DPT Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents have many options when it comes to applying to on campus Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the state. From state schools such as the University of Massachusetts Lowell to private institutions focused entirely on healthcare such as MGH Institute of Health professions, there are a variety of programs littered all over the state, from Springfield to Boston. Despite all of these choices, some aspiring DPTs may be looking for other options that offer more flexibility or other benefits. Luckily for them, there is also the option to apply to hybrid online DPT programs, which allow students to complete much of their degree in their home state, regardless of how far they are from campus. With all of the DPT programs out there, the decision of which schools to apply to can be daunting. This guide will help you figure out how to choose the best program 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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The decision to apply to more online or in person programs may be influenced by your learning style. If you require a learning environment that is separate from your home due to distractions or any other reason, an on campus DPT program may be the right call for you. If you are someone who learns better from the comfort of home, however, an online DPT program may be a better fit for your learning style

Learning style is not always the biggest concern when flexibility becomes a priority. Some DPT program applicants may be balancing work, family, and other commitments that limit when and where they can attend class. When these limitations arise, a major factor for program choice becomes determining which can even work with a busy schedule to begin with. Online or hybrid DPT programs in particular may offer flexibility by eliminating commute time or in some instances allowing students to attend pre-recorded classes on their own time. In other instances, live classes may be delivered at times that are more convenient for the busy person.

Last Updated 8/19/2021

Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree does require some level of hands on learning that at this point in time can usually not be accomplished outside of a campus. Because of this, online DPT programs fall under the category of hybrid programs, as most of the coursework is completed online but some trips to campus are required for lab work and other in person requirements. These campus trips may be no more than a few times per year.

Coursework for an online DPT degree may be delivered in one of two ways – synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous delivery is live- students may have to log on at a specific time to attend class or complete another deliverable. Asynchronous delivery is not live and involves deliverables that may be completed on one’s own time.

On campus lab work is not the only out of house requirement when earning an online DPT degree. Students will also need to report to clinical placement sites to earn real world experience. With online DPT programs, you may be able to be placed at a site that is local to where you live. Make sure to talk with representatives of prospective programs about if you can complete clinical requirements locally and what help they would offer you in securing a placement site.

For the many on campus programs offered in the state of Massachusetts, you would follow the protocol that is familiar to anyone who has completed any college program on campus – report to class in person during scheduled class times. Clinical hours would likely be completed in the community surrounding the university.

A DPT program may take between two and a half and three years to complete. However each program will vary and may take shorter or longer than this time frame.

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

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

The following DPT programs can be found on Massachusetts campuses:

To become a physical therapist in Massachusetts, here are some common steps: