If you are looking to enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the state of Texas, there are a variety of on campus options in the lone star state. It is important to note that Texas is the largest state in the union, and this plethora of options may not translate to a nearby campus that is commutable from your home. If this is the case, or you are simply looking for more flexible options, you may also want to consider online hybrid DPT programs. With the variety of options that you have to sift through, it may be challenging to determine what programs may be best for you. This guide will help you ask yourself the right questions so that you can answer that question.
Online DPT Programs vs On Campus Programs in Texas
As you begin to look for the right DPT program, taking into account any lifestyle constraints may be a good first step. Are there any times during the week that you wouldn’t be able to attend class due to work, family, or other commitments? If so, you should look for programs that accommodate your schedule. Is the nearest campus an easy drive from your home? If not, a move closer to campus or an online DPT program may be right for you.
Last Updated 7/11/2022
Online DPT Programs in Texas
Currently, if a DPT with online components is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), it is what is considered to be a hybrid program. Hybrid programs blend online and on campus learning. In the case of physical therapy programs, this is due to the fact that some hands-on learning is required in order to prepare to enter the field – learning that must be done in person. Required campus visits for a hybrid DPT program will vary, check with the programs you are interested in to see what the requirements are. Students still benefit from the flexibility that they gain by being able to attend class from the comfort of home.
Online courses are typically delivered in one of the following ways or a blend of both:
- Synchronously, meaning students log in at a specific time to view a live lecture or complete a live deliverable of some sort
- Asynchronously, meaning students complete deliverables and view courses on their own time
Your preference for one of these delivery formats may be tied to the reasons you are pursuing your degree online in the first place. If you are enrolling in an online program because you do not have on campus options nearby, you may want a more interactive, synchronously delivered program that brings some of the in person feeling of classroom learning to your experience. If you have a busy schedule, an asynchronous program may be the only kind of degree that fits into your schedule.
No matter which kind of program you choose, you will need to complete your fieldwork in person at a clinical placement site. Hybrid programs will offer differing levels of support when it comes to securing placements at locations convenient to you – check with the programs you are interested in to see how they will be able to assist you.
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On Campus DPT Programs in Texas
With on campus programs, students attend class, take exams, and complete other deliverables on campus. This experience is familiar to most undergraduate degree holders. For DPT programs, students at on campus programs will likely complete clinical placements at sites local to the school.
How Long Do Texas DPT Programs Take to Complete?
Two and a half to three years is the typical length of time needed to complete a DPT program, though timing could be shorter or longer and you should verify with the programs you are interested in what the specific lengths and structures are.
You can see the specific program lengths for all Texas on campus and online DPT programs in the tables below.
Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Texas Students
The following hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy programs are available to students in Texas.
| School Name | Type | Live Classes | On-Campus Requirements | Time to Complete |
| Allen College | Hybrid | Some | Twice per term | 3 years |
| Arcadia University (Sponsored) | Hybrid | Yes | Unspecified | 2 years |
| Baylor University | Hybrid | Some | Twice per semester | 2 years |
| Nova Southeastern University | Hybrid | Some | Every 4th week | 4 years |
| South College | Hybrid | No | Quarterly | 2 years |
| Tufts University | Hybrid | Some | Eight visits | 2 years |
| University of Southern California (Sponsored) | Hybrid | Yes | Up to twice per semester | 3 years |
| University of St. Augustine | Hybrid | Some | Twice per month | 4 years |
On Campus DPT Programs in Texas
The following DPT programs can be found on Texas campuses:
| Program | City | Time to Complete | GPA Requirement |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton | 2.5 years | 3.2 |
| University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth | Fort Worth | 2.75 years | 3.0 |
| Angelo State University | San Angelo | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Army-Baylor University | Waco | 2.5 years | 3.25 prerequisite |
| Baylor University | Waco | 2 years | 3.0 |
| Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene | 2.5 years | Unspecified |
| Texas State University | San Marcos | 3 years | 3.0 |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock | 3 years | Unspecified |
| Texas Woman’s University | Denton | 2.75 years | 3.0 |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio | 3 years | 3.2 |
| The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston | 2.75 years | 3.0 |
| University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso | 3 years | 3.0 |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas | Dallas | 2.5 years | 3.0 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio | 2.5 years | Unspecified |
General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Texas
To become a physical therapist in Texas, here are some common steps:
- 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.
- 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 Texas.
- 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 Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners for exact requirements.