Online Schools for Physical Therapists: How to Choose

Physical therapists care for patients who have sustained injury to joints or undergone surgery and must recover normal movement and functionality. Traditionally, entry-level physical therapy degrees are not available fully online; however, some hybrid and transitional programs may be available.

How to Find an Online School for Physical Therapists

Program Type and Availability

Fully-online doctoral degrees in physical therapy that lead to licensure are not normally available because of accreditation requirements. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is directly responsible for the approval of physical therapy degree programs and is the accrediting body of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (www.apta.org). According to the APTA as of 2010 there were no approved entry-level physical therapy degree programs offered fully online in the United States and only one hybrid program was fully approved.
Post-professional doctoral degree programs for physical therapists that have completed their master's degree as an entry-level practice requirement may be available online from several different institutions and at least one doctoral-level program is under review for approval as another hybrid physical therapy degree program. Students should choose a program that is both accredited and offers them the best fit for their career and training needs.

Time Requirements and Format

Students who wish to complete a degree in physical therapy may find that hybrid degree programs are the best fit for their schedule, with online components typically designed in mind for working adults and in-person classes or clinical requirements normally being scheduled for nights and weekends. Often, hybrid programs are specifically designed for flexibility, which is often a primary motivator for those who take online classes. Alternatively, accelerated classes may be available for those who wish to complete a degree program more quickly than normal.

Online Program Options for Physical Therapists

Online-Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy

While rare, hybrid doctoral degrees in physical therapy are available. Designed specifically for flexibility for students who need to complete an education in their spare time, these degrees normally offer courses such as applied human anatomy, soft tissue palpitation, biomechanics, ethics, orthopedics and clinical neuroscience.

Online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

Transitional degree programs, such as the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), are designed for professionals who are already licensed and practicing but have not yet finished their doctoral degree in physical therapy. These programs are commonly available in online format from some institutions and do not face accreditation requirements from CAPTE. Commonly-offered courses are similar to those of a physical therapy degree, but exclude hands-on courses and often focus on research.