston, IL |
2.25 years |
$141672 |
|
Duke University |
Durham, NC |
3 years |
$137100 |
|
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA |
3 years |
$228452 |
|
Creighton University |
Omaha, NE & Phoenix |
3 years |
$169133 |
|
Ohio State University |
Columbus, OH |
3 years |
$168705 |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
Pittsburgh, PA |
3 years |
$125630 |
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a DPT program.
Make sure CAPTE accredits the program. This is important for licensing. Choose a program with a strong reputation in physical therapy education.
Think about where you want to study. Some programs are hybrid, offering both online and in-person classes. Decide if you want to study near home or in a new city.
Check how much hands-on training the program offers. You’ll need real-world experience with patients. Look for programs with strong clinical opportunities to prepare you for practice.
Consider the tuition costs as well. Also, check the available financial aid. Some programs offer scholarships, loans, or work-study options. Make sure you can afford the program.
Research the program’s job placement rate. A strong program should help students find jobs after graduation.
Must Read:
The demand for physical therapists keeps growing. More and more people need help with mobility, and the aging population will create more job opportunities. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the need for physical therapists will increase by 15% by 2032, which is much faster than the average for most jobs.
Graduates can choose many career paths after completing a DPT program:
The average salary for physical therapists is nearly $87,930, according to US News & World Report. Salaries can be higher depending on your experience and where you work. For example, PTs specializing in certain areas or working in hospitals may earn more.
The highest degree in physical therapy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). It is the required degree for practicing as a physical therapist.
Some of the best physical therapy schools include the University of Southern California, the University of Pittsburgh, and Washington University in St. Louis.
The best specialization depends on your interests. Some popular ones are orthopedic, neurologic, and sports physical therapy.
DPT programs are competitive. They require a strong academic record, relevant experience, and good recommendations.
After earning a bachelor's degree, DPT programs usually take about 3 years.
Yes, some universities offer hybrid or online DPT programs, but they still require in-person clinical experience.
Choosing the best university for your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a big decision. The best universities for DPT offer great education, hands-on experience, and the support you need to succeed. Each school has its strengths, whether research, clinical work, or leadership training. Take your time to think about what matters most to you. With the right university, you’ll be ready to start your career as a physical therapist!
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