Physical Therapy Online Courses
Physical therapists help people with movement challenges reduce pain. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for these professionals to increase 21% from 2020-2030. This is much faster than the average growth projection of 8% for all occupations.
Online physical therapy programs provide a flexible option for busy learners. Online students complete coursework virtually. However, most programs still require in-person clinical hours.
This guide highlights the benefits and costs of earning a physical therapy degree. The following sections also explore graduates' career options and earning potential.
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Featured Online Physical Therapy Programs
Our partner schools offer programs that help you advance your education while accommodating your schedule. Visit their sites to learn more about degrees, course offerings, start dates, transfer of credits, and more.
FAQs About Physical Therapy Programs
How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
Physical therapists typically need 6-7 years of higher education. Learners in accelerated programs may finish their studies faster.
Do physical therapists need a license to practice?
Yes. Every state requires physical therapists to hold a license. Licensure candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Can I get a physical therapy degree online?
Yes. Many schools offer online programs in the field. Learners view lectures and take tests online but complete clinical experiences in person.
Online Physical Therapy Programs
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
#1 Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctor of physical therapy. USC's programs help students develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in various careers. The university's accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission confirms its high program quality standards.
USC enrolls about 46,000 students with an admission rate of around 16%. The institution boasts an overall graduation rate of 92% and a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Learners can access an array of financial aid options to help fund their degree.
Tuition rates vary based on undergraduate or graduate status. In-state and out-of-state undergraduates pay about $59,260 per year. Annual tuition rates for graduate students cost about $47,880.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northeastern University's Lifelong Learning Network designs its programs to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in various professional paths. The school's online transitional doctor of physical therapy program caters to practicing physical therapists seeking career advancement.
Accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, the school offers high-quality programs along with various financial aid options to assist with educational expenses.
Undergraduates pay about $12,984 per year, while graduate students pay about $24,294.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Andrews University delivers graduate and undergraduate programs, including its distance learning DScPT program. This program helps prepare students to become certified orthopedic manual therapists and features concentrations in higher education teaching, orthopedic manual therapy, and women's health.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Andrews, ensuring the high quality of its programs. The university enrolls about 3,000 students with an admission rate of about 49%. Learners benefit from a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school reports about 61% of its students graduate.
Factors such as undergraduate or graduate enrollment affect tuition rates at Andrews. Annual tuition and fees for undergraduate students cost about $29,808. Graduate learners pay about 27,936. The university offers financial aid options to help students fund their education.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center provides a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on healthcare careers. Practicing physical therapists can apply for the school's online doctor of science in physical therapy program.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This credential ensures that the institution's programs meet high quality standards.
In-state and out-of-state residency, as well as undergraduate or graduate status, influence tuition rate differences. In-state undergraduate students pay around $6,665 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state undergraduates pay around $19,344. In-state graduate students pay$6,360 per year, while out-of-state graduate learners pay about $16,176. To help students finance their education, the university provides several financial aid options.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Physical Therapy Degrees
Shenandoah University
- Winchester, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Shenandoah University's online post-professional doctorate in physical therapy program admits practicing physical therapists with bachelor's or master's degrees. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Shenandoah, affirming the university's high program standards.
The school maintains a total enrollment of nearly 4,200 students and an admission rate close to 74%. Shenandoah reports an overall graduation rate of 61% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1. The university provides financial aid options to help defray students' educational expenses.
Tuition rates at Shenandoah change based on a student's undergraduate or graduate status. The school charges the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state learners. Undergraduate students pay around $32,510 per year in tuition and fees, while graduate tuition rates cost around $21,720.
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Get a Degree in Physical Therapy?
An advanced physical therapy degree can lead to higher pay and more autonomy. Associate degree-holders may work as physical therapist assistants. According to BLS data, these professionals earn a median salary of $49,970 per year.
Doctorate-holders can become practicing physical therapists. These professionals make important care decisions and earn a median salary of $91,010 per year.
Learners in asynchronous online physical therapy programs can complete coursework at convenient times. Students in these programs often work while earning their degree.
How Much Does a Physical Therapy Degree Cost?
According to data from the Education Data Initiative, a master's degree cost an average of $66,340 in 2021. Factors including school type impact the total cost of earning a master's, which typically ranges from $30,000-$120,000.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate tuition and fees at public schools was $12,410 for the 2019-2020 academic year. The average cost at private institutions was $26,597 for the same year.
Online physical therapy programs often cost less than in-person programs. However, online students should still budget for clinical tools, such as scrubs and exercise bands.
Additional Online Student Fees
In addition to tuition, learners should budget for fees. Many schools charge technology fees that cover troubleshooting support and virtual database subscriptions. Online learners may also need to pay for subscriptions to video conferencing services. Other potential fees for physical therapy students may cover graduation ceremonies or official transcripts.
Before enrolling in a virtual program, students should research on-campus requirements. Online programs may require annual campus visits, which involve travel costs. Graduates who pursue physical therapy licensure must pay a licensing fee.
How Much Do Physical Therapy Graduates Make?
According to Jan. 2022 Payscale data, physical therapists earn an average of $72,380 per year. However, factors including experience impact earning potential. Entry-level physical therapists earn an average annual salary of $67,750. Those with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $88,200 per year.
Geographic location also influences salary potential. According to BLS data, California boasts the highest employment level for physical therapists. Physical therapists in California earn an average salary of $104,500 per year. While Florida also features high employment levels for physical therapists, professionals in the state earn an average annual salary of $85,410.
Courses in Physical Therapy
Physical therapy students learn to communicate with patients and doctors. Degree-seekers hone teamwork skills through group projects and practice therapy exercises.
Online physical therapy programs prepare learners to review patients' medical histories. Learners expand their medical vocabulary and explore how medications impact mobility and pain levels.
Most doctoral programs in this field require more than 100 credits, which learners often complete in eight semesters. The following list highlights three courses common to physical therapy programs.
Movement Science
In this course, students examine the fundamentals of human movement. Coursework explores the biomechanics of biological tissues and kinetics. Participants learn how to assess patients' movement abilities and apply movement intervention strategies.Pain Science
This class examines evidence-based approaches for pain management. Students discover how movement exercises can reduce pain levels. Coursework covers prescription medications for pain and common side effects. Learners explore how biological and psychological factors influence pain perception and management.Physical Therapy Across the Life Span
Physical therapy best practices vary depending on the patient's age. For example, children need different treatments than older adults. This course explores how the aging process impacts movement abilities and pain. Students gain skills to improve the quality of life for patients of all ages.
How to Become a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists need several years of focused study. An associate or bachelor's in physical therapy qualifies holders to become physical therapist assistants. However, all states require a doctorate for physical therapy licensure.
After earning a master's degree, learners can apply to doctoral programs. Some programs require applicants to hold a master's degree in a related subject. Others accept applicants with an unrelated master's degree. Doctoral programs in the field require coursework and clinical training.
Licensure for Physical Therapists
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers The National Physical Therapy Examination. This test includes 250 questions and takes up to five hours. The exam costs $485.
The exam covers the musculoskeletal system, therapeutic modalities, and safety measures. Additional exam topics include professional responsibilities and how human body systems interact. FSBPT offers a practice exam and publishes a list of sample questions online.
Most states require professionals to complete continuing education to qualify for licensure renewal. Learners should check with their state's licensing board for specific requirements. Professional organizations, such as the American Physical Therapy Association, often provide continuing education courses. These organizations also host networking events to help members advance their physical therapy careers.
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