Physical therapists are movement specialists who help people live better by prescribing exercises, providing hands-on care, and educating patients.
Physiotherapists work with patients with injuries, disabilities, or other health issues that require medical attention. However, they also help people who want to get healthier and avoid future physical problems.
To practice physiotherapy in the United States, you must first obtain a doctorate in physical therapy from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and then pass a state licensure exam.
The duration of a Doctor of Physical Therapy program is typically three years. The programs are offered as a combination of classroom and clinical education.
The physical therapy programs foster a collaborative learning community that produces adaptive, reflective physical therapists with solid clinical reasoning abilities. The programs aim to improve health care through clinical and educational practice scholarship and promote social accountability to impact human health positively.
As a professional physiotherapist, you can make an average annual income of more than 71,000 USD.
Top Physiotherapy Universities in the USA: Global Ranking
Physical therapy courses are available at several reputable universities in the United States. The top physiotherapy universities in the USA are listed below as listed on “Best Physical Therapy Programs” by USnews.
|
University |
Location |
|
University of Delaware |
Newark, DE |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
Pittsburgh, PA |
|
Washington University in St. Louis |
St. Louis, MO |
|
Northwestern University |
Chicago, IL |
|
University of Iowa |
Iowa City, IA |
|
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA |
|
Duke University |
Durham, NC |
|
Emory University |
Atlanta, GA |
|
Creighton University |
Omaha, NE |
|
MGH Institute of Health Professions |
Boston, MA |
|
Ohio State University |
Columbus, OH |
|
University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill |
Chapel Hill, NC |
|
Marquette University |
Milwaukee, WI |
|
University of Alabama--Birmingham |
Birmingham, AL |
The list is provided for physiotherapy aspirants seeking to join the best universities in the United States.
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Talk to an ExpertMasters in Physiotherapy in the USA: Tuition Fees
A Master's degree in physical therapy in the US is generally provided as a Master of Science or Master of Arts. However, the M.A. degree does not prepare students to practice physical therapy and is granted to students working toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
The following table lists some universities and the tuition fees for overseas students offering a bachelor's program in physical therapy or a related field.
|
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Duration/Credit hours |
Tuition fees per annum |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
Physical Therapy(MS) |
1 year (33 credits) |
$65,655 |
|
University of Iowa |
Physical Rehabilitation Science, M.A. |
- |
$31,012 |
Masters in Physiotherapy in the USA: Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements for M.A. Program
- An undergraduate degree in any discipline
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
Academic Requirements for M.S. Program
- A first professional degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent
- A minimum of two years of clinical experience may be considered highly desirable, depending on the area of research interest
- Graduate Record Examination (Aptitude Test): At or above the 50th percentile for each section is recommended
English Test Scores
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with 6.0 in all elements
- TOEFL (iBT): A minimum overall score of 81
- PTE: A minimum overall score of 58
- Duolingo English Test: Overall score of 105 or above
Doctorate in Physiotherapy in the USA: Tuition Fees
The table below lists the top universities in the USA that offer doctor of physical therapy programs. The course duration of a doctoral program can be anywhere between 2 and 3 years. The tuition fee ranges from $26,000 to $50,000 per year.
|
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Duration |
Tuition fees per annum |
|
University of Delaware |
Doctorate in Physical Therapy |
2.5 year |
$132,664 (Total course fee) $1,288 per credit hour*103 |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
Physical Therapy(DPT) |
2.3 years |
$49,500 |
|
Washington University in St. Louis |
Doctor of Physical Therapy |
Two years and eight months |
$43,204 $21,602 per academic semester |
|
Northwestern University |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
Two years and eight month |
$51,633 |
|
University of Iowa |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
Two years and eight month |
$122,259 (Total course fee) |
|
University of Southern California |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
Two years and eight month |
$73,634 |
|
Duke University |
Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy |
Two years and ten month |
$38,000 |
|
Emory university |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
Thirty-five months |
$25,734 $12,867 per semester |
|
Creighton University |
Doctor of Physical Therapy |
3 years |
$37,652 |
|
MGH Institute of Health Professions |
Doctor of Physical Therapy |
Two years and eight month |
$153,900 (Total course fee) |
Doctorate in Physiotherapy in the USA: Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of prerequisites courses i.e. Psychology, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, and Anatomy, etc., with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
- Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher.
