Hawaii residents do not have access to an on campus Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program on the islands – they need to either relocate in order to earn their degree in person. Luckily, such a move is no longer necessary because Hawaiians have the option of earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree online. This guide will explain what options are available to those looking to earn their DPT in Hawaii so that they can determine which programs are best for them.
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On-Campus Programs vs Online DPT Programs in Hawaii
Online and on-campus DPT programs each have their pros and cons – for Hawaiians one of the major cons is that earning a DPT on a campus would require relocating to another part of the US. For those who are not interested in making such a move, there are multiple high quality accredited online DPT programs available from well known, reputable institutions. There are many advantages to an online degree, starting with the fact that it allows you to learn from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Some programs have pretty sophisticated ways of delivering courses, don’t be surprised if a program you are interested in conducts classes via live video streaming.
Last Updated: 3/7/21
Online DPT Programs
While an online program may allow you to keep living in Hawaii as you complete coursework, you won’t be completely off the hook for travel. Some skills are simply best learned in person, which is why all “online” DPT programs are actually hybrid programs that do require some on campus skills learning during occasional trips to campus. When it comes to clinical placements, however, these can often be completed at placement sites in your local area – just make sure that this is possible through the programs you are considering.
For the coursework component of the programs, there are two types of online learning formats:
- Synchronous – deliverables, such as lectures, online chats, and other activities are completed live, requiring students to log on at specific times
- Asynchronous – deliverables are completed whenever the student wants, so long as they are completed in a timely manner. Pre-recorded lectures may allow students to view classes without needing to log on at a specific time
You should always contact programs directly to best learn how they are delivered.
On Campus DPT Programs
If you choose to leave Hawaii in order to pursue your degree on campus, the program you attend will typically require you to report to campus several times per week for classes and lectures. One benefit of this is that you may be able to network and befriend your peers in real life. If you learn best outside your home away from distractions, this may be a great option for you.
How Long do Hawaii DPT Programs Take to Complete?
The hybrid programs available to Hawaiians vary greatly in length – from two year accelerated options to four year programs.
Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Hawaii 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.
| School Name | Type | Live Classes | On-Campus Requirements | Time to Complete |
| Arcadia University (Sponsored) | Hybrid | Yes | Unspecified | 2 years |
| Baylor University | Hybrid | Some | Twice per semester | 2 years |
| Nova Southeastern University | Hybrid | Some | Every 4th week | 4 years |
| South College | Hybrid | No | Quarterly | 2 years |
| Tufts University | Hybrid | Some | Eight visits | 2 years |
| University of Southern California (Sponsored) | Hybrid | Yes | Up to twice per semester | 3 years |
| University of St. Augustine | Hybrid | Some | Twice per month | 4 years |
On Campus DPT Programs in Hawaii
There are currently no on campus DPT programs available in the state of Hawaii.
General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Hawaii
To become a physical therapist in Hawaii, here are some common steps. Be sure to check with the state licensing agency for specific state requirements:
- 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 Hawaii.
- Get Licensed – Make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the Hawaii 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 Hawaii’s state board for exact requirements.