If you have been in an accident or have been diagnosed with a physical injury, the sooner you see a physical therapist the better. In fact, physical therapy can help you recover from a physical injury in a number of ways. Studies have shown that physical therapy is a cost-effective option following injury, and can reduce long-term disability from injury by reducing pain and improving function.

The Top physical therapy schools in the US can help you become a licensed physical therapist. Requirements vary from state to state, but most places require you to complete an undergraduate pre-physical therapy degree. Then, you can choose from a variety of programs and study your way to a master’s degree and a state license.

We are finding the right school for you, and everyone else, too! It’s important to make sure you get the right education to help you in your field. So, we have compiled a list of top rated schools for physical therapy.

Table Of Contents
  1. Who is a Physical Therapist?
  2. What do Physical Therapists do?
  3. How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?
  4. What are the requirements to become a Physical Therapist?
  5. 20 Top Schools in the US for Physical Therapy
  6. List of the Top 100 Physical Therapy Schools in the US
  7. Frequently Asked Questions About Best Physical Therapy Schools

Who is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist is a health care professional who has the required education, training, and certification to assess, plan, implement and evaluate treatments aimed at reducing or eliminating pain for individuals with injuries or disabilities.

Physical therapists help patients with their movement and body functioning. Physical Therapists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice offices, schools, nursing homes, factories, and other settings.

What do Physical Therapists do?

A physical therapist’s job is to diagnose and treat patients who have problems with movement or other physical disabilities. Some of the conditions that physical therapists treat include orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, cerebral palsy, and sports injuries.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?

Becoming a physical therapist takes at least 3 years to 8 years. Physical therapy schools that offer a Master’s degree in physical therapy require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for admission.

What are the requirements to become a Physical Therapist?

The requirements for becoming a physical therapist vary by state. To become a physical therapist, you must graduate from an accredited physical therapist program, pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. You must have a minimum degree of a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

20 Top Schools in the US for Physical Therapy

Physical therapy schools are typically the last stop in education before a person starts their career as a physical therapist. Their programs vary in length and may include classroom work in addition to clinical experience. Physical therapy schools are located in major cities, and they focus on providing highly focused, highly practical training. Here is a list of the top 20 physical therapy schools in the United States:

First, Top 5 Physical Therapy Schools:

1. University of Southern California

University of Southern California
University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private institution established on 6 October 1880 by Robert M. Widney. USC is located in Los Angeles, California. The University offers degrees in a wide variety of fields, with particular strengths in medicine, physical therapy, arts, business, economics, law, social sciences, and international relations.

USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy program both online and on-campus. USC is one of the top 10 physical therapy schools in US.

  • Location: Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006
  • Phone: 855.751.0083
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

2. University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy
University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy

The University of Pittsburgh is ranked in the top 30 physical therapy schools in the United States. Students who wish to pursue physical therapy at this university must apply through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

The University of Pittsburgh’s department of school of health and rehabilitation sciences is committed to excellence in education, research, clinical practice, and service to the community. It allows undergraduates from any major to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

3. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St Louis Program in Physical Therapy
Washington University in St Louis Program in Physical Therapy

Washington University in St. Louis has a rich history of helping students reach their full potential. It is a private research institution recognized for its competitive academics, leading departments in medicine and health, and numerous elite graduate programs.

Washington University has among the best graduate programs in physical therapy in the country. The School of Medicine’s physical therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) since 1942.

The university is ranked 6th among national universities by U.S. News and World Report for research in 2020.

  • Location: Campus Box 8502, 4444 Forest Park Ave., Suite 1101, St. Louis, MO 63108-2212
  • Phone: 314-286-1400
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

4. University of Delaware

University of Delaware physical therapy graduate school
University of Delaware physical therapy graduate school

The University of Delaware has been educating physical therapy students in the state of Delaware for many years. Programs are offered to both undergraduate and postgraduate students who hope to become physical therapists.

The University of Delaware has one of the top physical therapy programs in the country. Its physical therapy program was ranked number one in 2016 by U.S. News & World Report.

The College of Health Sciences welcomes students to its four-year undergraduate degree programs in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Their program is designed to help students build the foundation needed to become successful physical therapists.

5. University of Iowa

University of Iowa Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Iowa Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science

It’s a profession that always keeps you on your toes and there’s never a dull moment. Physical therapists help people with physical disabilities and those who have experienced trauma or injury.

The University of Iowa offers a variety of Physical Therapy Programs in Iowa that prepare future Physical Therapists to practice in a variety of settings. In addition, its online Physical Therapy programs are available in a hybrid format allowing you to earn a DPT degree from the University of Iowa with limited time in a traditional classroom setting.

