DPT Programs in Kentucky

There are three programs in Kentucky offering on campus accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree programs – Bellarmine University, University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University. Those looking for more in state options need not fret – there are also some online/hybrid DPT programs that they can apply to. Deciding between on campus and online can be challenging – this page will help you figure out what’s best for you!

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

Request more info from Arcadia University.

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

Request more info from the University of Southern California.

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When considering whether to complete your DPT program on campus or online, you might consider the following things. Learning style is one of the most important factors to weigh, as if you are not learning in an environment you thrive in, your success may be negatively impacted. Some will find the classroom to be a distraction free necessity, while others may fare better completing an online degree from the convenience of home. Think about which environment will set you up for success.

Additionally – your routine and schedule will impact what is feasible when it comes to earning your degree. If you are juggling work and a family – attending class at a specific time every week might be a pipe dream. As long as you are able to free up your schedule by the time clinical requirements roll around, online programs and even some on campus programs may offer flexibility that allows you to fit school into a busy life.

Last Updated 3/9/2021

When looking for a DPT program that incorporates online learning, you will want to look for a hybrid program. Currently, no DPT programs are fully online because there are some skills that are best learned in person on campus in order to succeed in the field. So, many programs may conduct most coursework online, but require the occasional trip to campus. This allows added flexibility for PT degree seekers, so long as a little bit of travel is feasible for the student.

With online PT programs, on campus learning is not the only time you will need to report to a physical location. This may also be necessary for completing your clinical semesters. However, this part of the program may often be completed at a placement site local to the hybrid student! Always check with the programs you are applying to to see what is possible.

With online programs, courses are considered either synchronous or asynchronous. With asynchronous learning, you attend class on your own time through pre recorded lectures, interactive modules, or other means. Synchronous learning is live – all students log on simultaneously to attend class together, through video streaming, chat discussions, or other means.

On campus programs in the state of Kentucky include Bellarmine University, Western Kentucky University, and University of Kentucky. These programs require you to show up frequently to campus to attend class, and likely your clinical work will take place locally to the university.

Two and a half to three years is average for a DPT program length, but you can find shorter and longer programs as well. Make sure to also look at course load during each semester to make sure a particular program is one that can fit into your schedule.

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

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

The following DPT programs can be found on Kentucky campuses:

To become a physical therapist in Kentucky, here are some common steps. Be sure to check with the state licensing agency for specific state requirements: