Online Physical Therapy Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Online physical therapy colleges and universities offer programs at the associate's and doctoral degree levels. Individuals who want to work in the field of physical therapy have two career paths. While students can earn an associate's degree in physical therapy assisting, current licensed physical therapists without a Ph.D. can earn a transitional doctoral degree in physical therapy.

How to Choose an Online Physical Therapy Program

Award Level

Before choosing a program, individuals must determine their career goals. A physical therapist oversees the treatment of patients and helps them overcome physical obstacles. Those who want to work in entry-level positions alongside licensed physical therapists might benefit from a physical therapy assistant (PTA) associate's degree.
Meanwhile, those who have goals of becoming a physical therapist will need to earn a doctoral degree in the field. Bachelor's and master's degree do not qualify someone to work as a physical therapist anymore, so individuals interested in becoming one must now obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Program Type

While students can obtain their PTA associate's degree through a distance-learning program, only a transitional doctoral degree program is available online. This is an accelerated program designed for current physical therapists who previously obtained the position with a bachelor's or master's degree in the field and want to continue their education.

Online Program Options

While most classes in both associate's and transitional doctorate programs in physical therapy can be completed online, it is likely that students will have to complete internship hours at a physical therapy practice, clinic or hospital as part of their coursework.

List of Online Physical Therapy Degree Programs

Online Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Associate's Degree

An online associate's degree in physical therapy prepares students to work for licensed physical therapists in a professional setting. Under direct supervision, a PTA assistant works with patients with physical limitations by performing therapeutic exercises, demonstrating how to use adaptive devices and conducting diagnostic tests. Coursework includes classes like introduction to physical therapy, posture and movement, pathophysiology, clinical preparation and healthcare issues.

Online Transitional Doctor in Physical Therapy Degree

The transitional Ph.D. in Physical Therapy program is for those who already work as physical therapists but who don't have a doctorate. This program provides these individuals with the additional training necessary that is required to continue working in the field. To be eligible for the program, applicants must also possess a physical therapist state license. In addition to clinical practice that must be completed, the transitional DPT program includes online courses such as differential diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology and advanced practice issues.