Which Schools Have Physical Therapy Programs in Houston?

When it comes to physical therapy programs, Houston has two community colleges that offer associate-level degrees in physical therapy assisting, as well as two four-year universities that offer doctoral-level programs in physical therapy.

What You Need to Know

Students interested in a career in physical therapy have two educational paths from which to choose: earning an associate degree to work as a physical therapy assistant or earning a doctorate to work as a physical therapist. Associate degree programs take two years to complete; are offered by two-year, public schools; and may require a background check and drug screenings in addition to recommendation letters. The doctoral degrees in physical therapy may be completed in three years; are offered by four-year, public schools; and are open only to individuals holding bachelor's degrees in a related field.

Physical Therapy Assistant Associate Degrees in the Houston, TX, Area

Houston Community College (HCC)

You can enroll in a physical therapy assistant program at the Coleman College for Health Sciences at HCC. While pursuing the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, you'll take courses in medical terminology, human development, neurology, therapeutic exercises and patient care skills. You'll also participate in three clinical practicums at local hospitals and clinics. The program has limited enrollment and only accepts about 40 students each fall.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapy Assistant
• Program Length: Two years (full-time)
• Tuition and Fees: $2,040 for in-district residents, $4,344 for TX residents and $5,460 for out-of-state students (2020-2021 academic year)
• Admission Requirements: Three reference letters, 24 work or observation hours and an essay
• School Type: Two-year, public; approximately 56,151 undergraduate students

San Jacinto Community College (SJCC)

Located on the South campus, the physical therapy assistant program at SJCC boasts a 100% pass rate for students who have taken the licensing exam. You must earn 72 credits to earn the A.A.S. degree and complete a clinical capstone experience during the last semester of study, as well as take two other clinical practicums during your final year. You'll study pathophysiology, rehabilitation techniques, neurological disorders and functional anatomy.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
• Program Length: Two years (full-time)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,872 for in-district residents, $3,240 for TX residents, $5,040 for out-of-state students (2020-2021 academic year)
• Admission Requirements: 40 observation hours, three letters of recommendations, criminal background check, drug test
• School Type: Two-year, public; approximately 32,452 undergraduate students

Doctor of Physical Therapy Degrees in the Houston, TX, Area

Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University, a co-ed school in Houston, offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for applicants who have earned bachelor's degrees in any discipline; however, you must have completed college courses and labs in physiology, biology or zoology, chemistry, physics, math, medical terminology and psychology before applying. The courses include topics in practice management issues, health promotion, musculoskeletal therapy, kinesiology, examination procedures and therapeutic exercise. You'll also be required to complete several clinical experiences and an internship while earning the necessary 98 credits. For those who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy, the school also offers a transitional DPT program.

• Program Name: Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Program Length: 33 months
• Tuition: $8,255 for in-state students and $18,071 for out-of-state students (2020-2021 academic year)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited school, medical terminology class, specific math and science courses
• Admission Requirements: GRE scores, three letters of recommendations, 20 hours of observation/work experience, resume, PT interest letter
• School Type: Four-year, public; approximately 15,886 students (10,598 undergraduate)

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

Located in Galveston, UTMB administers both an entry-level and an online post-professional DPT degree. Admittance into the post-professional program requires you to hold a master's degree in physical therapy and a current state PT license. The entry-level DPT program admits students with bachelor's degrees related to physical therapy. While pursuing the entry-level DPT degree, you'll study pain management, anatomy, neuromuscular diagnosis, imaging and advanced orthotics. After earning your degree, you could further your education by enrolling in the neurological PT residency program offered at UTMB.

• Program Name: Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Program Length: Three years
• Tuition: $9,062 for in-state students and $22,682 for out-of-state students (2020-2021 academic year)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in related field, 49 hours of specific college coursework
• Admission Requirements: GRE scores, three recommendations, 80 hours of physical therapy work/volunteer experience
• School Type: Four-year, public; approximately 3,354 students (786 undergraduate)

For those interested in becoming physical therapy assistants, Houston Community College and San Jacinto Community College both offer associate degree programs; if you'd like to become a physical therapist, then consider attending Texas Woman's University or the University of Texas to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.