Choosing an Affordable Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program
There's a lot to consider when choosing the right doctorate in the physical therapy program. Here are a few factors to look at when choosing the right program.
What Are the Career Options for an Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree?
A doctorate in physical therapy prepares you to work as a physical therapist. The distinction of the doctoral accomplishment is meant to help professionals find high-paying positions at senior levels in their field. But even within that field, there are many career paths available. Some go on to work in hospital settings, while others offer home healthcare services. Many also work in nursing homes or residential care facilities. Finally, many physical therapists go into business for themselves.
Here's the breakdown of where most physical therapists work:| Work environments for physical therapist | Employment percentage |
| Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists | 33% |
| State, local, and private hospitals | 26% |
| Home healthcare services | 11% |
| Self-employed workers | 8% |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 6% |
The median annual salary for a physical therapist is $91,010, according to the BLS. The bottom 10% earn less than $63,530, while the top 10% earn more than 126,780. Your earnings may also depend on where you work.
Take a look at the wages for physical therapists based on where they work:Source: BLS
What are other career paths for an online doctorate in physical therapy degree?
It's possible to become a teacher or instructor in the field, helping the new generation of physical therapists learn the necessary components of becoming a professional. Other options can include working as a motivational speaker, podcast host, blogger, or journalist in the field. The options are endless for those with a doctorate in physical therapy.
Within the field of physical therapy, there are several specialties to focus on. Some schools may offer these as concentrations within their degree, while others may simply offer elective courses.
What are the various disciplines of physical therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating and recovering patients who may have suffered from illness, an accident, or a developmental disorder. Physical therapy is used in everything from rehabilitation after surgery to recovery efforts for elite athletes, making it one of the most utilized fields in medicine that does not require a doctoral degree.
Physical therapy encompasses several disciplines. These include kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation sciences, sports medicine, exercise therapy, and more. Additionally, physical therapists are responsible for research, education, administrative duties, and even consultation work, which would require a strong set of communication and interpersonal skills.
What Are the Requirements for a DPT Program?
To be admitted to a doctorate of physical therapy program, you must have at least a bachelor's degree, usually in a related field. Unlike many other doctoral programs, a DPT program doesn't require that you hold a master's degree. Most schools will have an undergraduate or graduate GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher.
Another requirement unique to doctorate of physical therapy programs is that you must have completed observation hours, either in a paid or volunteer capacity. A licensed physical therapist must sign off on these hours.
Applicants usually must also have completed the GRE or GMAT and have scores that meet the school's standards. Other standard requirements include letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement.
Common Online Physical Therapy Program
A hybrid physical therapy program generally has two components: online and in-person. The online component is made up of the coursework. Common courses include:
Anatomy
Neuroscience
Physiology
Pathology
Musculoskeletal physical therapy
Geriatric physical therapy
Pediatric physical therapy
Motor control and development
Prosthetics and orthotics
Cardiovascular and pulmonary management
Evidence-based practices
Research methods and statistics
The other component of the program takes place in person and involves the clinical experience requirement. Depending on the program, your clinical practice may take place at the location of your school, but it could also take place in your community. Clinical practice may take place quarterly, though it could also be an entire semester of your program.
Is Licensure Necessary for the Physical Therapy Field?
Yes, licensure is necessary to become a physical therapist in the United States. Not only is it required, states have different requirements for physical therapists, so these professionals may be required to resit for licensure should they decide to move to a different state.
The reason for licensure is two-fold: to ensure a high standard of professionalism for physical therapists and to adhere to regulatory board guidelines. Both are equally important, especially for physical therapy, a field in which professionals are tasked with the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who may have undergone surgery, are recovering from an accident, or need rehabilitation for any number of reasons.
Professional Organizations for Careers in Physical Therapy
Joining professional organizations can be an excellent way to network with those in your field and open yourself up to a variety of jobs and other opportunities. There are many professional organizations available to physical therapists.
The primary professional organization for physical therapists is the American Physical Therapy Association. Founded in 1921, the organization represents more than 100,000 physical therapists. There are 51 state chapters, meaning you can connect with physical therapists specifically in your state.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for DPT Students
A doctorate-level degree can be a significant financial investment. Luckily, there are plenty of scholarships available to help ease the financial burden.
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Outstanding PT Student Award Who Can Apply: Students demonstrating interest in the field of geriatric physical therapy and enrolled in an accredited DPT program. Amount: Varies
AMBUCS Scholarship Program for TherapistsWho Can Apply: Graduate students enrolled in a graduate physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech pathology program. Amount: Up to $6,000
American Academy of Physical Therapy ScholarshipWho Can Apply: PT and PTA students in their final year of training.Amount: Up to $2,500
APTA Outstanding Physical Therapy Student AwardWho Can Apply: PT and PTA students who are APTA members and in their final years of school.Amount: Up to $1,000
Daughters of the American Revolution Physical/Occupational Therapy ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students accepted to or enrolled in an accredited PT or OT program.Amount: $2,000
Mary McMillian ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students in their final year at an accredited PT or PTA program.Amount: $5,000
Why Should I Get a DTP Degree?
Rewarding Work A degree in speech pathology positions individuals to make a positive difference in other's lives. Speech pathologists get to use the information they learn to help individuals cope with challenges that impact their daily lives.
Higher Earning Potential
While individuals with a bachelor's degree in speech pathology can often work as medical assistants in this field, they miss out on the higher earning potential that graduates with a master's degree enjoy. According to the BLS, speech pathologists earn a median salary of $79,120 per year, while medical assistants earn $34,800 per year.
Option to Work as a Traveling Speech Pathologist Graduates with a master's in speech pathology qualify for jobs as traveling speech pathologists. These professionals get to see different parts of the country by switching employment locations about every three months.
Job Security
Since the BLS projects jobs for speech pathologists to grow 25% between 2019 and 2029, these professionals enjoy above-average job security.
Work-Life Balance Speech pathologists typically only work business hours, unlike many other professionals in the medical field. Some speech pathologists who work for school districts even benefit from paid summers off.
Recommended Reading
Did you know that physical therapy is a top-paying job, with fast growth in every U.S. state, alongside careers like software development? But unlike similar healthcare service field, physician therapy requires advanced graduate education.
If you're considering a career path as a physical therapist, earning a doctorate in physical therapy will help you meet licensure requirements, and open doors to work in hospitals, private practice or other healthcare organizations.
While doctoral degrees in physical therapy can be expensive — the median cost ranges from $18,000 to $37,000 per year — you're likely to see a return on your investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a physical therapist is $91,010, but the top 10% of earners make considerably more.
We've rounded up ten of the most affordable doctorate in physical therapy online programs to help you achieve your career goals while still saving on your degree.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Affordable Doctorates in Physical Therapy Online in 2021
Choosing an Affordable Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program
There's a lot to consider when choosing the right doctorate in the physical therapy program. Here are a few factors to look at when choosing the right program.
What Are the Career Options for an Online Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree?
A doctorate in physical therapy prepares you to work as a physical therapist. The distinction of the doctoral accomplishment is meant to help professionals find high-paying positions at senior levels in their field. But even within that field, there are many career paths available. Some go on to work in hospital settings, while others offer home healthcare services. Many also work in nursing homes or residential care facilities. Finally, many physical therapists go into business for themselves.
Here's the breakdown of where most physical therapists work:| Work environments for physical therapist | Employment percentage |
| Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists | 33% |
| State, local, and private hospitals | 26% |
| Home healthcare services | 11% |
| Self-employed workers | 8% |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 6% |
The median annual salary for a physical therapist is $91,010, according to the BLS. The bottom 10% earn less than $63,530, while the top 10% earn more than 126,780. Your earnings may also depend on where you work.
Take a look at the wages for physical therapists based on where they work:Source: BLS
What are other career paths for an online doctorate in physical therapy degree?
