Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

Badge for BEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley

Updated: Nov 26, 2024

Key Takeaways

A doctorate of physical therapy program can lead to excellent career opportunities for aspiring licensed physical therapists.

An online doctorate of physical therapy degree can also lead to careers in physical therapy education, health sciences research, and more.

According to the BLS, physical therapists are in high demand and can command a higher than average salary.

Table of Contents

Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2025

University of Southern California
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Northeastern University
Winston-Salem State University
+3
Andrews University
–1
Nova Southeastern University
–1
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
–1
Florida Gulf Coast University
University of Michigan–Flint
+1
A.T. Still University
–1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The top 3 schools in our 2025 ranking of the best online doctorate of physical therapy degree programs remain unchanged this year, while Winston-Salem State University gained 1 spot to move up to the 4th position.

UNC Chapel Hill has added virtual simulation technologies to their online doctorate in physical therapy program, allowing students to practice and refine their clinical skills in an immersive online environment.

Northeastern University has also added advanced simulation-based training and virtual labs. Additionally, the program has integrated cutting-edge telehealth modules to prepare students for the growing demand in virtual care.

NU has also added a couple of specialized tracks, including geriatric care and sports rehabilitation, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

What To Expect from Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree Programs

According to the National Institute of Health, the aim of physical therapy is to help patients relieve pain, gain mobility and strength, and improve health. Physical therapy can be performed in a clinical setting, but the real goal of physical therapy is for patients to take control of their own outcomes, by continuing to practice exercises and recommended therapies on their own.

Physical therapy can only be practiced by a fully licensed physical therapist. According to current licensing requirements, a fully licensed practitioner of physical therapy must hold a doctorate in physical therapy.

In order to become a licensed physical therapist with recognition from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), it is necessary to complete a doctorate of physical therapy program with accreditation from The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Likewise, working physical therapists planning on practicing physical therapy in clinical settings must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or the closely related Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program (tDPT).

Only a select number of universities offer online programs for a doctorate of physical therapy degree. A unique accredited online physical therapy program offers a pathway for practicing physical therapists assistants and other working caregivers to complete graduate level physical therapy degree programs.

Because a large number of doctoral candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field, many students seeking to become a doctor of physical therapy must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

Read on to find out how you can earn your doctorate of physical therapy degree online.

A doctorate of physical therapy program (DPT) generally takes three years of full-time study to complete. Part-time students can obviously expect a longer amount of time to complete the program. According to the recent data from CAPTE, the average annual tuition for a doctorate in physical therapy degree program costs an average of $18,989 at public universities and $37,448 at a private college.

Students can expect an online doctor of physical therapy degree program to follow the same curriculum as an on-campus program, however it is important to note that some online programs are actually a hybrid that will include some on-campus components. All programs, whether on-campus or online will also require clinical rotations.

Kinesiology is a closely related field and may take less education than a doctorate in physical therapy, although to excel in this career and earn a higher-than-average salary, an online master’s degree is recommended. Find out what you can do with a kinesiology degree.

Methodology

We used each of the following criteria to determine the best physical therapy doctorate degree programs in our ranking:

The program offers online courses, although many of the programs have at least some component of the program that must be completed on-campus (referred to as a hybrid program)
Accredited by one of the six higher education regional accrediting bodies, which include:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Offers financial aid options for students
Provides opportunities for clinical rotations
Allows students to specialize in specific areas of physical therapy
Employs research and evidence-based practice

The Best Online Physical Therapy Doctorates

The online doctor of physical therapy programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

Career Outlook for Students with Physical Therapy Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Occupational Medicine Residency Program

Degree Level: Doctorate

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on the institution’s demand and their standards for admissions. But in general, online and on-campus DPTs require applicants to use the following materials:

Bachelor’s Degree

Online doctor of physical therapy programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other related fields. The degree should be from an accredited institution.

Prerequisite Coursework

Doctoral programs may also require applicants to complete particular prerequisites. These qualifications frequently include biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, anatomy, and physiology classes.

GPA Requirements

Some colleges and universities have high expectations from their applicants. Candidates must often have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs, especially those from prestigious medical schools, may have higher GPA requirements.

Letters of Recommendation

Graduate schools demand that students submit at least two letters of recommendation. Typically, these letters should be written by people who can attest to the applicant’s academic prowess, moral character, and promise as a physical therapy student. Professors, doctors, and employers are a few examples of prospective recommenders.

