Physical therapy programs lead to careers in the fast-growing field of physical therapy. These careers offer opportunities to help injured and ill patients gain a better quality of life. The career also offers attractive salary potential, especially if you choose to become board certified.
Learn what to expect from physical therapy programs and discover ways to save on your degree.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: 2-7 years, depending on previous education and enrollment status
Typical Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, references, essay
Top Skills Gained: Physical therapy research, diagnostic imaging, functional movement
Popular Residency Concentrations: Pediatrics, wound management, oncology
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Physical Therapy Programs
Price Check
The median pay for physical therapists was $101,020 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — nearly five times the average annual cost of in-state tuition for a physical therapy doctorate.
Why Choose Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is in high demand, and that trend may continue as the older adult population grows and chronic diseases become more widespread. Earning a physical therapy degree could lead to steady career opportunities and long-term job security.
Many physical therapy programs are also accessible to students through online and hybrid coursework, offering flexibility to those balancing their education with family life or work. These programs let you complete most coursework online, while on-site clinicals give you the hands-on training you need for your future career.
Career Outlook for Physical Therapy Graduates
The BLS projects an 11% growth rate for physical therapist jobs from 2024-2034. A physical therapy degree also offers pathways into other fast-growing healthcare careers. Explore a few alternative careers below, with each role having a projected 1,000 or more job openings per year.
Note that, unlike physical therapists, some of the listed careers typically require college degrees below the doctoral level. For example, physical therapy assistants typically need an associate degree and athletic trainers need a master's degree.
| Job | Annual Average Wage in July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | $50,961 |
| Exercise Physiologist | $49,807 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | $55,969 |
Physical Therapy Licensing and Certification Requirements
All states require licensure for physical therapists. Licensing candidates must graduate from a doctor of physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program should include a clinical education component, which typically takes around 5-6 months to complete.
After graduation, candidates take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy administers. The NPTE has five sections, each with 45 multiple-choice questions, and lasts five and a half hours, including breaks.
Check with your state's physical therapy licensing board for specific requirements, including application, continuing education, and renewal information.
Ways to Save on a Physical Therapy Degree
Online physical therapy programs can be costly, but there are options to make your education more affordable. Consider the following tips as you prepare for this degree program.
Tap Into Financial Aid: Physical therapy doctoral students should submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal student loans or school-based loans, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Consider Public In-State Schools: Public schools in your state typically charge significantly less tuition than private colleges and out-of-state schools for physical therapy programs. According to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the average physical therapy program cost $20,901 at a public school and $46,133 at a private school in 2023-2024 — a difference of over $20,000.
Accelerate Your Degree: An accelerated physical therapy program combines a bachelor's or master's degree with a doctorate to reduce your time to completion, which may lower your total costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy Programs
Physical therapists earn a median annual salary of $101,020. Top earners work in home health care, followed by skilled nursing and residential care facilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Becoming a board-certified specialist in a clinical area may also increase a physical therapist's pay.
