Top 6 Best Online Physical Therapy Doctorate Programs (PhDs)

Top 6 Best Online Physical Therapy Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
By Dave Tomar
Published:

We rank the best online physical therapy doctorate degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • A doctorate of physical therapy programs 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.

  • You may be able to choose from a number of doctorate of physical therapy online programs.

Best Online Physical Therapy Doctorate Degree Programs

Sort by:
  1. Nova Southeastern University
  2. Andrews University
  3. Florida Gulf Coast University
  4. Winston-Salem State University
  5. Utica University
  6. Shenandoah University
  7. University of Washington
  8. University of California, San Francisco
  9. University of Pittsburgh
  10. University of Minnesota
  1. University of Washington
  2. University of Minnesota
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. University of California, San Francisco
  5. Baylor College of Medicine
  6. Winston-Salem State University
  7. Andrews University
  8. Nova Southeastern University
  9. Florida Gulf Coast University
  10. Shenandoah University
  1. Andrews University 91%
  2. Utica University 81%
  3. Shenandoah University 80%
  4. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  5. University of Minnesota 75%
  6. Florida Gulf Coast University 74%
  7. Winston-Salem State University 73%
  8. University of Pittsburgh 49%
  9. University of Washington 48%
  1. University of Washington 21 to 1
  2. Florida Gulf Coast University 20 to 1
  3. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  4. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  5. Winston-Salem State University 15 to 1
  6. University of Pittsburgh 13 to 1
  7. Shenandoah University 11 to 1
  8. Utica University 11 to 1
  9. Andrews University 10 to 1
  1. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  2. Shenandoah University $35,170
  3. Andrews University $32,734
  4. Utica University $24,308
  5. University of Pittsburgh $19,760
  6. University of Minnesota $14,006
  7. University of Washington $11,189
  8. Florida Gulf Coast University $4,191
  9. Winston-Salem State University $3,401
  1. Andrews University $26,580
  2. Utica University $26,158
  3. University of Pittsburgh $24,962
  4. Baylor College of Medicine $24,891
  5. Shenandoah University $22,680
  6. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  7. University of Minnesota $18,468
  8. University of Washington $17,004
  9. University of California, San Francisco $11,700
  10. Florida Gulf Coast University $6,974
  1. Baylor College of Medicine
  2. University of Minnesota
  3. University of Pittsburgh
  4. University of California, San Francisco
  5. University of Washington
  6. Shenandoah University
  7. Utica University
  8. Winston-Salem State University
  9. Florida Gulf Coast University
  10. Andrews University
  1. Utica University
  2. Shenandoah University
  3. Florida Gulf Coast University
  4. Nova Southeastern University
  5. Andrews University
  6. Winston-Salem State University
  7. Baylor College of Medicine
  8. University of California, San Francisco
  9. University of Pittsburgh
  10. University of Minnesota
  1. University of Washington 48%
  2. University of Pittsburgh 49%
  3. Winston-Salem State University 73%
  4. Florida Gulf Coast University 74%
  5. University of Minnesota 75%
  6. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  7. Shenandoah University 80%
  8. Utica University 81%
  9. Andrews University 91%
  1. Andrews University 10 to 1
  2. Shenandoah University 11 to 1
  3. Utica University 11 to 1
  4. University of Pittsburgh 13 to 1
  5. Winston-Salem State University 15 to 1
  6. University of Minnesota 16 to 1
  7. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  8. Florida Gulf Coast University 20 to 1
  9. University of Washington 21 to 1
  1. Winston-Salem State University $3,401
  2. Florida Gulf Coast University $4,191
  3. University of Washington $11,189
  4. University of Minnesota $14,006
  5. University of Pittsburgh $19,760
  6. Utica University $24,308
  7. Andrews University $32,734
  8. Shenandoah University $35,170
  9. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  1. Winston-Salem State University $3,872
  2. Florida Gulf Coast University $6,974
  3. University of California, San Francisco $11,700
  4. University of Washington $17,004
  5. University of Minnesota $18,468
  6. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  7. Shenandoah University $22,680
  8. Baylor College of Medicine $24,891
  9. University of Pittsburgh $24,962
  10. Utica University $26,158

Featured Programs

In order to become a licensed physical therapist with recognition from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), it is necessary to complete a doctor 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 Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) or the closely related Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program (tDPT).

Only a select number of universities offer the online doctoral of physical therapy degree. These unique accredited online physical therapy programs offer 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 their doctorate in 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 in physical therapy degree online.


About Online Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

Quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online doctoral of physical therapy degree. Credible online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

  • Institutional Accreditation: Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online doctoral programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

    • A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

  • Programmatic Accreditation: In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure that you are only considering online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. The preferred accreditation for licensed physical therapists is the The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
  • Carnegie Classification: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

    • Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs in physical therapy will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer the online physical therapy program have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral of physical therapy students must meet the same basic threshold for admission:

  • A completed online application
  • Official undergraduate college transcripts
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal interviews
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Plan of study

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

Curriculum and Courses

The doctorate of physical therapy degree is most often a professional program designed to educate and certify physical therapists in the clinical practice of physical therapy. Most students will be required to complete foundational courses as well as research, practicum, teaching, and residency components.

