Best online dpt programs

Most schools even provide remote technical support to help prevent and solve any computer-related issues that may arise. Be advised that online coursework is only a portion of the DPT degree experience.

In order to be eligible for certification, DPT candidates must participate in lab and clinical experiences under the supervision of trained professionals. Naturally, these experiences cannot happen online. A minimum of 30 weeks of clinical experience is required — many DPT programs require more.

While schools may vary in their online DPT program entry requirements, most share some common expectations:. Prerequisite coursework in the core sciences, anatomy, physiology, statistics, and geometry is crucial to be prepared for the rigors of DPT courses. As with any online medical program, be sure to check with your top choices for their specific admissions requirements.

Online DPT programs include a variety of courses and clinical experiences. Most of these hybrid DPT curricula are tailored to both the content on the National Physical Therapy Examination as well as essential practical knowledge for work in the field. DPT students can expect to take courses in a wide variety of areas including:. Some online DPT programs also expose students to the nine clinical specialization areas that can be pursued through additional board certification programs - either in conjunction with a DPT degree or as a postdoctoral effort.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are similar disciplines in that they are lucrative career paths for those looking to help patients with specific physical and motor skills.

That said, there are some key differences in the two disciplines:. This is four times the projected growth of all jobs over the same span. A notable reason for this projected growth is the fact that as medical advancements have continued to lead to new treatments and surgical procedures that require physical rehabilitation to maximize their effectiveness. Add to that an aging population and an increase in instances of physically debilitating chronic conditions like obesity and the field of physical therapy becomes increasingly more indispensable.

As medical procedures and research continue to advance, physical therapists are an ever-more necessary part of the patient care experience. Effective rehabilitation from an injury or as a treatment for a physical ailment can make all the difference in restoring patients to lives of independence and comfort. As such, online DPT programs are an excellent and convenient route to joining the rewarding and in-demand field of physical therapy.

Comparing DPT online programs is a great way to choose a degree program that will work with your schedule and provide the best return on investment. These programs are for students who do not have a prior PT degree. This list of online physical therapy programs includes programs designed for current physical therapists who are looking to gain additional education as well as programs for aspiring PTs. Structure: Combines online coursework with on campus immersions each semester.

Clinical experiences are also required and can be completed away from campus. GPA Requirement: 3. Structure: Blends online education with clinical education experiences and on-campus labs. The program is accelerated with six total semesters completed over 2 years. Structure: Blends synchronous and asynchronous online coursework with in-person on-campus instruction from Thursday to Sunday every 4th week. Clinical rotations and experiences are also required.

Structure: Blends online coursework with quarterly on-campus immersion requirements and clinical education experiences. Accelerated curriculum can be completed in 2 years. Structure: Blends online coursework in a virtual classroom with a total of 8 on-campus immersion requirements, plus additional clinical education experiences. Structure: Combines online and face to face instruction.

Online portion is both synchronous and asynchronous and is typically completed during the week, while on-campus learning occurs several times per month. Clinical internships are also required. Structure: This transitional DPT program is a fully online program with no campus requirements.

The program is customized to meet the needs of each individual student. Structure: This transitional DPT program requires just two trips to campus. The program is interactive, students interact with each other and professors throughout. The program has both synchronous and asynchronous components. Structure: This completely online transitional DPT program can be completed in just six courses. Classes are delivered through video conferencing. Structure: This transitional DPT program can be completed in years and requires a comprehensive case analysis as a capstone course.

This program can be completed entirely online. GPA Requirement: 2. Structure: This program is designed for physical therapists who do not have a DPT degree but who want to enhance their credentials. Combines online learning with on-campus requirements. Structure: This online program allows physical therapists without DPT degrees expand their knowledge. There are 2 on campus requirements during the program, everything else is complete online.

Structure: this program is for PTs looking for advanced orthopedic physical therapy training, emphasizing manual therapy, clinical diagnostics, and complex musculoskeletal problems.

Students report to the university for in person learning on long weekends. Designed for applicants with current physical therapist licensure, the tDPT program requires 18 credits for U.

