Best PT schools

Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who undergo years of education and a rigorous certification process to become fully licensed. To practice in the U.S., all physical therapists (PTs) must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program. If you’re an undergraduate student considering a career in physical therapy, selecting the right PT school is a crucial decision that can shape your future success.

Physical therapists play a critical role in patient care, helping individuals recover from fractures, strokes, surgeries, and other major health challenges. By alleviating pain and restoring mobility after injuries or illness, DPTs change lives in an ever-expanding healthcare field. From competitive athletes with sports injuries to older adults regaining independence post-injury, physical therapists address a diverse range of rehabilitation needs through evidence-backed treatment.

For science-minded students passionate about working directly with a diverse range of patients, the path to becoming a physical therapist offers rewarding, meaningful work in a rapidly growing industry. Several factors, such as program reputation, location, and cost, should inform your decision when researching which DPT programs to pursue. Below, we highlight some of the best PT schools in the nation and outline the steps needed to become a physical therapist.

Doctor of Physical Therapy programs overview

DPT programs typically span two and a half to three years and are designed to provide far more than just advanced science coursework. Each DPT program begins with one to two years of rigorous academic study, after which students participate in supervised clinical rotations to develop essential hands-on skills. Enrolling in a top DPT program allows students to engage in impactful volunteer work, gain real-world experience through internships, receive individualized academic advising, and participate in medical research. The best DPT programs are frequently located on campuses affiliated with leading medical university centers, ensuring students benefit from extensive clinical practice and practical training throughout their studies.

General requirements for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs

Most DPT programs have a set of admission requirements. These can include:

• Minimum GPA requirement
• Required science and lab courses:
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biology 1
  • Biology 2
  • General Chemistry 1
  • General Chemistry 2
  • General Physics 1
  • General Physics 2
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
• GRE scores
• Volunteer experience
• Recommendation and reference letters

The application process for PT school may also include an interview, especially for competitive programs. Students may also be asked to complete a criminal background check to determine a candidate’s eligibility for experiential education rotations, confirm a student’s eligibility for licensure, and ensure patient safety. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from enrollment or admission to a DPT program, but falsifying a report could lead to expulsion. State residency requirements may also apply: public schools may give preference to in-state students, with limited spots available to out-of-state or international students.

Top 10 schools for physical therapy

Below are the best physical therapy schools from U.S. News & World Report, including each school's location and NPTE pass rates. Rankings are determined based on survey results on academic quality. The list below represents schools that offer excellent academics, top faculty, high-quality advising, and plenty of external professional opportunities.

University of Delaware

Location: Newark, DE

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): Not reported

The University of Delaware’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program stands out as a top-ranked, CAPTE-accredited doctorate program designed to prepare students for NPTE success. With a rigorous curriculum that combines intensive clinical training and foundational science, this DPT program equips graduates with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel on the NPTE and in professional practice. The program boasts exceptional student outcomes, including a 96% graduation rate, enhanced by hands-on experience through on-site clinics and innovative interdisciplinary research in biomechanics and movement sciences.

Washington University in St. Louis

Location: St. Louis, MO

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 98.31%

WashU’s DPT is a full‑time, two‑year, eight‑month professional doctorate program grounded in a human movement science framework, blending biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences with extensive clinical training across diverse settings. It prepares students to become leaders in movement‑based care through integrated education and early hands‑on experiences. WashU is a major medical hub known for its excellent faculty and renowned medical center in the heart of St. Louis.

University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, IA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 88%

The University of Iowa’s DPT is a two-and-a-half-year post‑baccalaureate program with a curriculum emphasizing evidence‑based practice, delivered through close collaboration with the University of Iowa Health Care system. It enrolls around 50 students annually and combines clinical experiences with instruction from expert clinicians and scientists. Students can access internships and externships through the University of Iowa Hospital system, which is among the best-ranked in the state.

Duke University

Location: Durham, NC

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 97.62%

Duke’s three‑year, full‑time DPT program, housed within its medical school and ranked among the nation’s best, offers innovative team‑based learning and a Student Team Experience in Practice (STEPs) program that immerses students in real clinical settings early on. Faculty‑led, research‑informed training nurtures leaders in patient‑centered care and movement rehabilitation. Sharing a campus with Duke Health, Duke’s program offers no shortage of pre-professional opportunities.

Emory University

Location: Atlanta, GA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

Emory’s DPT is a 35‑month professional doctorate delivered by its School of Medicine. It emphasizes movement science, interpersonal skills, and readiness for independent practice. The program also offers several dual‑degree options (DPT/MPH, DPT/MBA, DPT/MA in Bioethics, DPT/PhD) and emphasizes faculty commitment to problem‑based learning and student development. With Emory Healthcare clinics and service centers just minutes away, students can easily access professional avenues at this renowned hospital system.

Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, IL

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

Northwestern’s DPT program, set within the Feinberg School of Medicine and ranked in the top five nationally, combines a 32‑month curriculum featuring lectures, small-group sessions, labs, team‑based learning, research synthesis, community service, interprofessional education, and clinical experiences grounded in a movement-sciences perspective. The Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers an intensive, 12-month physical residency program for DPT graduates.

The Ohio State University

Location: Columbus, OH

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

With over 60 years of experience, Ohio State offers a well‑established DPT program featuring expert faculty, modern healthcare facilities, and a broad alum network; graduates are well‑prepared for diverse clinical environments. The university also provides robust post‑professional education, including multiple residency and fellowship programs in specialties such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, and women’s health through the Wexner Medical Center.

University of Southern California (USC)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 99.48%

Recognized among the best PT schools in the nation, USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers a prestigious Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This top physical therapy school stands out for its research-intensive environment and longstanding tradition of academic excellence. The doctor of physical therapy curriculum is enhanced by a wide range of residency opportunities in orthopedic, neurologic, sports, and pediatric physical therapy, supporting graduates in specialized clinical practice. Keck Medicine of USC, the university’s renowned medical center, further elevates the DPT program with cutting-edge technology and advanced treatment resources.

University of Pittsburgh

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): Not reported

The University of Pittsburgh’s DPT, one of the longest‑standing in the country, offers both on‑campus and hybrid 7‑term formats focused on interactive, hands‑on learning under world‑renowned faculty. Its curriculum features 42 weeks of immersive clinical experience and integrates rigorous didactic work with the development of leadership and critical inquiry. Home to UPMC, Pittsburgh is known as a top destination for medical students and trainees.

Creighton University

Location: Omaha, NE

NPTE pass rate (2022-2023): 100%

Creighton’s DPT program, the nation’s first entry‑level DPT, offers campuses in Omaha and Phoenix and embraces Jesuit values, compassionate care, and community service. Students follow an eight‑semester, clinically immersive curriculum that produces empathetic, principled graduates, with opportunities for specialty focus, international service, and practical experience at Creighton University Medical Center.

Steps to becoming a physical therapist

Becoming a physical therapist typically takes about seven years, including undergraduate and graduate education.

Earn a bachelor’s degree (4 years)

There isn’t a single required major when considering what degree you need to be a physical therapist. Still, certain undergraduate programs align well with the prerequisites for DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) programs. These degrees typically cover essential courses such as anatomy, physiology, physics, and psychology, subjects you’ll need for PT school admission:

• Kinesiology
• Biology
• Exercise science
• Health sciences

Colleges that are considered strong feeders for DPT programs include Rice University, the University of Florida, and Wake Forest University. These universities offer top programs in kinesiology and related disciplines.

Pro tip: Building a solid academic foundation during your undergraduate studies is crucial when deciding which degree you need to become a physical therapist. Most accredited DPT programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, with particular emphasis on strong science grades.

Some schools offer accelerated PT programs, in which students begin as undergraduates, complete required courses, and immediately enter graduate studies with no additional application. These intensive tracks, like Boston University’s 6-year PT program, are a great option for students set on pursuing a career in physical therapy and seeking a degree in a shorter timeframe.

Gain healthcare experience (during or after undergrad)

DPT programs require observation or volunteer hours under the supervision of a licensed PT. You might shadow in:

• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals
• Rehab centers

Aim for 100+ hours across different settings to stand out.

Take the GRE (if required)

Some (not all) DPT programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It tests verbal, quantitative, and writing skills.

Tip: Start prepping during your junior year of college to avoid last-minute stress.

Apply to a DPT program (3 years)

Doctor of Physical Therapy programs span about three years beyond completion of a bachelor’s degree. Earning this Doctor of Physical Therapy qualification is essential for those pursuing a physical therapy career, and provides thorough training through:

• Classroom instruction in foundational topics, including the musculoskeletal system, neuroscience, pharmacology, and pathology
• Laboratory experiences that allow students to practice hands-on physical therapy techniques and develop essential clinical skills
• Clinical rotations that immerse students in genuine healthcare environments, providing direct, supervised training with patients

Throughout your doctor of physical therapy program, you will complete over 30 weeks of supervised clinical experience. This significant clinical training phase is vital to preparing for licensure as a physical therapist. The combination of in-depth classroom education and real-world clinical practice ensures you satisfy all educational requirements needed for this rewarding career.

Pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)

After earning your DPT, the next key step is passing the NPTE, or National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This NPTE board exam measures your knowledge and readiness for professional physical therapy practice. Core NPTE exam topics include:

• Patient care
• Safety and protection
• Interventions
• Examination and evaluation

How to prepare for the NPTE:

To earn a passing score on the NPTE, many students rely on trusted NPTE-PT preparation programs. Targeted practice questions and realistic practice exams can help you maximize your performance and stay confident as test day approaches.

Upon successful completion of your NPTE, your state’s jurisprudence exam, and other state-specific requirements, you are eligible for a license to practice as a physical therapist. The NPTE stands as the gateway to launching your physical therapy career.

Optional: Specialize or pursue a residency

If you’re aiming high and want to become a physical therapist with specialized expertise, you can:

• Join a specialized residency program in areas related to how to become a physical therapist, such as orthopedics or neurology.
• Earn board certification from the ABPTS to advance your career path as you become a physical therapist specializing in fields like:
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Although pursuing these additional steps requires further dedication and training, they can greatly enhance your clinical expertise and open up new physical therapy career opportunities as you become a physical therapist.

After graduating or completing residency, physical therapists can work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The role of a physical therapist is active and often physically demanding, requiring practitioners to be on their feet for extended periods, which is an important consideration when deciding to enroll in a DPT program.

Wrapping up

There are many important steps to becoming a physical therapist, and selecting the best PT schools can be a life-changing decision for any aspiring Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Many top physical therapy schools are located within major research universities that share campuses with sprawling university medical centers. These environments offer students exceptional access to clinical internships, externships, and competitive residency opportunities. The most prestigious DPT programs deliver rigorous academic coursework, immersive hands-on training, and adoption of innovative treatment techniques and technologies. This combination equips students to excel on the NPTE and to develop the skills required for a successful physical therapy career.