Personal Statement or Essay

Another requirement is the personal statement or essay. This material allows admissions committees to evaluate applicants’ drive, love of physical therapy, pertinent experiences, and professional objectives. This essay will help the committee learn more about their applicants.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Candidates could be required to provide a recent résumé or CV highlighting their training, employment history, clinical experience (if applicable), involvement in research, volunteer work, and any pertinent certifications or licenses.

GRE Scores

While not all DPT programs require GRE scores, some may. GRE evaluates a candidate’s verbal reasoning, numeric reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. Fortunately, most programs have waived GRE requirements for 2023-2024 admissions.

English Language Proficiency

International students frequently have to provide proof of their English language proficiency. This can be accomplished by providing TOEFL or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. While each college may have different minimum requirements, a TOEFL or IELTS score of about 90 or 6.5 is considered competitive.

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, a specialized online doctor of physical therapy program may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Common Coursework in Doctor of Physical Therapy Online Programs

An online physical therapy program focuses on advanced coursework and clinical experiences. Physical therapy principles, patient assessment, therapeutic methods, and healthcare management are all covered in depth in online physical therapy programs.

Here are some examples of common courses physical therapists in doctorate programs may be required to take:

Anatomy and Physiology

This course focuses on the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems as well as the overall structure and operation of the human body. It offers a starting point for comprehending movement and the connections between different body systems.

Professional Issues and Ethics

Legal and ethical issues related to the profession of physical therapy are covered in this course. It addresses interprofessional cooperation, cultural sensitivity, patient rights, and healthcare policies.

Biomechanics and Kinesiology

The fundamentals of human movement, mechanics, and motion analysis are examined in this course. It discusses biomechanical principles and the mechanics of joints and muscles, important concepts for physical therapists to know in their practice.

Pharmacology

The fundamentals of pharmacology and how drugs are used to manage patient care are covered in this course. It discusses several pharmacological classes, their modes of action, side effects, and practical implications for physical therapists.

Pathophysiology

The main topic of this course is the study of illness processes and how they affect the body’s regular operations. It discusses the causes, symptoms, and clinical ramifications of numerous illnesses and ailments frequently seen in physical therapy.

Rehabilitation Techniques

This course examines various physical therapy approaches and therapeutic methods. Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, modalities, patient education, and assistive technologies are some topics it might cover.

Clinical Examination and Diagnosis

This course’s main topic is evaluating patients, including patient history-taking, physical examination methods, and clinical reasoning. It strongly emphasizes learning how to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.

Exercise Physiology

The physiological reactions and adaptations to exercise are covered in depth in this course. It looks at how the heart works, how the body uses energy, and how exercise affects different body systems. Designing therapeutic exercise regimens requires a thorough understanding of exercise physiology.

Clinical Practicum

Online DPT programs require students to complete advanced clinical practice in supervised healthcare settings. Students can put their knowledge and abilities to use in actual patient care s ituations thanks to these experiences.

Salary and Career Outlook of Graduates with a Doctoral Degree In Physical Therapy

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of physical therapy is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2021 to 2031. The field’s growth is much faster than the average overall job growth. Physical therapists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $95,620.

Physical therapy is a highly fulfilling career because of the positive effect that a doctor of physical therapy can have on their patients’ health outcomes.

As previously mentioned, there is a faster-than-average job growth rate for the field anticipated in the next decade. The anticipated increase in need of physical therapists may be attributed to an aging population, an increased awareness of the advantages of physical therapy, and improvements in medical technology, among others.

DPT graduates might find employment in clinics, hospitals, private offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation institutions, schools, and sports medicine facilities. The type of workplace you choose can affect your pay and work environment.

Another factor that may affect your chances of wages and the opportunity for career advancement include where you live, years of experience, expertise, and the job market.

Your pay may also be influenced by your area of specialization. Some specializations for graduates of a physical therapy degree online include orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatrics, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, and women’s health.

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate in physical therapy will be among the top earners in their field.

Common Career Paths for DPT Graduates

Physical therapy offers a wide range of chances for career development, area of expertise, and influence on patient care. Here are a few examples of possible employment opportunities for graduates of online physical therapy programs.

