DPT Programs in Arizona

For Arizona residents looking for doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs in Arizona, there are a variety of choices to consider. Between the many campuses in-state universities and a variety of online DPT programs available to Arizona physical therapy students, there are some options, all offering specific advantages. Here are some factors you might want to take into account as you make this important decision.

Making a decision between on-campus and online DPT programs requires knowledge about some of the things that set these options apart. Of course you know that online is completed from wherever you are as opposed to an on campus program’s requirement that you sit in the classroom, but what does that really mean? It all boils down to the level of flexibility that you have and how you are engaged by the experience.

Last Updated: 10/19/20

It is important to note that what we refer to as online DPT programs all currently seem to be hybrid programs (a blend of online and in person learning) as there are things in this field that cannot yet be properly learned virtually. Online programs will give students the flexibility to complete all of their classwork from wherever they are, while ensuring students learn clinical and hands-on skills through required trips to campus. Often, off campus clinical experiences can be completed near a student’s place of residence, but it is important to be sure of this before enrolling in a hybrid DPT program if you cannot be away from your residence for an entire clinical experience.

Another thing to consider is that not all online programs follow the same format. Some programs will be synchronous in format – requiring students to attend class at a specific time. This allows students to engage with each other as well as the professor, and can be a helpful way to keep one’s attention during lectures. Classes at a specific time could be over something as simple as chats or as interactive as live video lectures where everyone can see each other’s faces. There are also asynchronous programs, where most of the material is learned at any time the students want, so long as they adhere to any due dates. These programs can particularly be appealing to those who don’t have a set schedule or have commitments at times when there would usually be class.

If you are looking for an on campus experience, there are several programs offering this in Arizona. With on campus programs, both coursework and lab requirements are completed on campus, and then clinical experiences are often completed off campus within the community, though this may vary from school to school.

Arcadia University

College of Health Sciences

info

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

Request more info from Arcadia University.

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

info

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

Request more info from the University of Southern California.

infoSPONSORED

DPT programs usually take two and a half to three years, but this varies from program to program. Hybrid programs often fall in this range as well, but vary from accelerated options to four year programs. Your program will typically be conducted in a cohort format, where everyone who starts at the same time takes the same groups of courses together.

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

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.

The following DPT programs have Arizona campuses. There are campuses all over the state – from Midwestern University in Glendale to AT Still University in Mesa.

To become a physical therapist in Arizona, here are some common steps: