Best Online Physical Therapy Programs 2024

Arcadia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It is ranked at number 69 out of 178 regional universities.

Acardia currently offers a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program that is fully online. It is targeted to practicing clinicians, aligning their education with entry-level DPT standards. Its goal is to ensure graduates possess the skills and professionalism necessary for evidence-based physical therapy practice.

Enrolled graduates will excel in clinical problem-solving, professional scientific communication, and effective teaching at various levels. The program provides a highly interactive learning environment, allowing participants to engage with nationally recognized experts.

The transitional doctorate, ranging from 1 to 3 years in duration, consists of nine courses structured in two-credit formats. These courses include online and hybrid components, offering flexibility in learning modes and scheduling.

• Credits to Graduate: 112 (online tDPT)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $27,311 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Institution Type: Private

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission (SACSCOC). It is ranked at 93 out of 439 national universities.

The entry-level doctorate program takes 24 months to complete and it incorporates 31 weeks of clinical training. Students are professionally trained in their seven immersive labs held at the Waco, Texas campus.

To enroll in this course, prospective students are required to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, the admission committee prioritizes those who have completed 100 hours of observation or employment under the supervision of licensed therapists.

It is a hybrid course that blends classes online and practical work on campus. Students must start their application process in January to pursue this course.

• Credits to Graduate: 96 (Online DPT)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $37,674 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• Institution Type: Private

Texas Tech University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission (SACSCOC). It currently ranks at 216 out of 439 national universities.

The TTUHSC School Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (Sc.D.) offers a hybrid program designed for practicing physical therapists seeking career advancement. Their program features weekend courses supplemented by web-based materials, focusing primarily on orthopedics.

However, the students engage in diverse physical therapy settings, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and more. It prepares graduates to encompass acute to long-term care environments.

• Credits to Graduate: 100 (Sc.D Physical Therapy)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $26,500 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• Institution Type: Public

Regis University's DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The university currently ranks at 260 out of 439 national universities.

At Regis, education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing a 38-week clinical experience. In the second year, students start with a six-week initial clinical rotation, followed by an additional eight-week experience.

The program currently offers two consecutive 12-week clinical rotations. These clinical experiences occur off-campus across the country, focusing on three concentration areas - Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, and Complex systems.

Despite the course being online, students have to undertake one clinical session outside of Colorado. The session is set in a rural setting for an authentic clinical experience.

• Credits to Graduate: 110 (online DPT)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $111,210 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 89%
• Institution Type: Private

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. It is currently ranked at 43 out of 439 national universities.

In this program, each student gets matched with a faculty mentor. This mentor offers personalized guidance to the student throughout the program in a one-on-one setup.

Students have to take two consecutive seven-week courses ongoing with their doctoral project. The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program requires the completion of 10 courses.

However, some experienced students are only limited to completing 6 courses if they have potential. Anyone with either a graduate or post-graduate degree is eligible to apply for this course.

• Credits to Graduate: 33-36 (online PP-ODT)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $58,560 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Institution Type: Private

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission (SACSCOC). It is ranked at number 395 out of 439 national universities.

The Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of the Cumberlands is completed in six semesters. It is based on a case curriculum designed for completion within 24 months.

Students engage in a multifaceted learning experience, including self-guided online coursework, and interactive live virtual classes. Beyond the classroom, the program offers immersive experiences, clinical education, and practical training across various settings.

With over 200 clinical partnerships nationwide, University of Cumberlands students benefit from diverse opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios.

• Credits to Graduate: 115 (online DPT)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $80,500 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Institution Type: Private

Northeastern University is accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It ranks at 53 out of 439 national universities.

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) is designed for practicing physical therapists. The course is an innovative, fully online program. It blends art and science with professional and experiential learning, offering the coursework needed for a terminal doctoral degree in physical therapy.

For direct admission entry, students holding a bachelor's degree in physical therapy are eligible. They will complete six core courses and two electives (33 quarter hours). Those with a master's degree in physical therapy will take five core courses and one elective (24 quarter hours).

The program culminates with the capstone course, Comprehensive Case Analysis (PTH 6900). At the end of the course, students have to create a comprehensive and potentially publishable case report, fulfilling part of the requirements for the tDPT degree.

• Credits to Graduate: 33 (online tDPT)
• Graduate Tuition Fees: $18,840 (In-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Institution Type: Private

Content Sources:

• Arcadia University
• Baylor University
• Texas Tech University
• Regis University
• Boston University
• University of Cumberlands
• North Eastern University
• US News Education
• Forbes Advisor
• Affordable Colleges