This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid programs combining online education with traditional on-campus courses. Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.

The typical components of your online doctor of physical therapy degree may include:

Foundational Courses

Most doctor of physical therapy candidates will complete foundational courses in areas like orthopedic physical therapy screening, evidence based practice, human anatomy, and more. The physical therapy online program will also prepare students in specific concentrations such as pediatric physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy, occupational therapy and more. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online coursework.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

In most cases, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) will be a practical degree. However, those seeking a research based degree may pursue a PhD in physical therapy.

In these cases, doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

If you are pursuing a PhD, the central component of your online doctoral program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. Doctoral candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Most doctoral programs will also include a practical or teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree is usually a practical professional degree. Those interested in research should pursue a PhD in physical therapy.

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Careers for Students Who Complete an Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the basic threshold for taking the National Physical Therapy Exam and becoming a licensed physical therapist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for licensed physical therapists in 2021 was $95,620.

Top earners in the field include those working in home healthcare, those providing geriatric physical therapy in nursing homes, and those running their own advanced clinical practice. According to the BLS, the top 10% of earners in the physical therapy profession earned more than $127,000 in 2021.

In addition to aspiring physical therapists, students who earn their online doctor of physical therapy degree can qualify to work in the following areas:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Sports Medicine
  • Physical Rehabilitation
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Public Policy Consultation
  • Clinical Practice
  • Home Healthcare Organizational Leadership

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.


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What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.


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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.

  1. #1

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    What is Nova Southeastern University known for?

    Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

      NSU offers two distinct online physical therapy programs at the doctoral degree level. Aspiring physical therapists can choose from the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the Doctor of Physical Therapy (PhD) degree program.

      • Nova Southeastern University is great for students who:

        Are still deciding on their discipline. Nova Southeastern offers more than 150 graduate and undergraduate degrees across 14 colleges.

      • Nova Southeastern University might not be the best fit for students who:

        Have financial constraints. Some students note that even with financial aid, the cost of attendance remains comparatively high.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Andrews University

    Berrien Springs , MI
    #16 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #4 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/24

    What is Andrews University known for?

    Andrews University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

      Andrews University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) degree and the Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy (DScOT) degree.

    • Andrews University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a diverse and welcoming campus. Students describe Andrews as a uniquely friendly, warm, and accepting educational community.

    • Andrews University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have a low tolerance for cold weather. The Berrien Springs, Michigan locality makes for some extreme conditions during the winter months.

    Compare school

  3. #3

    Florida Gulf Coast University

    Fort Myers , FL
    #5 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #11 Best Online Master’s in Health Science #11 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    What is Florida Gulf Coast University known for?

    Florida Gulf Coast University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Florida Gulf Coast offers a specialized online degree program for those already working as physical therapists. The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) is geared toward healthcare providers looking to grow into clinical physical therapy roles.

    • Florida Gulf Coast University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business. The Lutgert College of Business is particularly noted for its accounting, computer information, and small business development programs.

    • Florida Gulf Coast University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an area with a lot of recreational opportunities. Students describe the surrounding region as fairly quiet on nights and weekends.

    Compare school
  5. #4

    Winston-Salem State University

    Winston-Salem , NC
    #7 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #12 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #15 Best HBCU Online Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    940/16

    What is Winston-Salem State University known for?

    Winston-Salem State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

      Winston Salem State University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Online Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree, which provides clinical education to those already working as physical therapists.

    • Winston Salem State University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a fun, lively educational experience at a top-ranked HBCU. Students note that the student body is very welcoming and that the campus offers numbers clubs, cultural activities, and events.

    • Winston Salem State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a wide variety of on-campus dining options. Some students note that there aren’t enough dining facilities to choose from.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Utica University

    Utica , NY
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024 #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #12 Best Online Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1167/27

    What is Utica University known for?

    Utica University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Utica College is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Online degree.

    • Utica College is great for students who:

      Are hoping for one-on-one attention from instructors. Students at Utica enjoy small class sizes and excellent professor to student ratios.

    • Utica College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for updated on-campus housing. Though the campus itself boasts excellent green space and landscaping, students describe the dorms themselves as being in need of refurbishing.

    Compare school

  7. #6

    Shenandoah University

    Winchester , VA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024 #11 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #12 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    What is Shenandoah University known for?

    Shenandoah University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Shenandoah offers a number of well-regarded doctoral-level programs in areas like nursing, pharmacy, and through its School of Health Professions. This includes two distinctive areas of opportunity for physical therapists—the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) degree and the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD).

    • Shenandoah University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a competitive academic environment. Students report that it’s important to work hard in order to keep up with the rigorous pace at Shenandoah.

    • Shenandoah University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have a limited budget. Students generally report that while the opportunities at Shenandoah are excellent, the cost of tuition is comparatively high.

    Compare school

Other Options for Aspiring Physical Therapists

Students considering an online doctoral in physical therapy should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

  1. #1

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #8 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #18 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/29

    What is University of Minnesota known for?

    University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Baylor College of Medicine

    Houston , TX

    Student body

    2K

    What is Baylor College of Medicine known for?

    Baylor College of Medicine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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