Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees
Physical therapy programs lead to careers in the fast-growing field of physical therapy. These careers offer opportunities to help injured and ill patients gain a better quality of life. The career also offers attractive salary potential, especially if you choose to become board certified.
Learn what to expect from physical therapy programs and discover ways to save on your degree.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: 2-7 years, depending on previous education and enrollment status
- Typical Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, references, essay
- Top Skills Gained: Physical therapy research, diagnostic imaging, functional movement
- Popular Residency Concentrations: Pediatrics, wound management, oncology
Top Physical Therapy Programs
Arcadia University
- Glenside, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition Rates With Flexible Payment Options
Arcadia University offers an affordable and flexible online transitional doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program, with the same tuition rates for all online students regardless of state residency. Tuition costs vary by your pace of study. Designed for licensed PTs, the fully online program features payment options, multiple entry points, course waivers, and interactive learning with faculty.
Why Students Choose Arcadia:
- Payment Options: Choose per-credit or package pricing for flexible, budget-friendly payment.
- International Student Friendly: Tuition is affordable for international students.
- Credit Options: Complete the program in 1-3 years, taking 18-30 credits.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Applicants must hold a U.S. PT license or an international equivalent to apply.
- You can take up to three courses to try the program out before formally applying.
- While the program doesn’t offer formal tracks, elective coursework is available in orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
34%
$33,390
79%
$33,390
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,404
- Institution Type
- Private
Nova Southeastern University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: True Blended Program With a Mix of Online and In-Person Classes
The online DPT program at Nova Southeastern University offers a true hybrid experience, combining asynchronous and synchronous online learning with in-person training. This program is ideal if you're looking for a flexible, yet structured learning path and on-campus sessions to practice hands-on skills.
Why Students Choose NSU:
- Hands-On: Join five-day campus sessions in Tampa Bay three times per semester to practice skills, apply knowledge, and get feedback.
- Learning Options: Choose synchronous, asynchronous, or a mix of both to fit your schedule.
- Entry-Level: Gain foundational physical therapy education, with no prior physical therapy degree needed.
Know Before You Enroll:
- This program takes over three years to complete, with the final nine months spent in a full-time clinical internship.
- While the program’s flexible format may allow you to continue working part-time, it is a full-time doctoral program with a heavy workload.
14%
$63,798
95%
$63,798
- Acceptance Rate
- 11%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,737
- Institution Type
- Private
Shenandoah University
- Winchester, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Multiple Tracks for Diverse Educational Backgrounds
Shenandoah University's online DPT program offers three flexible, asynchronous tracks for licensed physical therapists with BS or MS degrees. The asynchronous program fits your schedule and background, with ongoing opportunities to meet faculty, connect with classmates, and participate in in-person learning.
Why Students Choose SU:
- Flexible Timelines: Choose from one-year or two-year completion plans if you have a master’s degree or a three-year plan with a bachelor’s degree.
- Degree Pathway: Ability to complete a seven-term BS-to-DPT program without a master’s degree.
- Financial Aid: Apply for scholarships as an alumnus or employee of select clinical sites.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You must have an active physical therapist license and at least one year of clinical experience in the United States or Canada to apply.
- All tracks follow a cohort model, moving students through the program at the same pace.
- In-person campus requirements may be completed virtually on a limited basis.
42%
$23,232
82%
$23,232
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,454
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Globally Recognized Faculty With Proven Student Success and Career Outcomes
USC's hybrid online DPT program stands out for its renowned faculty, top-ranked curriculum, and strong career outcomes. All DPT graduates from the classes of 2022 and 2023 were employed within a year, while pass rates on national licensure exams are consistently 98% or higher. USC prepares graduates for leadership roles in physical therapy, emphasizing evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Why Students Choose USC:
- Proven Success: Join a program with 100% or near top rates for graduation, employment, and national licensure exam outcomes.
- Renowned Faculty: Features a globally recognized faculty team of scientists and clinicians, as well as state-of-the-art facilities.
- Scientific Focus: Focus on evidence using a system of three important perspectives: the patient, current research, and professional expertise.
Know Before You Enroll:
- USC's online DPT program takes three years to complete.
- Applicants with a bachelor's degree need a 3.0 GPA in science courses to be eligible.
- Tuition is a flat fee for the first two years.
30%
$66,640
97%
$66,640
- Acceptance Rate
- 10%
- Students Enrolled
- 47,147
- Institution Type
- Private
Winston-Salem State University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Faster, More Flexible DPT Pathway for Working PTs
WSSU's tDPT program provides a flexible, fast-track path for working professionals with a BS or MS in physical therapy to advance their careers. It can be completed in four semesters, with options for a faster or longer timeline and various specialty areas. WSSU prepares you to give diverse, collaborative care while emphasizing leadership, integrity, and lifelong professional growth.
Why Students Choose WSSU:
- Credit Advantage: A master's in physical therapy may allow you to transfer up to six credits toward your doctorate.
- Specialty Areas: Choose from 3 specialty areas: geriatrics, orthopedics, or neurologic physical therapy.
- Strong Reputation: WSSU’s program is known for its rigorous curriculum and commitment to social responsibility.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Out-of-state tuition is nearly three times higher than in-state tuition.
- Rolling admissions are available, offering a flexible application timeline.
81%
$ 3,872
75%
$14,407
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,782
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
The median pay for physical therapists was $101,020 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — nearly five times the average annual cost of in-state tuition for a physical therapy doctorate.
Why Choose Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is in high demand, and that trend may continue as the older adult population grows and chronic diseases become more widespread. Earning a physical therapy degree could lead to steady career opportunities and long-term job security.
Many physical therapy programs are also accessible to students through online and hybrid coursework, offering flexibility to those balancing their education with family life or work. These programs let you complete most coursework online, while on-site clinicals give you the hands-on training you need for your future career.
Career Outlook for Physical Therapy Graduates
The BLS projects an 11% growth rate for physical therapist jobs from 2024-2034. A physical therapy degree also offers pathways into other fast-growing healthcare careers. Explore a few alternative careers below, with each role having a projected 1,000 or more job openings per year.
Note that, unlike physical therapists, some of the listed careers typically require college degrees below the doctoral level. For example, physical therapy assistants typically need an associate degree and athletic trainers need a master’s degree.
| Job | Annual Average Wage in July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | $50,961 |
| Exercise Physiologist | $49,807 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | $55,969 |
Physical Therapy Licensing and Certification Requirements
All states require licensure for physical therapists. Licensing candidates must graduate from a doctor of physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program should include a clinical education component, which typically takes around 5-6 months to complete.
After graduation, candidates take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy administers. The NPTE has five sections, each with 45 multiple-choice questions, and lasts five and a half hours, including breaks.
Check with your state’s physical therapy licensing board for specific requirements, including application, continuing education, and renewal information.
Ways to Save on a Physical Therapy Degree
Online physical therapy programs can be costly, but there are options to make your education more affordable. Consider the following tips as you prepare for this degree program.
Tap Into Financial Aid: Physical therapy doctoral students should submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal student loans or school-based loans, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Consider Public In-State Schools: Public schools in your state typically charge significantly less tuition than private colleges and out-of-state schools for physical therapy programs. According to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the average physical therapy program cost $20,901 at a public school and $46,133 at a private school in 2023-2024 — a difference of over $20,000.
Accelerate Your Degree: An accelerated physical therapy program combines a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a doctorate to reduce your time to completion, which may lower your total costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Programs
Physical therapists earn a median annual salary of $101,020. Top earners work in home health care, followed by skilled nursing and residential care facilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Becoming a board-certified specialist in a clinical area may also increase a physical therapist’s pay.
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