Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

Discover the best online physical therapy programs of 2024 in this guide. Explore licensure, curricula, and earning potential.
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Updated March 7, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Finding the best online physical therapy programs takes time, but this guide can help you launch your search. Discover physical therapy doctoral programs that can prepare you for licensure and what to expect while in school.

Popular Online Physical Therapy Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online Physical Therapy Degrees

Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

Arcadia University

  • Glenside, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: (online tDPT):
In-State | $815
Out-of-State | $815

Cost per Credit: (hybrid DPT)
In-State | $1,060
Out-of-State | $1,060

Credits to Graduate: 18-22 (online tDPT); 112 (hybrid DPT)

Arcadia University offers two distinctive pathways to a physical therapy doctorate, the fully online transitional post-professional doctor of physical therapy degree for international students who are currently licensed physical therapists, and the hybrid, entry-level doctor of physical therapy program for students without a PT background who seek clinical licensure.

The transitional doctorate, which takes 1-3 years to complete, comprises nine courses in two-credit formats with synchronous and asynchronous components. Full-time students may complete the entry-level DPT in 26 months, including all coursework, clinical rotations, and eight on-campus immersions.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$45,520
Out-of-state
$45,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,311
Out-of-state
$27,311
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
3,064
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

Baylor University

  • Waco, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,188
Out-of-State | $1,188

Credits to Graduate: 96 

Baylor University's unique hybrid doctor of physical therapy program combines online learning with hands-on laboratory and collaborative clinical experiences. This 24-month entry-level doctorate program includes 31 weeks of clinical training and seven in-person immersive labs held at the Waco, Texas, campus.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The admission committee strongly recommends applicants also complete 100 observation, volunteer, or work hours with licensed therapists.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,232
Out-of-state
$50,232
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$37,674
Out-of-state
$37,674
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
20,626
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

Boston University

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,994
Out-of-State | $1,994

Credits to Graduate: 33-36 

Boston University's online post-professional doctor of occupational therapy (PP-OTD) meets the needs of occupational therapy practitioners who want to advance into leadership roles in practice, education, and research.

Based on a unique mentorship model that pairs each student with a faculty advisor who provides personalized guidance through graduation. The 10-course curriculum requires students to complete two consecutive courses every semester, each lasting seven weeks. Distance learners must attend one-day sessions on campus at the program's beginning and end.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$58,560
Out-of-state
$58,560
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$58,560
Out-of-state
$58,560
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
36,104
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

Shenandoah University

  • Winchester, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: (online tDPT)
In-State | $677
Out-of-State | $677

Cost per Credit (online ODT)
In-State | $800
Out-of-State | $800

Credits to Graduate: 30 (online OTD-PP); 16 (online tDPT)

Shenandoah University has developed innovative online programs that lead to either a transitional post-professional doctorate of physical therapy (tDPT) degree or a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate (OTD).

Designed for students with a master of physical therapy or related healthcare degree, the tDPT curriculum features an asynchronous delivery format with one-year or two-year options. The ODT degree, for practicing registered occupational therapists who hold at least a master's degree, uses a cohort model in which the same group of distance learners proceeds through courses together.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,140
Out-of-state
$33,140
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,080
Out-of-state
$22,080
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
4,287
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,412
Out-of-State | $1,412

Credits to Graduate: 115 

The University of Southern California's hybrid doctor of physical therapy integrates online coursework with on-campus immersions and clinical experiences in the student's community.

The hybrid degree, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), prepares learners to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination needed for state licensure. Admission to the three-year program requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and 150 hours of clinical experience in a physical therapy setting.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
49,318
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Online Physical Therapy Degrees of 2024

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $700
Out-of-State | $700

Credits to Graduate: 115 

The hybrid doctor of physical therapy degree at the University of the Cumberlands features a rigorous, case-based program that most students complete over six consecutive semesters within two years. The curriculum combines self-guided asynchronous online coursework, live virtual classes, and on-campus training.

