DPT Programs in Connecticut

Connecticut residents have three on campus DPT programs they can apply to – Quinnipiac University, University of Hartford, and Sacred Heart University. Additionally, those who want to stay in state while they study can also apply to online hybrid physical therapy programs. There are a lot of factors you will want to weigh when determining what programs you should apply to. This guide will help you make decisions about which programs are best for you.

Arcadia University

College of Health Sciences

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Doctor of Physical Therapy

Earn your DPT from a hybrid program. Experience on-campus immersions and apply skills learned online to patients in person. Complete the program in 25 months. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree but do not need to submit GRE test scores for admission.

  • Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 
  • Complete in 25 months  
  • 32 weeks of in-person experience

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

With USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, aspiring physical therapists can earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in an innovative hybrid format. Bachelor’s required.

  • Full-time, three-year program 
  • 44 weeks of rich, varied clinical experiences 
  • Regular visits to USC for on-campus, skill-building immersions

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On-Campus Programs vs Online DPT Programs in Connecticut

Online and on-campus DPT programs each have their pros and cons – examining your own needs and learning styles will help you figure out what works best for you. If you are short on free time, an online program without a strict class time requirement will allow you to complete your degree when you can squeeze it in. If you have more availability and learn better in a classroom, an on campus program may be best.

Last Updated: 2/5/21

Online DPT Programs

There is not yet an accredited DPT program out there that is considered truly online – currently options are hybrids that combine online class time with in person hands on learning. This is due to the fact that there are just some things in PT that need to be learned in person. As with any degree that has a clinical component, clinical requirements will always need to be completed in person, but often you will be able to complete these at a placement site in your own community (always check to see how much assistance an online program can offer you when securing a placement site). Through a hybrid program, students can cut commute time and earn themselves a little more flexibility and convenience when completing their degree

There are two types of online learning formats:

  • Synchronous – students log in at specific times to complete deliverables together (in sync). Could be a video streamed lecture, a live chat, or other collaborative requirement.
  • Asynchronous – students complete requirements at times convenient for them, not necessarily when others are completing the same requirements

You should always contact programs directly to best learn how they are delivered.

On Campus DPT Programs

On campus learning is conducted in a physical classroom on campus, so naturally students must regularly report to campus to earn their degree. Clinical requirements will typically be completed off campus at a placement site in the community surrounding the school.

How Long do Connecticut DPT Programs Take to Complete?

Often, DPT programs will take two and a half to three years to complete, though this can vary. Hybrid offerings can take shorter or longer than this, depending on if they are accelerated or are offering more flexibility by spacing out requirements.

You can see the specific program lengths for Connecticut on campus and online DPT programs in the tables below.

Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Connecticut Students

The following are examples of hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Be sure to check with the school to see if they are authorized to operate in your state.

On Campus DPT Programs in Connecticut

The following DPT programs have Connecticut campuses.

General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Connecticut

To become a physical therapist in Connecticut, here are some common steps. Be sure to check with the state licensing agency for specific state requirements:

  1. Earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree – Consider looking for physical therapy programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) which may help you ensure you meet certification requirements in the future.
  2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) – To do this, you will need to get approval from both the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the state of Connecticut.
  3. Get Licensed – Make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health so that the state can issue your certification once you pass and check with the board to make sure you meet any additional requirements for licensure. This is a high-level overview, make sure to check out Connecticut’s state board for exact requirements.