If helping others achieve a better quality of life is your passion, earning an online doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) can set you up for success. With over 47% of physical therapy job opportunities requiring a doctorate, this degree ensures you’re well-qualified in a competitive market. The median salary for physical therapists is $99,710, with the top 10% making over $130,870. Graduates can pursue rewarding careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, sports organizations, or academia.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Physical Therapy degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 13 Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Intelligent Score: 99.59In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $60,679
Out-of-state: $60,679
SAT: 122 - 131
ACT: N/A
$192
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
64
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Intelligent Score: 99.33In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
$724
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
48-70
Northeastern University
Intelligent Score: 99.07In-state: $54,360
Out-of-state: $54,360
In-state: $25,264
Out-of-state: $25,264
SAT: 1410-1540
ACT: 33-35
$1,752
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
33
Utica College
Intelligent Score: 98.31In-state: $21,560
Out-of-state: $21,560
In-state: $21,480
Out-of-state: $21,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$785
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
19
Shenandoah University
Intelligent Score: 95.11In-state: $32,510
Out-of-state: $32,510
In-state: $21,720
Out-of-state: $21,720
SAT: 1010-1230
ACT: 19-26
$968
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
16-20
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 93.89In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$973
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
115
The College of Saint Scholastica
Intelligent Score: 92.19In-state: $38,750
Out-of-state: $38,750
In-state: $14,182
Out-of-state: $14,182
SAT: N/A
ACT: 22-27
$775
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
16
UNC School of Medicine
Intelligent Score: 91.77In-state: $7,019
Out-of-state: $34,198
In-state: $10,552
Out-of-state: $10,552
SAT: 1280-1490
ACT: 28-33
In-State: $925
Out-of-State: $1,794
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
27
University of Michigan-Flint
Intelligent Score: 91.36In-state: $16,520
Out-of-state: $53,669
In-state: $24,344
Out-of-state: $24,344
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
In-State: $794
Out-of-State: $1,187
Online
Higher Learning Commission
24
Winston-Salem State University
Intelligent Score: 91.3In-state: $20,406
Out-of-state: $31,062
In-state: $20,877
Out-of-state: $20,877
SAT: 880-1040
ACT: 15-19
In-State: $189
Out-of-State: $706
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
24
Arcadia University
Intelligent Score: 90.38In-state: $44,620
Out-of-state: $44,620
In-state: $27,894
Out-of-state: $27,894
SAT: 1030-1230
ACT: 20-28
$815
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
22
Florida Gulf Coast University
Intelligent Score: 89.74In-state: $4,191
Out-of-state: $22,328
In-state: $6,974
Out-of-state: $6,974
SAT: 1060-1210
ACT: 21-25
$532
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
30
Alabama State University
Intelligent Score: 88.72In-state: $8,328
Out-of-state: $16,656
In-state: $7,416
Out-of-state: $7,416
SAT: 844-1049
ACT: 14-20
In-State: $412
Out-of-State: $824
Online
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
31
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree
Physical therapists and occupational therapists have similar roles in that they both help those with injuries, illnesses, or chronic conditions. However, occupational therapists differ in that they incorporate therapeutic use of everyday activities to optimize clients’ quality of life. Also, this career only requires a master’s degree, while physical therapists need a doctorate.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to become a licensed physical therapist. The NPTE is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, which provides tips on preparing for the exam, scheduling the test, and what to do if you don’t pass.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online DPT programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Qualifications for enrolling in a doctorate program in physical therapy vary by school. In some cases, you may need to have a master’s degree in a related field with minimum GPA requirements or have a certain number of physical therapy volunteer hours. Contact your school’s admissions department to find out more about program-specific requirements.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? There are two possible course formats if you’re enrolled in an online degree program. If the course is synchronous, there are scheduled class sessions that you attend remotely. If it’s asynchronous, the work is self-paced with no designated meeting times. Find a program that fits your schedule and learning preferences.
- What financial aid opportunities are available? With the help of grants, fellowships, assistantships, and other resources, many students can significantly reduce the cost of their degree program. You may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
As you’re taking steps to pursue a DPT, it’s important to consider factors that affect the time and financial commitment of earning your degree. In some cases, as few as 24 credits are required to earn a degree, while other programs require over 100 credits to graduate. The cost per credit hour also varies, with fees as low as $186 and as high as $2,300. To explore your financial aid options, begin by filling out the FAFSA.
It’s also necessary to pay attention to application, course selection, and financial aid deadlines. Forgetting to note these dates, which may vary from school to school, can delay your ability to earn your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in physical therapy degree?
Many graduates with a DPT pursue roles as licensed physical therapists, while others enhance their current practice, gaining advanced skills and qualifying for higher pay. Promising employment opportunities include:
- Outpatient clinics specializing in injury rehab
- Hospitals specializing in acute care
- Home healthcare facilities specializing in elderly care
- Sports facilities specializing in injury prevention for athletes
Each offers unique challenges: outpatient work emphasizes long-term patient relationships, hospitals often demand quick recovery plans, and home healthcare provides and requires flexibility. Sports settings focus on performance optimization.
Are online doctorate in physical therapy degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
These online DPT programs are as credible as their on-campus counterparts, often featuring identical curricula and access to the same faculty. Also, online learning is known for its flexibility and is ideal for working professionals or those managing family responsibilities.
With help from interactive sessions, virtual labs, and real-world case studies, online learning remains a comprehensive and engaging alternative to on-campus programs. As a student, you’ll also complete a clinical dissertation, emphasizing clinical teaching or research, ensuring hands-on experience and practical application.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in physical therapy degree program?
Completing this degree usually takes at least five years: three years for coursework and two years for the dissertation. Online programs often provide more flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal or professional commitments. Most programs permit up to seven years for completion, which can be helpful for students with busy schedules or those preferring a slower pace of study.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in physical therapy degree programs?
Many online DPT programs offer specialization options through elective courses, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. Common specializations include surgical management, neuroscience, biomechanics, and performance enhancement. These pathways will help you align your studies with your career goals, whether focusing on clinical expertise or specific patient populations. Additionally, programs often provide tracks for research or teaching, with dedicated courses preparing students for roles in academia or clinical education.
What is the cost of an online doctorate in physical therapy degree?
The average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. However, costs can vary based on factors like whether the institution is public or private, your residency status, and the time it takes to complete the program. When budgeting for your degree, you’ll also want to consider additional costs, such as books, technology, or clinical requirements.