Compare online doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs
Join a fast-growing and sought-after field to work directly with clients to improve their physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Why earn an online doctor of physical therapy degree?
Prepare for a career in physical therapy
Enhance your expertise, improve patient recovery, and restore quality of life.
Specialize in a patient-centered approach
Gain graduate knowledge in a flexible format that features a blend of live online classes, asynchronous coursework, and in-person practical training.
Become a physical therapy leader
Find a university that best aligns with your values and enter this highly sought-after profession.
Browse online DPT programs New
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
Prior to pursuing an online DPT, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree. 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 master’s degree in healthcare 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. Browse our online DPT programs 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 browsing online doctorate degrees, online healthcare programs, and online medicine programs.
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.Footnote 1 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.Footnote 2
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.Footnote 3
Frequently asked questions
Historically, a physical therapist was a licensed healthcare professional who was required to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in order to be able to practice in the field. However, since 2020, earning a DPT has become the standard entry-level requirement for new physical therapists wanting to practice in the United States.
Physical therapy concentrates primarily on improving a patient’s mobility and function in daily life. Occupational therapy, on the other hand, has more to do with function, as it helps individuals engage in meaningful activities and job-related tasks. While their primary focus might differ, when it comes to providing comprehensive care that includes both physical and functional care, PTs and OTs will often collaborate within multidisciplinary healthcare teams involved in a patient’s treatment.
How a program is structured, whether you’re enrolled full or part time, and any prior coursework will all affect the duration of your online DPT program. However, most online DPT programs are designed to be completed in approximately the same timeframe as traditional on-campus programs, which is typically three years of full-time study.
If you are passionate about physical therapy, and helping people improve their physical function and mobility and manage pain, then earning your doctor of physical therapy degree is a must, as it is an entry-level requirement of the profession. If you are just thinking about entering the field, then you need to evaluate your interests, finances, and career goals first. Our online DPT programs offer a wide range of options that you can explore which may fit your needs. Browse online DPT programs.
The earning potential for individuals with a DPT degree can be lucrative but depends on a lot of factors, including specialization, years of experience, geographic location, type of employer, and additional certifications. The top paying industries for physical therapists, with a median annual income of at least $103,590, include outpatient care centers, home healthcare services, educational support services, and nursing care facilities.Footnote 4
Even with a DPT program whose curriculum is entirely online, a learner will still be required to have in-person clinical experiences and internships. This is to ensure that learners gain the practical skills and hands-on experience in a clinical, client-facing setting because this is a crucial aspect of the job. Browse online DPT programs.
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