DPT Programs in Kansas

Kansas residents looking to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in-state have three on-campus options – Wichita State University, University of Saint Mary, and University of Kansas Medical Center. There are also multiple online or hybrid DPT programs that can be completed without having to leave Kansas more than occasionally to complete degree requirements. Not sure which kind of program is right for you? This guide will help you figure that out!

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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Online DPT Programs vs On-Campus Programs in Kansas

When considering whether to go the on campus or online route for your DPT program, you might consider the following things. First and foremost, how do you learn best? For some, a classroom is an important part of learning, because it eliminates distractions for them. For others, the convenience of earning a degree right at home makes the thought of going back to school more bearable.

Another thing to consider is schedule – are you able to report to class at specific times throughout the week, or do you need the flexibility to complete your classwork and view lectures on your own time? If you are juggling a bunch of other responsibilities, an online program may be a more realistic means of earning your degree.

Still not sure what is right for you? There are other factors you can consider, such as the type of social experience you want to have. Many online programs allow you to connect with your peers and build relationships both through video meetings and on campus requirements. However, if you would enjoy the opportunity to make friends who are part of your real life social schedule, an on campus program might be best for that.

Last Updated 3/9/2021

Online DPT Programs in Kansas

There are no fully online accredited DPT programs out there – the options that exist are what are considered “hybrid”. While most of the coursework in a hybrid DPT program is online, students do have to report to campus occasionally to learn hands-on skills that are best learned in person. As long as you are able to travel every so often, hybrid DPTs offer a lot of flexibility and convenience during the typical week. And for the clinical hours you will have to complete, many hybrid programs will allow you to complete them in your own community (make sure to ask potential schools how they would assist you in this area).

Coursework is delivered in either a synchronous or asynchronous format. Asynchronous learning is done on your own time, while synchronous learning requires logging in at a specific time to attend class or perform an activity. Synchronous learning varies in how engaging it is – anything from a chat board to a live video class is asynchronous – so if you are looking at synchronous programs make sure to ask more questions about the experience being offered to see if it is the right fit for you.

On Campus DPT Programs in Kansas

On campus programs in the state of Kansas include University of Kansas Medical Center, Wichita State University, and University of Saint Mary. These programs may require you to report to campus regularly to attend class, and clinical requirements would likely be completed locally (check with the school to be sure).

How Long do Kansas DPT Programs Take to Complete?

Two and a half to three years is typical for a DPT program length. However, this may vary and many programs are longer or shorter than this.

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

Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Kansas Students

The following hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy programs are available to students in Kansas.

On Campus DPT Programs in Kansas

The following DPT programs can be found on Kansas campuses:

General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Kansas

To become a physical therapist in Kansas, 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 likely need to get approval from both the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the state of Kansas.
  3. Get Licensed – You may want to make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts 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 Kansas’s state board for exact requirements.