Compare online doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs

What is a doctor of physical therapy degree?

A doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) is the only degree program that exists for someone who wishes to practice as a licensed physical therapist. This professional doctoral program typically lasts three to four years, encompassing coursework in anatomy, physiology, therapeutic techniques, and clinical experience. Graduates can practice physical therapy, addressing various health conditions, following successful completion of licensing exams, making the DPT the standard entry-level requirement, supplanting the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree.

Admission requirements for an online DPT program

Priorto pursuing an online DPT, you will need to have earned a . In addition, DPT programs often have a set of prerequisite courses including anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry that applicants will need to complete to demonstrate a strong foundation in the sciences. Pursuing an online is another option before going into a DPT program.

How to apply to an online doctorate of physical therapy program

The type of online DPT program best suited to you depends on your physical therapy career goals, the time investment you want to make, and the types of jobs you see yourself doing.Most program applications require you to provide letters of intent, GPA, practical experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. for more information on individual application requirements.

Online DPT curriculum

The different online DPT programs we offer will vary in length, credit distribution, and clinical education requirements. Typically, the program will last around three years if it’s full time and be a combination of didactic education, clinical hours, and practical training. Courses may include foundational and clinical sciences, intervention techniques, and advanced clinical training and specialization. Learn more by s, , and .

Standard DPT vs BS/DPT programs

A standard DPT program, like other doctorate-level programs, will require that you have previous experience with the discipline, formal academic training, and even relevant work experience, including observation hours. A BS/DPT program, by contrast, is a good option if you have little or no background in physical therapy. This option, while longer, will let you earn a bachelor’s and a doctor of physical therapy concurrently while building the technical skills and clinical knowledge you need to attain expertise.

Online DPT program courses

While course requirements across programs will vary, they will typically include both foundational sciences and specialized physical therapy practice topics. These usually include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology, pathophysiology, patient care skills, neurological physical therapy, health systems management, and more.

What can you do with an online doctorate of physical therapy?

The field of physical therapy is sought-after and will experience 15% job growth between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average.type: embedded-entry-inline id: 15bdEE09ae8M7cJAlVYK3a This opens up a wide variety of career opportunities for a physical therapist in the spheres of orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports, cardiopulmonary, oncology, women’s health, home health, and more. In addition, someone with DPT can pursue educational, research, or consultant roles.

Doctor of physical therapy salary

The number of years of experience and the area of specialization are the two biggest factors affecting a DPT’s salary and as you gain experience, salary numbers can quickly grow. In fact, as of 2022, the median annual salary for a doctor of physical therapy was $97,720, with home healthcare services providing the highest median wage of $105,130.type: embedded-entry-inline id: 3q5GikvysHYCWNbe7DkqWb

Career outlook for a doctor of physical therapy

The career outlook for physical therapists is positive, promising, and experiencing tremendous growth. The field is expected to create as many as 13,900 new jobs annually between 2022 and 2032, with much of this growth due to an aging but active population, labor force participation, and the prevalence of chronic conditions.type: embedded-entry-inline id: 6Zp15FiW0kMuqz3RjYDLCO

Explore everything else edX has to offer.