Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees for 2025
Become a physical therapist by enrolling in a DPT degree through hybrid learning at one of the best nationwide accredited online physical therapy programs.
Online physical therapy degree programs are ideal for healthcare professionals seeking careers as physical therapists through the convenience of distance learning and in-person coursework.
Becoming a physical therapist involves completing a graduate-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at an accredited institution.
Discover examples of online physical therapist education programs and important details and requirements about embarking on a rewarding physical therapy career.
Featured Online Physical Therapy Education Programs
Prospective students interested in being licensed physical therapists can explore the following online programs in physical therapy to help meet their higher education goals.
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private institution in Texas that provides valuable Christian educational programs, including its online Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
This hybrid program takes two years and puts students on the right path toward becoming physical therapists, integrating on-campus labs, online courses, and clinical education.
Its online learning is delivered through asynchronous and synchronous instruction and covers coursework on topics such as human physiology, clinical research, and the musculoskeletal system.
It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and meets the educational requirements for licensure in most states.
Arcadia University
Arcadia University in Pennsylvania offers a CAPTE-accredited online doctorate in physical therapy that includes part-time clinical experiences in the first year and progresses to full-time in the second year.
It teaches students to utilize evidence-based practices to provide comprehensive patient care and the fundamental skills and knowledge in examining and treating physical therapy clients, improving their quality of life.
This DPT program appears high in the rankings per US News and World Report and offers hands-on training combined with online classes and clinical education opportunities.
GRE scores are optional admission requirements for aspiring students who need 112 credit hours for graduation.
University of St. Augustine
The University of St. Augustine in Florida provides a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its College of Health Sciences, which is accredited by CAPTE and requires 131 credit hours.
Expert faculty deliver their education programs and clinical experience, combining online courses with hands-on lab work to prepare individuals for employment as physical therapists.
Its curriculum offers an immersive experience and covers topics including anatomy, patient care management, and foundations of musculoskeletal care.
No GRE scores are required for prospective students with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers a doctoral program in physical therapy that teaches evidence-based practices and theories.
It is a high-ranking hybrid program accessible through its kinesiology and physical therapy division, and it takes around three years to finish.
Students learn about the principles of disease, the basics of patient management, and therapeutic exercises for succeeding in fulfilling physical therapy careers.
University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky is a liberal arts institution that offers several online learning programs from a Christian perspective, including its hybrid DPT degree.
It prepares students for careers in physical therapy and occupational therapy with courses covering:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical imaging
- Principles of health promotion
The immersive curriculum engages students in online courses and on-campus training and does not require the GRE for admission into the program.
Can You Earn a Physical Therapy Degree Online?
Yes. Students can enroll in physical therapy programs through convenient online learning, with many hybrid DPT programs available from accredited nationwide institutions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for physical therapists includes a growth of 15% between 2022 and 2032, and earning a DPT degree through distance education puts students on the ideal path to success in the field.
How Does an Online Physical Therapy Program Work?
The typical duration of a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and how it works can vary between institutions, with several providing flexibility and convenience through hybrid programs.
For example, the DPT program at the University of St. Augustine offers a flex schedule that takes 12 trimesters to complete, while their traditional residential degree program takes eight trimesters to graduate.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, enrollment requirements generally mandate a bachelor's degree, but no specific undergraduate major is needed.
Frequently required prerequisite courses include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- General physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Biology
Individuals seeking to become physical therapists should research their chosen college for specific details regarding enrollment and other requirements around how it works.
How Does Clinical Experience Fit Into Online Courses?
Hybrid programs seamlessly integrate online courses with clinical experience and internships into their curriculum to provide aspiring physical therapists with a comprehensive background in the field.
Many consist of online learning coursework and activities, along with hands-on in-person labs and clinical practice in providing patient care in various settings.
FAQs about Earning Your Physical Therapy Degree Online
Explore commonly asked questions about completing your Doctor of Physical Therapy program through the convenience of online learning.
Is There Financial Aid for Online Physical Therapy Programs?
Financial aid is available for students pursuing online physical therapy programs with many scholarships and grants specifically applicable to those seeking careers as physical therapists.
Prospective students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if they are eligible for various financial assistance to help pay for a DPT degree program.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?
Becoming a physical therapist can take six years, including earning a bachelor's degree in about four years and graduating from a DPT program in around two years.
A master's degree in physical therapy is not required but does provide a better chance of acceptance into the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs accessible through hybrid learning.
The duration can fluctuate for individuals depending on various factors, such as the college offering the degree program and enrollment as part-time or full-time students.
What Do You Learn in an Online DPT Program?
Students in an online DPT program learn to meet the demands of employment as physical therapists with hands-on clinical learning and coursework providing instruction in patient care.
Examples of course topics in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program include:
- Administration and management in physical therapy
- Gross anatomy
- Patient care management
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical neuroscience
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Geriatric physical therapy
The curriculum generally provides health sciences skills and knowledge that individuals can utilize throughout their physical therapy careers.
How Much Does an Online DPT Program Cost?
The cost of an online DPT program can differ according to the college providing it, and students must research the tuition and applicable fees involved before applying to ensure it is affordable for them.
For instance, Arcadia University charges $20,180 per semester for its top-ranking DPT degree, plus additional student, technology, and other charges, typically taking six semesters to complete.
The University of the Cumberlands costs $700 per credit hour and requires 115 credits to graduate, usually in around two years.
What Are the Requirements To Enroll in an Online Physical Therapy Program?
The requirements for enrollment in online physical therapy programs include earning a bachelor's degree and usually a minimum cumulative GPA of around 3.0, which can vary according to the institution.
GRE scores are often not needed when certain requirements are met, and individuals should check with their particular program on specifics.
The American Physical Therapy Association provides a centralized application service for prospective students, which many DPT degree programs participate in, to help simplify the process.
What Are the Accreditation Requirements for Online Physical Therapy Programs?
The accreditation requirements for online programs in physical therapy include national recognition by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
CAPTE is the only agency that grants entry-level education programs in physical therapy specialized authorization and presently accredits more than 300 across the nation.
Find a Physical Therapy Program Today
Check out one of the colleges above for further details regarding available DPT degrees through distance learning to find online physical therapy programs today to meet your career goal of becoming a physical therapist.