Experience in Physical Therapy
For a Phd in Physiotherapy, successful applicants must demonstrate evidence of adequate exposure to physical therapy. This can be accomplished through 100 hours of volunteer or paid experience in PT.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7 with 6.0 in all elements
- TOEFL (iBT): A minimum overall score of 94
- PTE: A minimum overall score of 65
- Duolingo English Test: Overall score of 105 or above
Top Physiotherapy University in the USA: Specialization
As a physiotherapist (PT), you can specialize in one or more areas throughout your career. Adding professional specialization will demonstrate your expertise in your area of interest, improve your skills, and open the door to new employment opportunities.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties recognizes nine speciality areas as of 2022.
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Clinical Specialization
- Geriatric Clinical Specialization
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialization
- Neurology Clinical Specialization
- Pediatric Clinical Specialization
- Oncology Specialization
- Women’s Health Specialization
- Electrophysiological Clinical Specialization
- Sports Clinical Specialization
Top Physiotherapy University in the USA: Scholarships
Physical therapy courses have a higher demand in today’s world, thus raising the cost of education. But there are several scholarships available that will help you pay your way. These scholarship requirements may include good academic standing or financial need.
|
University |
Scholarships |
Amount |
|
University of Pittsburgh |
UPMC Endowed Scholarship |
$3,900 |
|
Anne Pascasio Scholarship |
$4,000 |
|
|
Washington University in St. Louis |
Merit-based scholarships |
Total of $500,000 distributed among capable students |
|
Northwestern University |
Edna Foster Wright Scholarship |
N/A |
|
Janet L. Hemzacek Memorial Scholarship |
||
|
Emory university |
Martin V.B. Teem Scholarship |
$500 to $1,000 per semester |
|
W. Robert Wellborn Academic Health Scholarship |
N/A |
|
Top Physiotherapy University in the USA: Scope
A physical therapist's job entails assisting patients in recovering and rehabilitating from neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, sports, geriatrics, and oncology impairments. They are key professionals in the prevention and rehabilitation of physical injuries.
The rise of desk jobs, arguably unhealthy lifestyles, and sports have increased the demand for physiotherapy. Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 20.5 per cent increase in employment for physical therapists. During that time, an estimated 49,100 new jobs will be created.
The average salary after a professional license in physical therapy is around $73,000 per year.
Physical therapists work in various settings, including children's hospitals, general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, public and special schools, private homes, sheltered workshops, and community-based organizations. Some therapists open their private practices.
Physical therapists who gain experience or additional education may advance to become administrators of physical therapy departments. Some popular designations for a physiotherapy degree holder and a specified salary range with an average are mentioned below.
|
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
|
Physical Therapist (PT) |
$62,000 - $85,000 |
$71,385 |
|
Staff Physical Therapist |
$62,000 - $83,000 |
$71,156 |
|
Pediatric Physical Therapist |
$54,000 - $78,000 |
$64,835 |
|
Clinical Director |
$65,000 - $118,000 |
$84,340 |
|
Rehabilitation Director |
$83,000 - $114,000 |
$96,304 |
|
Physical Therapy Manager |
$68,000 - $107,000 |
$86,074 |
|
Lead Physical Therapist (PT) |
$65,000 - $94,000 |
$77,880 |
|
Physical Therapy Supervisor |
$68,000 - $102,000 |
$82,845 |
|
Director, Physical Therapy |
$81,000 - $119,000 |
$97,435 |
