🏥 Your Guide to Physical Therapy Education: Top Schools & Online Programs

💪 Why Choose physical therapy classes online?

✔ Excellent Earnings Potential - The median pay for physical therapists is $97,960 per year, with top earners making over $120,000

✔ Strong Job Outlook - Aging baby boomers and increased chronic conditions are driving demand

✔ Career Flexibility - Work in hospitals, private practices, sports facilities, or open your own clinic

✔ Personal Fulfillment - Make a real difference in patients' lives every day

Begin your PT education journey!

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Official report:

The national median annual salary for physical therapists (PTs) is $97,960 (approximately $47.10 per hour).

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

APTA industry survey report:

Home health positions typically earn higher salaries ($100,000+) due to the need for independent work and travel compensation.

Sports facilities positions have a wider salary range, with PTs working for professional sports teams earning upwards of $120,000.

Salary.com:

Average annual salary for hospital PTs: $92,000-$98,000

School PTs (public K-12): $78,000-$93,000

💡 Career Outlook by Setting

🏥 Hospitals: $95,000 median salary

🏋️ Outpatient Clinics: $92,000

👵 Home Healthcare: $100,000+

🏈 Sports Facilities: $85,000-$110,000

🏫 Schools: $80,000-$95,000

🔍 Physical Therapy Education: Answering Top Facebook User Questions

🖥️ Can Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Programs Be Taken Online?

While most PTA programs require in-person clinical training, some schools offer hybrid options with online coursework:

✔ Limited online components available for lecture-based courses

✔ Hands-on labs and clinicals must be completed in-person (CAPTE accreditation requires 600+ clinical hours)

✔ Examples of hybrid PTA programs:

• Penn Foster College (online coursework + local clinical placement)
• St. Catherine University (partial online delivery)

Important: All PTA graduates must complete in-person clinical rotations and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for licensure.

🎓 Is There a Fully Online Physical Therapy Degree?

For Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT):
❌ No fully online DPT programs exist (CAPTE accreditation requires extensive hands-on training)

✔ Hybrid DPT programs available:

• University of St. Augustine (80% online + intensives)
• Baylor University (online coursework + weekend labs)

For Transitional DPT (tDPT):
✔ Several fully online options for licensed PTs:

• Arcadia University
• Boston University

For Continuing Education:
✔ Fully online specialty certifications:

• Orthopedics (Evidence in Motion)
• Sports PT (Institute of Athlete Regeneration)

💡 Pro Tips for Prospective Students

1️⃣ Verify CAPTE accreditation for any program
2️⃣ Clinical hours are non-negotiable - plan for in-person requirements
3️⃣ State licensing boards may have additional requirements
4️⃣ Hybrid programs offer the most flexibility for working students