Planning to become a physical therapist is an excellent idea, but it’s also one of the most expensive degrees you’ll ever earn. Check out this information on what the total cost will be before making the decision to attend college for this degree!
Do you excel in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy? Would you say that you possess professional skills and values of accountability, integrity, compassion, and responsibility? If you can say yes to both of those questions then you are an ideal candidate for the field of physical therapy. Know more information relating to How Much Does It Cost To Become A Physical Therapist, how expensive is it to become a physical therapist, how much does it cost to be a physical therapist & how much is it to become a physical therapist.
If you’ve ever hurt your back or had a surgery and had to go to physical therapy, then you know what it’s like to have a physical therapist as part of your life.
Physical therapists provide rehabilitation for people who have been injured, for those who are recovering from surgery, for those who are aging, and for those who want to get stronger or more flexible. They can be hard to find when you need one, and they might cost a lot—which is why you may think about becoming one yourself.
So how much does it cost to become a physical therapist? If you’re looking at the numbers online, they might be really scary—like “you’ll never be able to afford this on your own” scary. But the truth is that there are all kinds of opportunities that can help you pay for school without going into debt.
The first thing you should know is that not all schools cost the same amount of money. The second thing you should know is that there are all kinds of grants (money you don’t have to pay back) and scholarships (same thing) that can offset the costs of tuition at any school. And thirdly… well, let’s
You will find a lot of useful information in this article about how much is the tuition fee for physical therapy, is becoming a physical therapist worth the cost & physical therapy schools in california cost. Please continue reading to find out more. You will also discover related posts on how much does it cost to become a physical therapist assistant & physical therapy school cost in texas on collegelearners.
DPT Program Online Curriculum
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:
- Anatomy
- Behavioral sciences
- Biology
- Cardiovascular Systems
- Cellular Histology
- Clinical Reasoning
- Communications
- Endocrine Systems
- Ethics
- Excersize Sciences
- Finance and management
- Kinesiology
- Lab sciences
- Metabolic systems
- Musculoskeletal systems
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Sociology
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.
Online DPT Programs to Consider
We’ve compiled a list of the online DPT programs across the United States along with degree and program requirement information. An important component to any online healthcare degree program is their ability to provide top tier clinical placements as well as great online coursework. Comprehensive physical therapy programs, even if they are conducted online, will include placements in high-level clincal facilities in order to best prepare you for your career. Explore each program thoroughly to find out which will be the best suited DPT program online for you!
School Name | Type of Degree | Minimum GPA Requirement | Credit Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences External link | Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | 2.7 | 65 hours |
Alabama State University External link | Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy – Online | 3.0 | 114 hours |
Sponsored Arcadia University External link |
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | 2.75 | 18 hours |
Baylor University External link | Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid | 3.0 | 127 hours |
Northeastern University External link | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 35 hours |
Nova Southeastern University External link | Physical Therapy PhD – Hybrid | Not Specified | 60 hours |
Shenandoah University External link | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 16 hours |
South College External link | Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid | Not Specified | 135 hours |
Texas Tech University External link | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 77-33 semester hours |
Texas Woman’s University External link | Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy – Hybrid | 3.0 | 60 hours |
University of Michigan – Flint External link | Traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | 3.0 | 24 hours |
University of Montana External link | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 20-30 hours |
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill External link | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 30 hours |
Sponsored University of Southern California External link |
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid | 3.0 | 150 hours |
University of St. Augustine External link | Doctor of Physical Therapy – Hybrid | 3.0 | 131 hours |
Utica College External link | Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 18-19 hours |
Wayne State University External link | Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | Not Specified | 30 hours |
Winston-Salem State University External link | Doctor of Physical Therapy – Online | 3.0 | 122 hours |
How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost?
Physical Therapist Training Prices
Do you excel in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy? Would you say that you possess professional skills and values of accountability, integrity, compassion, and responsibility? If you can say yes to both of those questions then you are an ideal candidate for the field of physical therapy.
Physical Therapist Jobs
You will find that most physical therapists would say they have a personally rewarding career where salary is lucrative. Recent stats show the following amounts are the reported percentile earnings in regards to current annual physical therapy salary:
- 10%- $52,170 ($25.08/hr)
- 25%- $62,270 ($29.94/hr)
- 50%-median salary- $74,480 ($35.81)
- 75%- $87,940 ($42.28/hr)
- 90%- $105,900 ($50.92/hr)
Physical therapist schools are degree programs heavily focused in sciences and clinically-based courses. They are designed to train you to be part of professional medical team and prepare you to perform the following roles of a physical therapist:
- Examine patients’ medical histories – typical patients are accident victims and/or individuals suffering from disabling conditions, which include but are not limited to: neck and back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, stroke, head injuries, and cerebral palsy
- Provide specialized services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities to their patients
- Develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome
- Test and measure patients’ range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function in order to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health
- Determine patients’ ability to function independently and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness
Physical Therapy Schooling
- Accreditation: The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy (CAPTE) is the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) accrediting body. It gives the seal of approval that accredits entry-level academic programs in physical therapy. CAPTE assures that each program meets specific educational standards.
- Licensure: All states regulate the practice of physical therapy and eligibility requirements vary by state. Typical physical therapy education requirements include:
- graduation from an accredited physical therapy education program(bachelor’s master’s or doctoral degrees)
- passing the state licensing exam and the national physical therapy examination
- fulfilling state requirements such as jurisprudence exams
- Important: several states require continuing education as a condition of maintaining licensure.
Physical Therapy Prices
The cost of going to school for physical therapy will vary greatly depending, mostly, on which school you choose (i.e. which state the school is located in and also whether it is a public or private college), and if you are paying in-state or out-of-state tuition fees. The following numbers will provide you with an approximate idea of the average costs associated with earning a physical therapy degree.
- Instate public college cost ranges – $8,000-13,000 annually
- Out-of-state public college cost ranges – $21,000-$27,000 annually
- Private colleges – 28,000-42,000 annually
- $2,000-$5,000 – average cost of books, lab fees and liability insurance often associated with physical therapy school
- Room and board – $10,000-$15,000
How do I pay for Physical Therapy School?
Obtaining a degree in physical therapy will provide you with an increased earning potential, but in the mean time, many students face how to pay for the education process. There are several means to arranging how to pay for school:
- Federally funded government grants and scholarships (www.fafsa.gov) – Find information and simple instructions on how to determine your eligibility for low interest student loans and government grants. It is important to note that you are only eligible for federal aid if the program is in an accredited school.
- Local and national grants and scholarships – Use vigilance searching for grants and scholarships. However, hundreds of businesses and organizations within your community and nationally designate money each year to award to those pursuing higher education.
Find Physical Therapy School Information
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If you have decided to pursue physical therapy as a career, you probably have a lot of questions. One of those questions should be how much does physical therapy school cost?
School is expensive, and you need to fully understand the long term burden that your education will put on you financially.
THE COST OF A PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREE
The answer to the question: How much does physical therapy school cost depends a bit on the school you choose to attend. The best schools for physical therapy may cost a little more, but the extra expense is worth it for a high quality education.
There are several determining factors that can affect the cost of a physical therapy education. Whether you go to a public or private university makes a difference, as well as whether you are getting a doctorate or a master’s degree.
HOW MUCH DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL COST IF YOU GO TO A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY?
Private universities are going to be at the higher end of the cost spectrum. You can look at anywhere between $28,000 and $45,000 per year, possibly more. You will have to factor in other costs as well, such as books and supplies, and living expenses.
WHAT ABOUT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY?
If you choose a school in your home state, your costs go down considerably. You may pay as little as $8,000 to $12,000 per year.
For an out-of-state public university, you will pay around $20,000 per year or more.
HOW DO I AFFORD PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL?
As you can see, the costs can add up quickly. While you won’t be looking at nearly as much money as someone would pay for medical school, it is still a hefty amount. It’s a good idea to spend some time researching and applying for grants and scholarships. You may have to take out some student loans, as well.
Weighing how much does physical therapy school cost over the long term may seem overwhelming, but you have to look at the big picture. A physical therapy program is an investment in your future, and the field of physical therapy is a growing field with plenty of demand.
This is especially true today, when people are looking for alternatives to addictive opiate painkillers. They are in need of services that can treat their pain or mobility issues without drugs. This is one of the rewards of being a physical therapist.
IS THE COST OF PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL WORTH IT?
When you weigh how much does physical therapy school cost against your earning potential over ten, twenty or more years, then the answer is yes. A physical therapist can expect to earn a good salary.
Typically, physical therapists earn anywhere from $56,000 to $84,000 per year, with most people falling somewhere in the middle.
Your salary will most likely depend on what type of setting you work in. For example, if you work in a private clinic, you may make more than someone working in a rehabilitation center. It also depends on the area you are practicing in.
Aside from money, you also need to consider lifestyle. Being happy and satisfied with your career is priceless, and something not everyone has. You will have a rewarding career helping others. You will be able to go from school to career in about seven years, and you can look forward to working reasonable hours in a respected field.
You will be paid well for your services, and you will be working in the medical field. And, you aren’t restricted to working in clinic settings if that’s not what you want to do. Physical therapists can get involved with sports therapy, and work one-on-one with athletes in all kinds of settings, such as college sports programs, adaptive physical education programs, gyms and even with professional athletes. There are many options available to those in the physical therapy field.
SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A COSTLIER SCHOOL?
If you are trying to decide which are the best schools for physical therapy, it’s a good idea to compare programs and find the best school you can afford. Take a look at their programs, ask other people working in the field and do your homework. School does make a difference, but you don’t have to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars, either.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
A Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) degree is a qualifying degree in physical therapy. In the United States, it is considered a graduate level first-professional degree or Doctor’s degree-professional practice. In the United Kingdom training includes advanced professional training and doctoral-level research.
A Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree is available in the US for those who already hold a professional Bachelor or Master of Physical Therapy (BPT or MPT) degree; as of 2015, all accredited and developing physical therapist programs in the US are DPT programs. Master’s degrees in physical therapy are no longer offered in the U.S., and physical therapists beginning their education now study towards the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Here are the best physical therapy schools
- University of Delaware.
- University of Pittsburgh.
- Washington University in St. Louis.
- Northwestern University.
- University of Iowa.
- University of Southern California.
- Duke University.
Online Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs
Physical therapists help patients by providing hands-on care to improve motion, strengthen physical function, reduce pain, and minimize the potential for (or impact of) physical disability.
Online doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) programs combine both distance learning and on-site experiences to offer aspiring healthcare professionals a pathway to these goals. For aspiring physical therapists with the requisite pre-med backgrounds, this hybrid approach may be a convenient way to earn the required credentials to practice physical therapy.
Online DPT Program Admissions Requirements
While schools may vary in their online DPT program entry requirements, most share some common expectations:
Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores can help separate your application from the competition.
Relevant work experience in the physical therapy field is either a requirement or strong suggestion for most DPT programs.
Prerequisite coursework in the core sciences, anatomy, physiology, statistics, and geometry is crucial to be prepared for the rigors of DPT courses.
A bachelor’s degree that includes pre-med experience and a strong GPA (particularly in the sciences) is a must for a competitive application. Some schools have tracks that allow students to begin working towards a DPT as undergraduates; however, students typically obtain a bachelor’s degree as part of these paths of study.
Strong written supporting materials, including recommendation letters and/or required application essays, are as (if not more) important than test scores.
As with any online medical program, be sure to check with your top choices for their specific admissions requirements.
Becoming a physical therapist requires a lot of education, which comes with a lot of costs. The average salary for a physical therapist is $21 an hour, but that varies by state and location, so you should always check locally. In order to become a physical therapist, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree and your Doctor of Physical Therapy. Most universities that offer the program require about three years for completion of the DPT, which will cost around $30,000 per year. While this isn’t as expensive as other graduate programs, it can still be prohibitively expensive for students who don’t have an undergraduate degree or have loans from their previous schooling.
If you aren’t sure if you want to be a physical therapist, consider working in the industry while you get your education. You can work as an aide or technician in a rehab center while completing your bachelor’s degree, or consider working in an office while you complete your doctoral program. Aides make an average of $13 an hour, which isn’t as much as therapists but can still help with the cost of school.
You can also take on extra jobs outside of school to reduce your student loan debt and lessen the financial burden of school costs. If you are interested in learning more about this