Online programs allow you to earn your doctorate in physical therapy with added flexibility. Through an online doctorate in physical therapy (DPT), you can complete coursework without having to physically be on campus. Due to the nature of skills needed to become a physical therapist, online DPT programs are often hybrid- combing online coursework with several on campus hands on and clinical experience as well as clinical placements near your home. Currently, there are a few accredited online DPT programs you can choose from.

When looking at online DPT programs, it is important to find a program that fits your professional needs. Many online options are for transitional doctor of physical therapy (TDPT) programs, which are designed for students who already have a background in physical therapy (many of them became PTs before a doctorate was required and complete a TDPT to increase their knowledge). There are also a couple of PhD options, which are not designed to prepare entry level physical therapy students for clinical practice. Neither TDPTs or PhDs in physical therapy are accredited by CAPTE.

Those who are looking to start their physical therapy careers should always look for regular doctor of physical therapy programs (sometimes clinical DPT programs). These programs prepare students for first time certification as physical therapists.

Below, we have compiled online/hybrid physical therapy program options for both aspiring PTs and current PTs looking to enhance their knowledge base.

Below is a table of online DPT programs accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These programs are for students who do not have a prior PT degree. (Last verified 4/14/2022)

University	Format	Campus Visit Requirement	Study Length
Allen College	Hybrid	Twice per term	3 years
Arcadia University info SPONSORED	Hybrid	Eight on-campus immersions	25 months
Baylor University	Hybrid	Twice per semester	2 years
Nova Southeastern University	Hybrid	Every 4th week	4 years
South College	Hybrid	Quarterly	2 years
Tufts University	Hybrid	Eight visits	2 years
University of Southern California (USC) info SPONSORED	Hybrid	Up to twice per semester	3 years
University of St. Augustine	Hybrid	Twice per month	4 years

¹Live classes are defined as classes where there are specific class times each week where students are able to log on and communicate with each other and the professor as the professor delivers a live video lecture.

This list of online physical therapy programs includes programs designed for current physical therapists who are looking to gain additional education as well as programs for aspiring PTs.

Most programs require that applications are submitted through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). The following are common application requirements:

In order to be licensed as a physical therapist in any state you must have a DPT from a CAPTE accredited program or a foreign equivalent. Accreditation ensures that the quality of education given by the university is high enough to prepare you to be a quality physical therapist. Accreditation requirements also protect students- schools cannot maintain accreditation if their schools do not generate good career outcomes for their students. Here is a full list of CAPTE accredited programs.

For current DPTs expanding their knowledge through transitional DPT degrees or PhDs in PT, CAPTE does not accredit these types of programs.

The way that online physical therapy programs are set up can differ greatly in terms of how courses are delivered, how many classes you can take at one time, clinical placement opportunities, and more. When choosing between programs, be sure to evaluate the following:

It is important to note that all online physical therapy programs geared towards those who are not currently practicing PTs are hybrid programs. This means that while a large chunk of the degree can be completed online, there will always be some on campus requirements so that students can learn the important hands-on and clinical skills needed to practice as physical therapists. Make sure to compare different programs to see how often they require you to come to campus – some requirements are more manageable than others – a couple of campus visits per semester is a lot less than several visits per month! Know what commitments will work for your schedule.

Just because you are completing classwork in your living room doesn’t mean you have to forgo an interactive classroom experience. Some online DPT programs offer live online classes where you can ask professors questions and interact with your fellow students. If you are looking to stay engaged through alive class format, look for programs that offer “synchronous” or live coursework

With the requirements needed to become a physical therapist, there are currently no accredited online physical therapy programs that don’t have some form of on-campus learning requirement for hands on instruction. But specific on campus requirements will vary by program. Some programs are online to facilitate learning from wherever you live, while others still serve specific communities, but use online as a way to offer flexibility for working students. The latter may still require you to be on campus as often as weekly. Make sure you find a program that fits your needs.

In addition to hands on learning on campus, you will need to complete internships where you gain clinical experience in order to prepare for your career in physical therapy. If you are away from campus, make sure that the program you are interested offers the level of support you need when it comes time to find a clinical placement site.

Check out this list of physical therapy scholarships that you can use to help pay for your degree.

No matter what sort of online DPT you choose, you are gaining added flexibility when compared to on campus programs. The ability to complete coursework from wherever you are makes it easier to balance other commitments that you have and stay close to home.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 job forecast, the physical therapy field is expected to grow 18% between 2019 and 2029. You will also be able to choose to work in a variety of settings- from hospitals, to nursing homes, to private practice. Additionally, physical therapy is a high paying field.

Through physical therapy, you help people gain strength, restore mobility, and even reduce or eliminate pain. The conditions and injuries that physical therapy helps can dramatically affect patient well being in ways big and small, and you can help them progress and heal. Increased function and decreased pain expands what people are able to do and improves quality of life.

New students are required to earn a DPT degree in order to become licensed in any state. Online DPT programs can be completed in any state you reside in.