10 Best Hybrid Physical Therapy Programs - 2 Year DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are designed for students interested in securing licensure and starting careers as physical therapists. These degrees typically require three years of full-time, in-person classroom study, lab work, and clinical experiences. However, many schools offer hybrid DPT programs that learners can complete in as little as 24 months.

If you want to earn a DPT faster and enjoy the benefits of in-person and online learning, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight schools offering the nation's best two-year hybrid degree programs.

What Is a Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?

A hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program, similar to a traditional program, teaches key concepts in physical therapy, such as injury prevention, functional movement, rehabilitation, and patient management. Learners also gain hands-on experience in lab and clinical settings. So, what makes it different?

In hybrid programs, students take courses online, rather than commuting to campus for in-person class sessions. Some programs also offer accelerated learning formats for students interested in completing a doctoral degree in a shorter timeframe.

Can I Finish a DPT in Two Years?

Yes, it's possible to finish a DPT degree in two years. While programs typically require three years of coursework and clinical training, many hybrid programs expedite these requirements, allowing students to graduate in as little as 24 months.

Keep in mind, however, that two-year programs often require students to enroll full-time with an intensive course load and clinical schedule.

Top 10 Hybrid and 2-Year DPT Programs

Are you ready to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree? Review the schools below to discover some of the nation's top 2-year hybrid physical therapy programs.

1. Bowling Green State University

The DPT at Bowling Green State University is the first public, accelerated, hybrid program in Ohio. Students enrolled in this program grow their physical therapy skills through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous online classes, face-to-face lab immersions, and in-person clinical education.

Coursework explores pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, clinical neuroscience, and more. This program prepares students to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for professional licensure and become a key member of an interprofessional healthcare team.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,250.86 per semester
• Program length: Two years (seven semesters)
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

2. South College

The South College Atlanta campus is home to a two-year hybrid DPT degree that students can complete from anywhere in the country. In this accelerated program, learners gain skills in business management, advanced diagnostics, and pediatric patient management through an evidence-based curriculum.

On-site lab immersion sessions and clinical practice help students develop hands-on patient management skills. To gain admission, applicants need a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 prerequisite and cumulative GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,975 per quarter
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: CAPTE

3. Hanover College

At Hanover College in Indiana, students can pursue a two-year DPT hybrid degree that combines online learning, on-site lab immersions, and integrated clinical education experiences. Virtual coursework, delivered in synchronous and asynchronous formats, focuses on telehealth, service, and innovation in the field.

Admission requirements include completing a baccalaureate degree and prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA. A GRE is not required for this physical therapy education program; however, it is highly recommended.

• Estimated tuition cost: $53,087 per year
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: CAPTE

4. Baylor University

Baylor University's hybrid DPT program combines a blend of distance education, on-campus lab immersion sessions, and real-world clinical education experiences to prepare students for licensure and careers as physical therapists. The curriculum focuses on functional movement, clinical medicine, human anatomy, and the neuromuscular system.

For hands-on training, students receive three clinical placements totaling 31 weeks of patient care. Impressive outcomes for DPT students include a 98.9% graduation rate and a 100% one-year employment rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,500 per trimester
• Program length: 24 to 26 months
• Accreditation: CAPTE

5. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh offers a DPT with a hybrid format designed for completion in two years and three months (seven terms). Learners participate in 10 immersions (two per term), delivering a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activity and on-campus laboratory experiences that teach examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis.

The program also requires 42 weeks of full-time hands-on experience in an approved clinical setting. To enhance the DPT learning experience, the university offers personal tutoring, lab assistance, and mentorship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $103,600 total (in-state); $124,292 total (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years and three months (7 semesters)
• Accreditation: CAPTE

6. Midwestern University

Students attending the Glendale campus at Midwestern University can pursue a hybrid DPT degree and finish their studies in seven quarters, or about two years. In this program, enrollees complete asynchronous and synchronous online classes and attend a one-week immersive lab on campus four times in year one and three times in year two.

A bachelor's degree, a minimum cumulative 2.9 GPA for science (3.0 overall), and completion of 30 hours of observation are required for admission. The two-year average graduation rate for this program is 99%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $118,268 total
• Program length: Two years (seven quarters)
• Accreditation: CAPTE

7. Arcadia University

The College of Health Sciences at Arcadia University has a DPT program with a hybrid pathway for students interested in completing some coursework online. Learners take synchronous and asynchronous online classes and visit the campus eight times for immersions that help build clinical reasoning skills.

Courses teach the principles of physical therapy practice and concepts like injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. To start this program, students should have a bachelor's degree, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and observation hours completed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $20,180 per semester
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: CAPTE

8. Franklin Pierce University

At Franklin Pierce University, aspiring physical therapists can choose from a full-time on-site DPT program in New Hampshire or a full-time hybrid DPT in Arizona. The hybrid program, which follows a two-year format, blends online learning with intensive three- to five-day in-person labs, required at least twice each 12-week term. Students also complete 30 weeks of clinical work.

In each program, experienced faculty provide real-world training in the school's state-of-the-art labs. Coursework explores evidence-based practice, clinical pharmacology, and advanced ortho interventions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $51,092 per year
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: CAPTE

9. Tufts University

Tufts University offers hybrid DPT programs at three campuses: Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle. Enrollees combine online learning with in-person clinical experiences as they prepare for careers contributing to the health and well-being of diverse populations.

In addition to asynchronous and synchronous online coursework, students participate in eight on-site clinical skills labs and obtain 31 weeks of clinical education. To help learners prepare for the NPTE exam, the School of Medicine offers practice exams through the Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT).

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,686 to $18,571 per semester
• Program length: Seven semesters
• Accreditation: CAPTE

10. University of Colorado

The University of Colorado's DPT is a hybrid program providing online learning experiences with on-campus elements and in-person clinicals. Pursuing this degree prepares students for roles as clinicians, educators, researchers, or administrators in the field. Ideal candidates aim to practice in rural healthcare settings.

Learners take live and self-paced courses in clinical anatomy, health and wellness, intervention, professional development, and beyond. Visits to The Hybl Center for intensive lab immersions are required each semester. Clinical rotations can take place in the student's home community.

• Estimated tuition cost: $628 per credit (in-state); $1,315 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: 30 months
• Accreditation: CAPTE

FAQs About 2-Year Hybrid PT Programs

Do you want to start a career in physical therapy by earning a DPT degree? Review the following FAQs to learn more about 2-year hybrid PT programs.

Which DPT Programs Are Easiest To Get Into?

The easiest DPT programs to get into are those with more lenient admission requirements. For instance, you might find a program with lower GPA requirements for prerequisites and overall coursework. Also, consider programs that have higher acceptance rates and no GRE score requirements.

Is an Online DPT Degree Respected?

Yes, online DPT degrees are as respected as their campus-based counterparts, as long as they have a good reputation and are accredited. When you search for entry-level online/hybrid programs, confirm that they have received accreditation from the CAPTE. Also, consider degrees with higher graduation and job placement rates.

What Is the Fastest DPT Program?

If you're looking for a fast DPT program, the University of Montana offers an accelerated MS to DPT degree that students can complete in one year. This 100% online program is designed for students who already possess a physical therapy license and a master's degree. Since this is not an entry-level program, it isn't accredited by the CAPTE.

Find Hybrid DPT Programs Near You

Take the next step toward a rewarding career as a physical therapist by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn ways they can help you achieve your goals.