| University | Format | Campus Visit Requirement | Study Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen College | Hybrid | Twice per term | 3 years |
| Arcadia University 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) SPONSORED | Hybrid | Up to twice per semester | 3 years |
| University of St. Augustine | Hybrid | Twice per month | 4 years |
DPT Programs in Arkansas
For Arkansas residents who want to stay in state while earning their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), there are four on campus programs they can consider applying to – Arkansas State University, Harding University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and University of Central Arkansas. Additionally, online or hybrid DPT programs are available to Arkansas residents as well, offered by institutions all over the country. Here is what you should consider when weighing these options.
Arcadia University
College of Health Sciences
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
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
SPONSORED
On-Campus Programs vs Online DPT Programs in Arkansas
There are various advantages to on-campus and online DPT programs, many of them depend on what is best for you as an individual. For example, if you have little time for commuting to campus, an online program may be necessary for you. However, if you can’t stay focused without being in a classroom, an on campus program may be your best bet.
Last Updated: 1/25/21
Online DPT Programs
Some portions of DPT programs can now be completed online through part of a hybrid program, where learning is split between online and on campus instruction. Because of the hands-on nature of the field, there is currently no program offered online in its entirety – some deliverables must always be completed on campus. Still, cutting out some in person learning and replacing it with online requirements helps reduce commute time and expand flexibility for students. In addition to on campus deliverables, DPT students must also complete clinical requirements at a placement site.
Online DPT programs are delivered in two main ways, some programs will mix the two:
- Synchronous – scheduled deliverables that require students to sign on at a specific time to attend lectures, chats, or other activities
- Asynchronous – deliverables with due dates but no specific time in which a student has to sign on, completion of requirements is on one’s own time
Determining how a program is delivered can take some research – always reach out to a program directly to get a full picture of what they offer.
On Campus DPT Programs
You are probably familiar with on campus learning – students report to campus several times a week to attend class or labs. With on campus learning, clinical requirements are typically completed at placement sites in the community surrounding the university.
How Long do Arkansas DPT Programs Take to Complete?
DPT programs usually take two and a half to three years to complete, though this is not a definitive rule. Hybrid programs can take shorter or longer depending on whether they are an accelerated option or one offering maximum flexibility.
You can see the specific program lengths for Arkansas on campus and online DPT programs in the tables below.
Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Arkansas 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 Arkansas
The following DPT programs have Arkansas campuses.
| University | Location | Study Length | GPA Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, Arkansas | 3 years | 3.0 |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock, Arkansas | 3 years | 3.0 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, Arkansas | 3 years | 3.0 |
General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Arkansas
To become a physical therapist in Arkansas, here are some common steps:
- 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.
- 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 Arkansas.
- Get Licensed – Make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy 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 Arkansas’s state board for exact requirements.