What degree do you need to be a physical therapist?
You need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to become a licensed physical therapist in the United States. After earning your DPT, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and meet state licensure requirements to practice.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy is a graduate-level degree that typically takes three years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. While there is no required major, most students study fields like biology, kinesiology, or exercise science to complete prerequisite coursework.
Personalized admissions coaching for your Doctor of Physical Therapy application
Work closely with a Prepory admissions coach who specializes in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Your coach will design a step-by-step plan to guide you through every stage of the physical therapy school application process, from researching programs to submitting your materials with confidence.
Receive an in-depth review of your academic performance, clinical experience, volunteer work, and extracurriculars. We evaluate how your profile aligns with competitive Doctor of Physical Therapy program requirements and help you highlight strengths that demonstrate readiness for physical therapy school.
Build a balanced list of physical therapy schools that align with your goals. We help you evaluate Doctor of Physical Therapy programs based on curriculum, clinical rotations, faculty expertise, and specialization areas so you can identify the best-fit programs for your future career.
Determine whether the GRE is required or strategically beneficial for your target physical therapy programs. Your coach will help you decide if submitting scores strengthens your Doctor of Physical Therapy application and how to position your testing profile effectively.
Develop a compelling personal statement that highlights your clinical experience, commitment to patient care, and motivation for pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Our Writing Specialists help ensure your essays resonate with physical therapy admissions committees.
Optimize your resume to highlight clinical hours, patient care experience, and relevant leadership roles. We help you clearly present your qualifications for Doctor of Physical Therapy programs and demonstrate readiness for the demands of physical therapy training.
Practice mock interviews with your coach to confidently discuss your clinical experience, patient care philosophy, and career goals. Get targeted feedback on how to stand out in interviews for competitive physical therapy schools.
Identify the strongest recommenders and develop a plan for requesting letters that highlight your clinical skills, professionalism, and potential for success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program.
Once you receive admission offers, we help you compare physical therapy programs based on curriculum, clinical training opportunities, outcomes, and career alignment so you can confidently choose the right Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
What are physical therapy school requirements?
What are physical therapy school requirements?
To get into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, you need a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, clinical experience, and strong application materials. Most physical therapy programs require courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics, along with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Some programs may request GRE scores, though this is becoming less common.
Applicants typically complete 100–200 hours of clinical observation or patient care experience in a physical therapy setting. Requirements also include letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining your interest in pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Through our DPT admissions consulting program, you can submit an unlimited number of written application materials to our team of Writing Specialists.
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FAQs for physical therapy applicants
Physical therapy school typically takes three years to complete after a bachelor’s degree.
Most students earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical rotations. In total, becoming a licensed physical therapist usually takes seven to eight years, including undergraduate education.
Some programs offer accelerated 3+3 pathways or direct-entry options from high school, allowing students to complete both degrees in approximately six years.
The average salary for a Doctor of Physical Therapy in the U.S. is approximately $90,000 to $100,000 per year.
Physical therapist salaries vary based on location, experience, and work setting. Entry-level roles typically start lower, while experienced physical therapists and specialists can earn significantly higher salaries.
Physical therapists working in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or specialized fields such as sports or neurological rehabilitation may see different earning potential.
To become a physical therapist, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program.
Before applying to physical therapy school, students typically complete a bachelor’s degree in fields such as biology, kinesiology, or exercise science.
Prerequisite coursework usually includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, and sometimes psychology or statistics, along with clinical observation or patient care experience.
Physical therapists focus on restoring movement and physical function, while occupational therapists focus on helping patients perform daily activities.
Physical therapy emphasizes strength, mobility, and recovery after injury, illness, or surgery.
Occupational therapy focuses on improving a patient’s ability to complete everyday tasks, often by adapting environments or routines to support independence.
Fully online Doctor of Physical Therapy programs for initial licensure do not exist, but some schools offer hybrid programs.
Hybrid physical therapy programs combine online coursework with required in-person labs and clinical training.
Examples include programs offered by the University of Southern California, Baylor University, University of Utah, and Arcadia University, which blend virtual learning with on-campus sessions.
Post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy programs may be completed fully online, but these are designed for licensed physical therapists seeking advanced credentials.
Receive your DPT degree with confidence
Contact a Prepory graduate college admissions expert to start your graduate degree success journey.
Our grad school admissions experts are here to guide you from where you are to where you should be. Through our comprehensive grad school curriculum and individualized coaching, you are set for success as soon as you connect with us.