Distance learners attend eight on-campus immersions along with a cohort of thirty classmates. In the last year of the program, students complete three clinical placements at approved sites that provide hands-on experiences in various settings and across patient populations.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,282
Out-of-state
$4,282
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
19,272
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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Price Check

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, in-state students have total education costs ranging from about $35,480–$226,150.

Why Get a Degree in Physical Therapy?

You need a doctorate in physical therapy to become a licensed physical therapist. These professionals make important decisions about patients’ therapeutic care plans and earn a median salary of $97,720, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

How Much Does a Physical Therapy Degree Cost?

Physical therapy doctorate costs vary from about $30,000-$35,000, depending on the program's format. The median tuition of online physical therapy programs is about $4,000 less than campus-based programs, according to the National Center for Labor Statistics (NCES).

However, many factors influence program cost, including:

Median Annual Tuition and Fees for Doctoral Programs in the Health Professions
Program Format Median Annual Tuition and Fees
Online $29,860
On-Campus $34,760
All Programs $31,010
Source: NCES, 2020

Additional Online Student Fees

Online physical therapy programs often cost less than in-person programs. However, online students should still budget for fees, books, housing, and clinical tools like scrubs. Many schools charge technology fees that cover troubleshooting support and subscriptions to virtual library databases, journal subscriptions, and video conferencing.

Before enrolling in an online program, students should research on-campus requirements. Online programs may require annual campus visits, which involve travel costs.

How Much Do Physical Therapy Graduates Make?

According to BLS data, physical therapists earn an average of $97,960 annually. However, factors including experience impact earning potential. According to Payscale data, entry-level physical therapists earn an average annual salary of $70,460 as of February 2024. Those with over 20 years of experience earn an average of $92,190 annually, reports Payscale.

Geographic location also influences salary potential. According to BLS data, California has the highest employment level for physical therapists. Physical therapists in California earn an average salary of $114,230 per year. While Texas also features high employment levels for physical therapists, professionals in the state earn an average annual salary of $102,300

Courses in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy students learn to communicate with patients, families, and healthcare providers. Degree-seekers hone teamwork skills through group projects and practice therapy exercises.

Most doctoral programs in this field require more than 100 credits and practical experience, which learners often complete in eight semesters. The following list highlights three courses common to physical therapy programs.

  • Movement Science

    In this course, students examine the fundamentals of human movement. Coursework explores the biomechanics of the human body, how to assess patients' movement abilities, and apply movement intervention strategies.

  • Pain Science

    This class examines evidence-based approaches to pain management. Students discover how movement can reduce pain levels. Coursework covers prescription medications for pain and common side effects. Learners explore how biological and psychological factors influence pain perception and management.

  • Physical Therapy Across the Lifespan

    This course explores how the aging process impacts movement abilities and pain. Students gain skills to improve the quality of life for patients of all ages.

How to Become a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists need several years of focused study. An associate or bachelor's in physical therapy can qualify graduates to become physical therapist assistants. However, all states require a doctorate for physical therapy licensure.

Those who already have a master's degree in physical therapy can apply to doctoral programs, which require clinical training.

Licensure for Physical Therapists

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers The National Physical Therapy Examination. This test includes 250 questions and takes up to five hours. The exam costs $485.

FSBPT offers a practice exam and publishes a list of sample questions online. The exam covers:

Most states require professionals to complete continuing education to qualify for licensure renewal. Each state requires a different number of continuing education credits for license renewal. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.

Professional organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association often provide continuing education courses and additional certifications. These organizations also host networking events to help members advance their physical therapy careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Physical Therapy Degrees

How long does it take to become a physical therapist?

Physical therapists typically need 6-7 years of higher education to earn a doctorate. Learners in accelerated programs may finish their studies faster.

Do physical therapists need a license to practice?

Yes. Every state requires physical therapists to hold a license. Licensure candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and a jurisprudence exam that tests applicants on their knowledge of laws applicable to physical therapy practice.

Can I get a physical therapy degree online?

You can complete some of the required coursework for a physical therapy degree online. Many schools offer hybrid programs in physical therapy. Learners view lectures and take tests online but complete clinical experiences in person.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed February 29, 2024.

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