It's possible to become a teacher or instructor in the field, helping the new generation of physical therapists learn the necessary components of becoming a professional. Other options can include working as a motivational speaker, podcast host, blogger, or journalist in the field. The options are endless for those with a doctorate in physical therapy.
Within the field of physical therapy, there are several specialties to focus on. Some schools may offer these as concentrations within their degree, while others may simply offer elective courses.
What are the various disciplines of physical therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating and recovering patients who may have suffered from illness, an accident, or a developmental disorder. Physical therapy is used in everything from rehabilitation after surgery to recovery efforts for elite athletes, making it one of the most utilized fields in medicine that does not require a doctoral degree.
Physical therapy encompasses several disciplines. These include kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation sciences, sports medicine, exercise therapy, and more. Additionally, physical therapists are responsible for research, education, administrative duties, and even consultation work, which would require a strong set of communication and interpersonal skills.
What Are the Requirements for a DPT Program?
To be admitted to a doctorate of physical therapy program, you must have at least a bachelor's degree, usually in a related field. Unlike many other doctoral programs, a DPT program doesn't require that you hold a master's degree. Most schools will have an undergraduate or graduate GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher.
Another requirement unique to doctorate of physical therapy programs is that you must have completed observation hours, either in a paid or volunteer capacity. A licensed physical therapist must sign off on these hours.
Applicants usually must also have completed the GRE or GMAT and have scores that meet the school's standards. Other standard requirements include letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement.
Common Online Physical Therapy Program
A hybrid physical therapy program generally has two components: online and in-person. The online component is made up of the coursework. Common courses include:
Anatomy
Neuroscience
Physiology
Pathology
Musculoskeletal physical therapy
Geriatric physical therapy
Pediatric physical therapy
Motor control and development
Prosthetics and orthotics
Cardiovascular and pulmonary management
Evidence-based practices
Research methods and statistics
The other component of the program takes place in person and involves the clinical experience requirement. Depending on the program, your clinical practice may take place at the location of your school, but it could also take place in your community. Clinical practice may take place quarterly, though it could also be an entire semester of your program.
Is Licensure Necessary for the Physical Therapy Field?
Yes, licensure is necessary to become a physical therapist in the United States. Not only is it required, states have different requirements for physical therapists, so these professionals may be required to resit for licensure should they decide to move to a different state.
The reason for licensure is two-fold: to ensure a high standard of professionalism for physical therapists and to adhere to regulatory board guidelines. Both are equally important, especially for physical therapy, a field in which professionals are tasked with the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who may have undergone surgery, are recovering from an accident, or need rehabilitation for any number of reasons.
Professional Organizations for Careers in Physical Therapy
Joining professional organizations can be an excellent way to network with those in your field and open yourself up to a variety of jobs and other opportunities. There are many professional organizations available to physical therapists.
The primary professional organization for physical therapists is the American Physical Therapy Association. Founded in 1921, the organization represents more than 100,000 physical therapists. There are 51 state chapters, meaning you can connect with physical therapists specifically in your state.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for DPT Students
A doctorate-level degree can be a significant financial investment. Luckily, there are plenty of scholarships available to help ease the financial burden.
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Outstanding PT Student Award Who Can Apply: Students demonstrating interest in the field of geriatric physical therapy and enrolled in an accredited DPT program. Amount: Varies
AMBUCS Scholarship Program for TherapistsWho Can Apply: Graduate students enrolled in a graduate physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech pathology program. Amount: Up to $6,000
American Academy of Physical Therapy ScholarshipWho Can Apply: PT and PTA students in their final year of training.Amount: Up to $2,500
APTA Outstanding Physical Therapy Student AwardWho Can Apply: PT and PTA students who are APTA members and in their final years of school.Amount: Up to $1,000
Daughters of the American Revolution Physical/Occupational Therapy ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students accepted to or enrolled in an accredited PT or OT program.Amount: $2,000
Mary McMillian ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students in their final year at an accredited PT or PTA program.Amount: $5,000