The program culminates in a clinical practice sequence. In addition to online coursework, students must complete 32 weeks of clinical experience, including on-campus immersions and part-time clinical experiences. Northeastern emphasizes global learning through its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, 10 international extension sites, and an online campus.

Students may choose from dozens of programs across nine schools and colleges, including more than online offerings. Northeastern's credit online doctoral degree in physical therapy includes required coursework in topics like differential diagnosis, medical screening, and case analysis. Students may choose a concentration from areas like geriatrics, orthopaedics, and pediatrics. Learners may also develop an independent study project in a concentration tailored to their area of expertise.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy. Students can enroll full time or part time and graduate in years. Established under the auspices of the United Methodist Church, SU serves nearly 3, students at its campus in Winchester, Virginia, and through online education. Students may choose from more than 70 programs, including more than 25 online offerings. SU's transitional doctorate in physical therapy offers multiple completion options.

Track one serves accelerated students and takes one year to complete. Track two caters to master's degree-holders and takes two years to complete. Track three, intended for bachelor's degree-holders, requires 20 credits and takes three years to complete. Coursework in all tracks includes professionalism in physical therapy, differential examination, and contemporary practice in physical therapy.

In addition to primarily online coursework, students must attend two one-day courses on campus. Affiliated with the Catholic Church in the Benedictine tradition, CSS operates seven physical campuses and an online division.

CSS serves nearly 4, students and offers dozens of programs, including 10 available online. CSS's transitional doctor of physical therapy requires 16 credits over six courses in subjects like evidence-based practice, diagnostic imaging, and differential diagnosis.

CSS offers at least two doctorate in physical therapy courses each semester, enabling students to begin the program in any semester. Online enrollment is typically capped at 24 students. Incoming students are assigned to a personal advisor to develop their individual curricular path. CSS provides all distance learners with counseling, tutoring, and access to student groups and clubs.

The university maintains a modest to-1 student-faculty ratio. UM-Flint's transitional doctorate in physical therapy suits practicing physical therapists seeking to advance their career through doctoral education. The credit curriculum explores subjects like post-professional neuroscience; advanced imaging for diverse populations; and teaching, learning, and health education.

The program requires both a service-learning practicum and an evidence-based practice course. Students may complete this online program in two years. UM-Flint accepts up to six transfer credits. Students may choose from more than graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs. UNC-Chapel Hill's transitional doctorate in physical therapy requires 30 credits in three core modules: clinical foundation, clinical practice, and specialty practice.

The online doctoral degree in physical therapy offers a fall start date. The program culminates in a capstone project of each student's own design. Most students take credits per semester, with the entire program spanning four semesters, plus one summer term. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of an academic background in physical therapy preferably through a master's degree and hold current physical therapy licensure. Learners can choose from dozens of graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs, including more than available online.

USC offers a full-time online doctoral degree in physical therapy that uses a hybrid delivery method, blending online coursework with 44 weeks of clinical experience.

Coursework explores topics like therapeutic exercise, neuroanatomy, and clinical exercise physiology. The program culminates in a terminal clinical experience with academic integration.

USC charges a set tuition rate regardless of residency. Students may choose from nearly programs, including more than 20 online offerings. UC's online transitional doctor of physical therapy suits licensed, practicing physical therapists seeking additional post-professional education and experience.

The credit program takes 18 months to complete online. Coursework explores topics such as prevention and wellness, diagnostic imaging, and global health care issues, culminating in a practicum requirement. Applicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy and either valid physical therapy licensure or proof of eligibility for licensure. UC accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year and admits students into the online program in any semester.

Located in North Carolina, WSSU oversees a transitional doctorate in physical therapy program that targets individuals who already hold a bachelor's or master's in physical therapy and are currently practicing in the field. Participants can complete the program entirely online. The credit program includes courses on various subjects, including clinical decision-making in physical therapy, differential diagnosis, and pharmacology for physical therapists.

Students typically complete coursework over the course of four consecutive semesters, although they have up to three years to graduate. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary institution and submit official college transcripts and a copy of their current physical therapy state license.