Online Ph.D. In Physical Therapy

Medical and allied health fields must continually adapt and adjust to the needs of the aging American population, and online physical therapy programs are no exception. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reports that physical therapists need advanced degrees to keep up with the demands of the profession.

This guide covers important information for prospective students considering an online Ph.D. in physical therapy, including program requirements, common coursework, and potential career paths and salaries for graduates.

Several accredited institutions offer online Ph.D. in physical therapy programs. These programs offer many benefits to current and aspiring physical therapists, including high salary potential and career advancement opportunities. Below, we highlight several key reasons to pursue a Ph.D. in physical therapy online.

Online Ph.D. in physical therapy programs are just as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts. The rigor of these programs earns graduates respect and recognition from peers.

Doctoral programs allow students to specialize in particular practice areas to support their personal interests and professional objectives.

The rigorous training and advanced expertise that students gain from a Ph.D. in physical therapy program often leads to jobs with high earning potential.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in physical therapy can pursue a variety of career opportunities, working in private practice, teaching at a university, or establishing a career in a large medical facility.

Many states require physical therapists to hold a doctorate before setting up a private practice. Private practitioners also typically need several thousand hours of supervised practice.

Prospective physical therapy doctoral students can pursue a Ph.D. in physical therapy or a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). The former focuses on research, typically preparing graduates for top-tier teaching positions in accredited institutions. A DPT program also involves research, but it tends to focus more on practice-based study. Both types of degrees usually take 3-5 years to complete.

A doctorate in physical therapy leads to diverse career opportunities. The following table presents five potential careers and median salaries for graduates.

On-campus and online Ph.D. in physical therapy programs typically require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree with completed courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology. Many colleges offer pre-physical therapy majors that position graduates to pursue a doctoral program in physical therapy.

A physical therapy doctoral degree typically takes 3-5 years to complete. These programs usually comprise 96-133 credits and include coursework, clinical experience, and dissertation or comprehensive exam requirements, depending on the program. Prospective students should only consider schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical therapy Education to ensure that their degree meets licensure requirements.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but all physical therapy doctoral graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to practice.

Courses vary by program and specialty, but common physical therapy doctoral courses cover topics such as anatomy of movement, applied physiology, and healthcare delivery. We cover several common courses below.

ANATOMY OF MOVEMENT

In this course, students combine the study of gross human anatomy with kinesiological principles to develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomical components and functionality. The course often includes laboratory work on human cadavers and palpation of live patients.

APPLIED NEUROSCIENCE

Students in this course examine concepts relating to the structure and function of the nervous system. Topics often include cellular organization of the nervous system, reception and transmission of information, and clinical evidence of neural dysfunction.

APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY

This course typically focuses on the cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems. Students examine how the human body responds and adapts to physiological changes associated with disease, aging, and nutrition.

HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

This course provides an overview of the American healthcare system, examining the different components influencing it today, such as quality, access, and cost. Students learn how these and other factors influence the current practice and future direction of physical therapy.PHARMACOLOGY

Learners in this class study common classes of drugs, including muscle relaxants, diabetic medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Students learn about adverse reactions, indications, and contraindications relating to these drugs.

In addition to course requirements, physical therapy doctoral students typically need to complete clinical, exam, and dissertation requirements.

Clinical Education

During clinical education, students work directly with patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, gaining hands-on experience in the field. Students typically complete this requirement over a 32- to 36-week period.

Comprehensive Exam

Because DPT programs do not usually require a dissertation, DPT students must often pass a comprehensive exam to graduate. Students typically take the exam after completing all coursework requirements.

Dissertation

Ph.D. in physical therapy students must complete a dissertation. Students propose a dissertation topic, conduct original research, and write the dissertation before defending it in front of a faculty committee. Online students may need to come to campus to defend the dissertation.

Students in accredited Ph.D. in physical therapy and DPT programs gain a variety of skills applicable to their future careers. We highlight several key skills and their importance to physical therapy careers below.

Physical therapy doctoral students and graduates can take advantage of professional organizations to support their studies and advance their careers. Members enjoy benefits such as access to annual conferences and regional meetings, exclusive job boards, continuing education opportunities, and discounts on professional resources. Some professional organizations also offer membership discounts to students. We cover several common professional organizations for physical therapists below.