DPT Programs in Idaho

Idaho has just one on campus Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree offered in state, at Idaho State University. For those looking for more options without having to relocate, you are in luck – there are hybrid options available that allow students to complete most of their degree from the comfort of home. This guide will help you evaluate your options so you can decide which programs you want to apply to.

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 Idaho

Both on-campus and online DPT programs have their advantages. For on campus programs – learning in a classroom setting is ideal for some learners’ focus. On campus programs also allow students to meet peers in real life and forge valuable relationships with others entering the same industry. Online programs are able to maintain some of these benefits while offering added convenience and flexibility. For instance, programs that conduct class through live video lecture allow students to build relationships with each other even if they are in different locations.

Last Updated: 3/7/21

Online DPT Programs

All available accredited online DPT programs are technically hybrid programs – meaning students must still report to campus occasionally for hands on learning. Despite some on campus requirements, most coursework is completed online allowing a great deal of flexibility and convenience to students. Another component of DPT programs that requires in person experience is clinical placement, but these may often be completed at a local placement site rather than near campus (ask the schools you are interested in what their options are).

Online DPT programs are delivered in two different ways. Often a program will combine these two delivery methods depending on the activity:

  • Synchronous – if you are required to participate in an activity at a specific time, collaborating with teachers and fellow students, you are engaging in synchronous learning. Synchronous learning includes video streaming, live text chats, and more
  • Asynchronous – if you are choosing when to view a lecture or complete coursework, you are engaging in asynchronous learning. This type of learning may be done through viewing pre-recorded lectures or simply completing a homework assignment on your own

It is not always obvious how coursework is delivered by a specific online DPT program – always ask the program directly to get the best idea of what to expect.

On Campus DPT Programs

On campus programs require students to attend class on campus regularly. Hands on learning and lab components are also completed on campus, the same as they would be in a hybrid program. Clinical requirements are completed in the field at placement sites in the community surrounding the university.

How Long do Idaho DPT Programs Take to Complete?

It often takes two and a half to three years to complete a DPT program, though this is not a hard and fast rule. Even though there are only a few hybrid options, these also vary in length.

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

Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Idaho 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 Idaho

The following DPT programs have Idaho campuses.

General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Idaho

To become a physical therapist in Idaho, 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 Idaho.
  3. Get Licensed – Make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses 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 Idaho’s state board for exact requirements.