Clinical Physical Therapist

A lot of DPT graduates go into clinical physical therapy. Clinical physical therapists can find work in various facilities, including nursing homes, schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home healthcare.

Clinical Specialist or Consultant

Physical therapist graduates with advanced training and skills may serve as clinical consultants or experts. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals and serve as resources for clinical decision-making and complex cases while providing advanced assessment, treatment, and advice in their area of expertise.

Specialized Physical Therapist

Physical therapy specialties available to physical therapist graduates include orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatrics, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, women’s health, and occupational health. Through advanced training and certifications, specialization entails acquiring more information and abilities that enable more concentrated practice in a particular area, such as orthopedic physical therapy screening.

Researcher or Academia

Some physical therapist graduates work in academia or research. In addition to performing research studies, adding to the body of scientific knowledge, and instructing aspiring physical therapists, they may work in universities, research institutions, or healthcare organizations. Advanced degrees like a PhD or a Doctor of Science in physical therapy may be helpful for those interested in research and academia.

Management and Administration

Physical therapists can take on roles in management and administration within healthcare organizations. These positions may involve overseeing departments, clinics, or programs, managing budgets, coordinating interdisciplinary care teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.

Key Point: An online doctorate in physical therapy can open up a number of career opportunities for physical therapists, including positions in specialized fields, management, and academia or research.

Continuing Education

The professional growth of Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates includes continuing education. Physical therapists can broaden their knowledge and abilities, keep up with industry innovations, and fulfill continuing education requirements for licensing and certification. Physical therapists can pursue specialist certification programs, clinical residencies and fellowships, continuing education courses and workshops, online courses and webinars, conferences, seminars, and research.

Physical therapists must confirm with their respective state licensing boards and professional organizations that the continuing education activities they take will meet the standards for license renewal and the preservation of their professional credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs

Is an online doctorate in physical therapy worth the investment?

While some may say that it’s worth it, others may not agree. The answer depends on a person’s goals and interests. Those looking for advanced practice, leadership positions, research possibilities, or specific practice areas may find it useful.

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in physical therapy online?

Whether pursuing online learning or a conventional on-campus structure, a DPT degree can be finished in three to four years. However, it’s crucial to remember that online DPT programs could include various scheduling alternatives and flexibility in pace and course load, which can affect the program’s overall length.

What are the highest-paying jobs for a person with a doctorate in physical therapy?

While there is no easy way to determine which specialty pays the most, there are signs based on skill sets and employer preferences. The highest-paying PT industries include home health care, child daycare, outpatient care, nursing care facilities, and local government.

Do physical therapists have to take a test to be fully licensed?

Yes, physical therapists must take the National Physical Therapy Examination after completing their physical therapy education. If they successfully pass the test, they will become a fully licensed physical therapist in the United States.

Physical therapists can find out more about the National Physical Therapy Examination at the American Physical Therapy Association website.

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Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

Key Takeaways

Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

What To Expect from Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree Programs

Methodology

The Best Online Physical Therapy Doctorates

Last Year’s Ranking:

Most Influential Alumni

University of Southern California’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

Most Influential Alumni

Winston-Salem State University’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

Andrews University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Nova Southeastern University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Florida Gulf Coast University’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

A.T. Still University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Utica University’s Online Degrees

Shenandoah University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with Physical Therapy Degree

Occupational Medicine Residency Program

Degree Level: Doctorate

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

Prerequisite Coursework

GPA Requirements

Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement or Essay

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

GRE Scores

English Language Proficiency

Common Coursework in Doctor of Physical Therapy Online Programs

Anatomy and Physiology

Professional Issues and Ethics

Biomechanics and Kinesiology

Pharmacology

Pathophysiology

Rehabilitation Techniques

Clinical Examination and Diagnosis

Exercise Physiology

Clinical Practicum

Salary and Career Outlook of Graduates with a Doctoral Degree In Physical Therapy

Common Career Paths for DPT Graduates

Clinical Physical Therapist

Clinical Specialist or Consultant

Specialized Physical Therapist

Researcher or Academia

Management and Administration

Continuing Education

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Physical Therapy Programs

Is an online doctorate in physical therapy worth the investment?

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in physical therapy online?

What are the highest-paying jobs for a person with a doctorate in physical therapy?

Do physical therapists have to take a test to be fully licensed?