DPT Programs in Utah

If you are looking to apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Utah, you have two choices – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and University of Utah. Since Utah is a large state, you may not necessarily live near one of these two campuses. For those who have no close option or are looking for different programs or added flexibility, online hybrid DPT programs are also an option to consider. It can be challenging to determine which of the options available to you is best for you, so this guide may help you make that decision.

Arcadia University

College of Health Sciences

info

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

info

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

infoSPONSORED

Online DPT Programs vs On Campus Programs in Utah

Consult your schedule as you begin your search for the right DPT programs. If there are certain times where attending class would be easier than others, see if there are programs that better fit those needs. If there is no campus close to your home, look at online DPT programs for options that won’t require you to move. If your schedule fluctuates each week and you are short on time, you may even want to consider options that allow you to attend class on your own time.

Last Updated 7/27/2022

Online DPT Programs in Utah

Currently, all Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited programs with online components are hybrid programs. Because some of the essential components of a physical therapy degree are hands-on, you will always need to report to campus at some point to learn certain skills. Check with the hybrid programs you are interested in to determine how frequently you will need to report to campus, it will not be often. Despite these on campus requirements, the ability to complete much of the coursework online still gives students additional flexibility beyond an on campus program.

Online courses are typically delivered in one of the following ways or a blend of both:

  • Synchronously (in real time)
  • Asynchronously (at the convenience of the student)

Your preference for a delivery format may have something to do with your learning style or schedule. If you learn best when you can participate in live discussions, synchronous learning may be a more engaging option for you. If your busy and unpredictable schedule makes going to class consistently a challenge, an asynchronous program may make earning a degree possible.

Fieldwork, as the name suggests, will not be completed online but out in the field. Different hybrid programs will offer varying levels of assistance in securing convenient placement sites. Check with any programs you are considering about how they will assist you when it comes time for finding a field placement.

On Campus DPT Programs in Utah

With on campus programs, students go to class on campus for lectures, exams, and more. This experience is familiar to many. Clinical placement opportunities through on campus programs are typically local to the university attended.

How Long Do Utah 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 Utah on campus and online DPT programs in the tables below.

Typical Hybrid DPT Programs Available to Utah Students

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

On Campus DPT Programs in Utah

The following DPT programs can be found on Utah campuses:

General Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in Utah

To become a physical therapist in Utah, 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 Utah.
  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 Utah Physical Therapy Licensing Board for exact requirements.