  • Location: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, 500 Newton Road, 1-252 Medical Education Building, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089
  • Phone: 1-319-335-9791
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

These top 5 physical therapy schools in the US are undoubtedly a great start for a career in physical therapy. This is just based on personal experience, but if you are thinking to become a physical therapist, you should look at many physical therapy schools in the USA to see which one is the right ones for you. What are the top schools for physical therapy? Here are 15

Here are 15 more top ranked physical therapy schools:

6. Emory University

Emory University Division of Physical Therapy
Emory University Division of Physical Therapy

Emory University’s School of Medicine (Division of Physical Therapy) is ranked among the top ten physical therapy schools in the country for research. The School of Medicine is committed to training the next generation of physician-scientists, with special emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice.

Emory University’s Division of Physical Therapy provides the highest quality education and clinical training in physical therapy and physical therapist-assisted practices. Emory’s DPT, DPT-MBA, Ph.D., and master’s physical therapy degree programs offer a challenging curriculum and a supportive environment to prepare students for careers in physical therapy and physical therapist-assisted practices.

  • Location: Division of Physical Therapy, 1462 Clifton Rd N.E. Suite 312, Atlanta GA 30322
  • Phone: (404) 712-5660
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

7. Northwestern University

Northwestern university department of physical therapy and human movement sciences
Northwestern University department of physical therapy and human movement sciences

Northwestern University is a private research university with campuses and facilities throughout the United States. They are a comprehensive medical and professional education program, offering the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to students who demonstrate excellence in academics and clinical expertise.

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is one of the world’s leading medical schools. With a curriculum that emphasizes clinical care, research, teaching, and public service, Feinberg offers a rich, full-time educational experience for physical therapy students.

8. MGH Institute of Health Professions

MGH Institute of Health Professions
MGH Institute of Health Professions

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is a physical therapist school that offers graduate programs to become a physical therapist. They are the first school to offer an accredited simulation curriculum.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions offers an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program to help you develop the strong clinical skills you will need to start your career. The curriculum, faculty, and facilities are excellent, and the clinical opportunities are plentiful. You will leave with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the challenging but rewarding practice of physical therapy.

9. Duke University

Duke university doctor of physical therapy
Duke University doctor of physical therapy

Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. That was founded by Methodists and Quakers in 1838. The university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is consistently rated among the best in the country.

  • Location: Duke Health Interprofessional Education (IPE), 311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710
  • Phone: 919-681-4380
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

10. Arcadia University

Arcadia University Physical Therapy Program
Arcadia University Physical Therapy Program

Arcadia University is a private, coeducational, liberal arts university located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States. Arcadia University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. An internationally recognized center of excellence, Arcadia University was founded in 1853.

11. University of Miami – Miller School of Medicine

The University of Miami, referred to as UM, is a private, nonsectarian research university located in Coral Gables, Florida, United States. The University of Miami is a prestigious, high-quality private education. The school’s main campus is in Coral Gables, but it has a number of satellite campuses. The University of Miami offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is the most innovative and comprehensive medical institution in South Florida. The Miller School was founded in 1952, it has a strong commitment to transforming health care by integrating research, education, and community outreach.

  • Location: 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL 33136, United States
  • Phone: +1 305-243-3234
  • Website

12. University of North Carolina – School of Medicine

If you are considering physical therapy as a career, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has one of the top physical therapy programs in the United States.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program of UNC School of Medicine is consistently recognized in the top ten in the nation (ranked in number 9th) by US News and World Report.

  • Location: Division of Physical Therapy, Bondurant Hall, CB #7135, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135
  • Phone: (919) 966-4708
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

13. New York University

New York University ranks among the top 6 universities in the nation and is known for its prominent programs in the fields of business, law, and medicine. NYU’s Best Occupational Therapy Graduate School is ranked in the top eight by US News and World Report.

NYU’s physical therapy program is one of the few in the country to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

  • Location: Department of Physical Therapy, 380 Second Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10010
  • Phone: 212-998-9400
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

14. University of Florida

  • Location: College of Public Health & Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy, Box 100154, UFHSC, Gainesville, FL 32610-0154
  • Phone: 352-273-6507
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website

15. University of Illinois

16. University of Maryland

17. Creighton University

18. Marquette University

19. Ohio State University

  • Location: 453 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
  • Phone: 614-292-1706
  • Website

20. US Army-Baylor DPT Graduate School – Baylor University

The mission of the Army-Baylor DPT Graduate School is to prepare physically demanding professionals for careers in the military and civilian sector of physical therapy.

  • Location: 1311 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76706, United States
  • Phone: +1 800-229-5678
  • Website
top 20 physical therapy schools in the united states

List of the Top 100 Physical Therapy Schools in the US

Physical therapy is a high-demand career that ensures your body is healthy. While also giving you the option to make a difference in the lives of other people. The physical therapy profession is diverse, offering you the ability to help patients of all ages. Some specialize in helping children, while others help adults, while others are even able to treat young adults. The best physical therapy schools are full of physical therapy majors who are committed to helping people get healthy.

Top physical therapy schools in the US:

  1. University of Southern California
  2. University of Pittsburgh
  3. Washington University in St. Louis
  4. University of Delaware
  5. University of Iowa
  6. US Army-Baylor University
  7. Arcadia University
  8. MGH Institute of Health Professions
  9. Northwestern University
  10. University of Miami
  11. Emory University
  12. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
  13. Duke University
  14. University of California – San Francisco
  15. New York University
  16. University of Florida
  17. University of Illinois – Chicago
  18. University of Maryland – Baltimore
  19. Creighton University
  20. Marquette University
  21. Ohio State University
  22. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
  23. University of Utah
  24. Boston University
  25. Texas Woman’s University
  26. University of Kansas Medical Center
  27. University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston
  28. Virginia Commonwealth University
  29. Northern Arizona University
  30. Regis University
  31. University of Alabama – Birmingham
  32. University of Washington
  33. Columbia University
  34. Mayo School of Health Related Sciences
  35. University of Colorado – Denver
  36. University of Nebraska Medical Center
  37. University of Wisconsin – Madison
  38. University of Kentucky
  39. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  40. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
  41. Ithaca College
  42. Ohio University
  43. Simmons College
  44. St. Louis University
  45. Temple University
  46. University of Central Arkansas
  47. University of Indianapolis
  48. University of Montana – Missoula
  49. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
  50. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas
  1. University of Vermont
  2. Belmont University
  3. Indiana University – Indianapolis
  4. Sacred Heart University
  5. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Newark
  6. University of Missouri
  7. Drexel University
  8. Eastern Washington University
  9. Old Dominion University
  10. Pacific University
  11. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  12. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey – Camden/UMDNJ
  13. St. Ambrose University
  14. Stony Brook University – SUNY
  15. Texas State University – San Marcos
  16. University at Buffalo – SUNY
  17. University of Connecticut
  18. University of Michigan – Flint
  19. Bradley University
  20. Chapman University
  21. College of St. Scholastica
  22. East Carolina University
  23. Medical College of Georgia
  24. Medical University of South Carolina
  25. Northeastern University
  26. Samuel Merritt University
  27. SUNY Upstate Medical Center
  28. Thomas Jefferson University
  29. University of North Dakota
  30. University of Puget Sound
  31. University of South Carolina
  32. University of South Florida
  33. University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
  34. West Virginia University
  35. Armstrong Atlantic State University
  36. Elon University
  37. St. Catherine University
  38. SUNY Downstate Medical Center
  39. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
  40. University of Evansville
  41. University of Rhode Island
  42. University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio
  43. University of the Pacific
  44. University of the Pacific
  45. California State University – Fresno
  46. California State University – Northridge
  47. Concordia University Wisconsin
  48. Hunter College – CUNY
  49. George Washington University
  50. Georgia State University

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Physical Therapy Schools

Can you become a physical therapist online?

Can you get a physical therapist degree online? Yes, you can become a physical therapist online. You can become a physical therapist by obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree online from some of the institutions. Utica College, Shenandoah University, Northeastern University offer a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

How much does it cost to become a physical therapist?

The cost of becoming a physical therapist varies depending on the state. As of 2018-2019, the average cost of tuition per year was $18,390 for public schools and $37,014 for private institutions.

Are physical therapists in demand?

Physical therapists are a popular profession with a large number of job openings (15,600 jobs are projected each year). The number of physical therapist jobs was 239,200 in 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of jobs for physical therapists will grow by 21 percent between 2020 and 2030.

Can you make good money as a physical therapist?

Yes, physical therapy practitioners can make a good amount of money. In fact, the average annual income for physical therapists is $91,010 in the US according to the BLS.

Which country has the best physical therapy?

The United States has the best physical therapy careers, with a large number of specialized schools and a higher average salary. The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have also the best physical therapy.

What is the Average GPA for Physical Therapy Schools?

The average GPA varies by institution. The average GPA for physical therapy schools is 3. Some of the institutions required a GPA of 2.7, like CSU Northridge.

Which is the best university for physiotherapy?

The best university to study physiotherapy is The University of Southern California. The University of Pittsburgh is also the best one.

What is the highest paying physical therapy specialty?

There are many areas of study in physical therapy. The highest-paying areas of study in physical therapy are Sports Medicine Specialist and Geriatric Certified Specialist.

Can a physical therapist make 6 figures?

Some of the physical therapists make 6 figures earnings. The 6 figures of money you can make as a physical therapist depending on the area and specialty you choose.

Can physical therapists make 100k?

Yes, a physical therapist can make up to $100,000 a year if he or she has the right certification and works in the right location. Though, the average annual earning of a physical therapist is $91,010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Where do physiotherapists make the most money?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Physiotherapists make the most money in the state of Nevada. Where they make an average of $107,920 a year.

Is physical therapy a stressful job?

In general, it is not a stressful job for most physical therapists. Usually, Physical therapists don’t work at night, and they have flexible hours to work. But, Strenuous work, heavy lifting, and standing for long periods of time are common stressors for people in this career.

In conclusion, we have suggested the top physical therapy schools in the United States for your consideration. If you are considering attending physical therapy school, we hope this article has helped you narrow your list and make the best decision for your future.