Online programs allow you to earn your doctorate in physical therapy with added flexibility. With an online doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) program, you can complete coursework without having to physically be on campus. Due to the nature of skills needed to become a physical therapist, online DPT programs are often hybrid––combining online coursework with several on-campus, hands-on experiences as well as clinical placements near you. Currently, there are a few accredited online DPT programs you can choose from.

When looking at online DPT programs, it is important to find a program that fits your professional needs. Many online options are for transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (TDPT) programs, which are designed for students who already have a background in physical therapy (many of them became PTs before a doctorate was required and complete a TDPT to increase their knowledge). For those not interested in being clinicians, there are also PhD options, which are academic degrees that confirm completion of scholarly work that adds to the knowledge within the discipline. Both TDPT and PhD in physical therapy programs are not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). It only accredits professional, entry-level programs.

Those looking to start their physical therapy careers can always look for regular doctor of physical therapy programs (sometimes called clinical DPT programs). These programs prepare students for first-time certification as physical therapists.

Online/hybrid physical therapy program options for both aspiring PTs and current PTs looking to enhance their knowledge base are listed below.

Below is a table of online DPT programs accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These programs are for students who do not have a prior PT degree. (Last verified April 14, 2022)

University	Format	Campus Visit Requirement	Study Length
Allen College	Hybrid	Twice per term	3 years
Arcadia University info SPONSORED	Hybrid	Eight on-campus immersions	25 months
Baylor University	Hybrid	Twice per semester	2 years
Nova Southeastern University	Hybrid	Every 4th week	4 years
South College	Hybrid	Quarterly	2 years
Tufts University	Hybrid	Eight visits	2 years
University of Southern California (USC) info SPONSORED	Hybrid	Up to twice per semester	3 years
University of St. Augustine	Hybrid	Twice per month	4 years

¹Live classes are defined as classes with specific meeting times during which students log on and communicate with each other and the professor, as the professor delivers a live video lecture.

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.

Most programs require that applications are submitted through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Here are some common application requirements:

In order to be licensed as a physical therapist in any state you must have a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program or a foreign equivalent. Accreditation ensures that the quality of education provided by the university meets standards to prepare you to be a qualified physical therapist. Accreditation requirements also protect students: Schools cannot maintain accreditation if they do not generate good career outcomes for their students. CAPTE maintains a list of accredited programs.

CAPTE does not accredit programs for current DPTs expanding their knowledge through transitional DPT degrees or PhDs in PT.

Online physical therapy programs can differ greatly in terms of how courses are delivered, how many classes you can take at one time, clinical placement opportunities and more. When choosing between programs, some key considerations include:

All online physical therapy programs geared toward practicing PTs are categorized as hybrid programs. This means that while a large chunk of the degree can be completed online, there will always be some on-campus requirements so that students can learn the important hands-on and clinical skills needed to practice as physical therapists. You can compare different programs to see how often they require you to be on campus–some requirements may be more manageable than others. A couple of campus visits per semester is fewer than several visits per month. Know what commitments will work for your schedule.

Just because you are completing classwork in your living room doesn’t mean you have to forgo an interactive classroom experience. Some online DPT programs offer live online classes where you can ask professors questions and interact with your fellow students. If you are looking to stay engaged through a live class format, look for programs that offer “synchronous” or live coursework.

In addition to hands-on learning on campus, you typically will need to complete internships that provide clinical experience to prepare for your career in physical therapy. If you are away from campus, make sure the program that interests you offers the level of support you need to find a clinical placement site.

Check out this list of physical therapy scholarships that you can use to help pay for your degree.

No matter what online DPT program you choose, you can benefit from greater flexibility when compared with on-campus programs. The ability to complete coursework from wherever you are makes it easier to balance other commitments that you have and stay close to home.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the physical therapy field is expected to grow 15% between 2022 and 2031. Physical therapists also can work in a variety of settings, ranging from hospitals to nursing homes to private practice. Additionally, the average median wage for physical therapists was $97,720 in May 2022, much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

Through physical therapy, you can help people gain strength, restore mobility and even reduce or eliminate pain. The conditions and injuries that physical therapy addresses can significantly impact the well-being of patients in ways big and small, and you can help them progress and heal. Increased function and decreased pain can expand what people are able to do and can improve quality of life.

New students are required to earn a DPT degree to become licensed in any state. Online DPT programs typically can be completed no matter your state of residence.

Last updated September 2023.