DPT Programs in Oregon

Aspiring physical therapists in the state of Oregon have two Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs that they can apply to within state lines – George Fox University and Pacific University both offer programs. Those who are looking for additional options that don’t require moving, or who don’t live near one of these two campuses (Oregon is a big state!) may want to consider hybrid online DPT programs as well. Because there are a variety of different programs out there, navigating the choices can be difficult. This guide will help you figure out which programs are 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

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 Oregon

As you start embarking on your quest to make a shortlist of DPT programs to apply to, considering your lifestyle and your schedule is a good place to start. For example, if you have certain times during the day or week where you would not be able to attend class, you will want to make sure that you choose a program where you can reasonably expect not to need to attend class at those times. Since there are only two on campus DPT programs in the big state of Oregon, there is a chance you do not live within commuting distance of any of your options. In this case, you need to decide whether you are willing to move or if you would prefer to limit your search to online DPT programs.

Last Updated 4/7/2022

Online DPT Programs in Oregon

When talking about online Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, it is important to note that all current offerings actually fall under the category of hybrid learning. This is due to the fact that students in all of these programs are occasionally required to come to campus for in person skills learning that can’t currently happen online. Regardless, most of the coursework is still completed online, meaning that this is still a more flexible option for many. Make sure to get a good grasp of what each program’s on campus requirements are so you can determine whether you will be able to travel when needed in order to earn your degree.

Online courses are taught in either a synchronous or asynchronous format:

  • Anything that can be learned on one’s own time is asynchronous. An example of asynchronous learning is a lecture recorded ahead of time.
  • Anything that is delivered live, requiring students to log on at a specific time, is synchronous. A live streamed lecture where students can communicate with each other and their professor via video chat is synchronous.

People seek out online programs for different reasons. If you are looking for an online program that mirrors the classroom experience, you may want a program delivered synchronously. If you are a very busy person who needs flexibility in order to complete your degree, you may want an asynchronous program. 

With online.hybrid programs, clinical requirements are still completed in person at placement sites. If going the online route, make sure the programs you are interested in can place you at a clinical site in a location that works for you.

On Campus DPT Programs in Oregon

An on campus DPT program is delivered in classrooms, just as many traditional on campus programs are. For clinical components, students typically report to sites that are in the general area of the university they attend.

How Long Do Oregon DPT Programs Take to Complete?

Program length for a DPT program can vary, but most often they take two and a half to three years to complete. Always check with the programs you are interested in to confirm program length and structure.

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

Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Oregon Students

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

On Campus DPT Programs in Oregon

The following DPT programs can be found on Oregon campuses:

General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Oregon

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

  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 Oregon.
  3. Get Licensed – You may want to make sure your NPTE score is set up to be transferred to the state organization governing PTs 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 the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy for exact requirements.