Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a doctoral level degree in the US that prepares students to become licensed physical therapists, enabling clinical practice and patient care.
Careers open to physical therapy graduates
Institutions awarding this level in physical therapy (281)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences · San Marcos
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Arcadia University · Glenside
- Creighton University · Omaha
- Baylor University · Waco
- South College · Knoxville
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston · Galveston
- College of St. Scholastica · Duluth
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- MGH Institute of Health Professions · Boston
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- Gannon University · Erie
- Tufts University · Medford
- Texas Woman's University · Denton
- University of Central Arkansas · Conway
- University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center · Oklahoma City
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions · Provo
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- University of Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- Quinnipiac University · Hamden
- Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- University of Mary · Bismarck
- Saint Joseph's University · Philadelphia
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Utica College · Utica
- Chatham University · Pittsburgh
- Midwestern University · Downers Grove
- Pacific University · Forest Grove
- Duke University · Durham
- University of Michigan–Flint · Flint
- Touro College · New York
- Franklin Pierce University · Rindge
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Ithaca College · Ithaca
- University of Findlay · Findlay
- Columbia University · New York
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- Regis University · Denver
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- Chapman University · Orange
- Samuel Merritt University · Oakland
- A.T. Still University · Kirksville
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · Lubbock
- Carroll University · Waukesha
- Belmont University · Nashville
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Slippery Rock University · Slippery Rock
- University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham
- Bellarmine University · Louisville
- Hanover College · Hanover
- Touro University Nevada · Henderson
- Southwest Baptist University · Bolivar
- West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies · Los Angeles
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- Methodist University · Fayetteville
- Daemen College · Amherst
- Widener University · Chester
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Maryland, Baltimore · Baltimore
- Marquette University · Milwaukee
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Nebraska Medical Center · Omaha
- Mary Baldwin University · Staunton
- Saint Ambrose University · Davenport
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- Northeastern University · Boston
- Loma Linda University · Loma Linda
- New York Institute of Technology · Old Westbury
- High Point University · High Point
- Florida International University · Miami
- University of New England · Biddeford
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant
- University of the Incarnate Word · San Antonio
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- Sacred Heart University · Fairfield
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga · Chattanooga
- University of Puget Sound · Tacoma
- University of South Dakota · Vermillion
- University of Delaware · Newark
- Lebanon Valley College · Annville
- St. Catherine University · Saint Paul
- Marymount University · Arlington
- Arkansas State University · Jonesboro
- Emory University · Atlanta
- College of Saint Mary · Omaha
- Des Moines University · West Des Moines
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science · North Chicago
- University of California-San Francisco · San Francisco
- Western University of Health Sciences · Pomona
- University of Toledo · Toledo
- Drake University · Des Moines
- Rockhurst University · Kansas City
- Misericordia University · Dallas
- George Washington University · Washington
- Midwestern University-Glendale · Glendale
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Idaho State University · Pocatello
- Spalding University · Louisville
- Nazareth College · Rochester
- Kean University · Union
- University of Evansville · Evansville
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- Dominican College of Blauvelt · Orangeburg
- University of North Texas Health Science Center · Fort Worth
- Russell Sage College · Troy
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Elon University · Elon
- Youngstown State University · Youngstown
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- University of Lynchburg · Lynchburg
- George Fox University · Newberg
- Huntington University · Huntington
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse · La Crosse
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of Saint Mary · Leavenworth
- Springfield College · Springfield
- Mount St. Joseph University · Cincinnati
- New York Medical College · Valhalla
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- Simmons University · Boston
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- University of Scranton · Scranton
- University of Vermont · Burlington
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University · Baton Rouge
- D'Youville College · Buffalo
- University of North Georgia · Dahlonega
- Campbell University · Buies Creek
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- Seton Hall University · South Orange
- Brenau University · Gainesville
- University of South Alabama · Mobile
- Rush University · Chicago
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine · Philadelphia
- Mercer University · Macon
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- Samford University · Birmingham
- Wheeling Jesuit University · Wheeling
- SUNY Upstate Medical University · Syracuse
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Trine University · Angola
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- Maryville University · Saint Louis
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of Dayton · Dayton
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Boston
- Hardin–Simmons University · Abilene
- Georgia Southern University · Statesboro
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Augusta University · Augusta
- Tennessee State University · Nashville
- Winston-Salem State University · Winston-Salem
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport · Shreveport
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- Messiah University · Mechanicsburg
- Concordia University Wisconsin · Mequon
- Marshall University · Huntington
- Husson University · Bangor
- Marist College · Poughkeepsie
- Mercy University · Dobbs Ferry
- Concordia University · Saint Paul
- Florida Southern College · Lakeland
- University of Massachusetts Lowell · Lowell
- Mount St. Mary's University · Los Angeles
- Western New England University · Springfield
- Walsh University · North Canton
- University of Mary Hardin–Baylor · Belton
- Emory and Henry College · Emory
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- Stockton University · Galloway
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Neumann University · Aston
- Governors State University · University Park
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans · New Orleans
- University of North Florida · Jacksonville
- Radford University · Radford
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- Florida Gulf Coast University · Fort Myers
- University of Mount Union · Alliance
- Harding University Main Campus · Searcy
About
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a doctoral level, the highest degree awarded in physical therapy education in the United States. It is designed for students aiming to become licensed physical therapists, providing the necessary clinical and academic training to assess and treat patients with physical impairments. This degree is offered by accredited institutions, often universities with specialized programs recognized by regional accrediting bodies and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The DPT is a professional doctorate, meaning it prepares graduates directly for clinical practice rather than research. It suits individuals passionate about healthcare, rehabilitation, and improving patients' mobility and quality of life.
- Doctoral level degree in US education system
- Professional doctorate for clinical practice
- Accredited programs by CAPTE and regional bodies
- Prepares for physical therapist licensure
- Focus on patient care and rehabilitation
- Offered by universities and health science schools
How to get in
Admission to a DPT program typically requires a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework in sciences such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Candidates must submit applications often through centralized services or directly to institutions, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores like the GRE. The selection process is competitive, emphasizing academic performance, healthcare experience, and personal motivation. Some programs may require interviews or observation hours in clinical settings. Applicants usually have a strong GPA and relevant volunteer or work experience in healthcare environments.
- Bachelor's degree with prerequisites required
- Competitive admission process with GPA and GRE
- Healthcare experience valued
- Application materials include transcripts and letters
- Interviews often part of selection
- Observation hours in clinical settings recommended
Format and schedule
The DPT program generally lasts about three years and is full-time. It combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and extensive clinical internships. Students engage in supervised patient care experiences across various healthcare settings to develop practical skills. The curriculum is structured around credit hours, with evaluations based on exams, practical assessments, and clinical performance. Some programs may offer part-time or hybrid options, but most require in-person attendance due to hands-on training. The clinical rotations are critical and occur progressively throughout the program.
- Approximately three years full-time study
- Combination of classroom and clinical work
- Extensive clinical internships required
- Credit hours structure with evaluations
- Hands-on training essential
- Mostly in-person attendance necessary
What next?
Graduates with a DPT are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed physical therapists in the US. Licensure is mandatory to practice clinically and varies by state. Many DPT holders enter the workforce directly, working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, or private practice. Some pursue advanced certifications or specializations in areas like orthopedics or pediatrics. Others may continue their education through residencies, fellowships, or academic research. The degree also allows for potential transition into healthcare administration or education roles.
- Eligible for National Physical Therapy Examination
- State licensure required to practice
- Employment in diverse healthcare settings
- Opportunities for specialization and certification
- Further education via residencies or fellowships
- Career paths include education and administration
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed for a DPT program?
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree with specific science prerequisites. These include courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Is the DPT degree required to become a physical therapist?
Yes, the DPT is the required doctoral level degree to sit for the licensure exam and practice as a physical therapist in the US.
How competitive is admission to DPT programs?
Admission is competitive, focusing on GPA, GRE scores, healthcare experience, and personal motivation.
What kind of clinical experience is included in the DPT?
Students complete supervised clinical internships in various healthcare settings to develop hands-on skills.
Can I work as a physical therapist immediately after graduation?
Graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and obtain state licensure before practicing.
Are there opportunities for specialization after the DPT?
Yes, many pursue advanced certifications or residencies in specialized areas of physical therapy.
Is financial aid available for DPT students?
Students can apply for federal aid like FAFSA and may access scholarships or loans through their institutions.
Can DPT credits transfer from other programs?
Transfer policies vary by institution; articulation agreements may exist but are generally limited due to program specificity.