Many practicing physical therapists have made it to their current position with different twists and turns in their career paths. The requirements for becoming a physical therapist in the United States, however, have narrowed a bit in the last 10 years. Physical therapists are now required to complete a doctorate in physical therapy before they can practice.
You do have some other options for working in the field of physical therapy. This article defines the medical abbreviation DPT and provides an introduction to this degree as well as other requirements for careers in physical therapy.
What does DPT stand for?
DPT stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy. It’s a three-year doctoral degree that’s specific to the physical therapy field. Classes in a DPT program might include in-depth studies of anatomy, physiology, sports science, neurology, pharmacology and more. Many DPT programs also require a capstone research project.
Students in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs don’t have to complete traditional residencies or fellowship programs. However, they do have to complete clinical rotations in which they work closely with licensed PTs.
So does graduating with a DPT mean that you’re a physician? Not quite. DPT programs are different from those that are required of medical doctors (M.D.s) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s).
What else should I know about DPT programs?
A DPT program is a considerable investment of time, money and energy. Licensing authorities in virtually every state require new PTs to complete a program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). However, each program offers a unique student experience and involves different costs. Make sure you have a good understanding of your options and choose a learning environment where you’ll feel at home. It can be hard to narrow down a short list of programs to apply for.
The following are some things to consider when choosing between DPT programs:
- Variety in clinical rotation opportunities
- Research opportunities
- Faculty experience
- Student support
- Graduation and job placement rates
- Career preparation
- Alumni networking
- Teaching methods
- Updated facilities
Most DPT students graduate with student loans. Before you commit to a program, get a clear understanding of your financial responsibility and plan how you’ll manage your tuition costs after graduation. The median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in May 2023. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have some other financial goals, such as owning a car, buying a house or having children. Take time to explore the scholarships, awards and financial aid that are available through schools and other organizations.
What’s the admissions process like for DPT programs?
Your DPT application will likely include some basic questions about you and your academic history. Most schools will require you to submit a personal essay about the unique qualities you’ll bring to their program, letters of recommendation or references, transcripts of your undergraduate coursework, and records of any required observation hours. Some require prospective students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is a prerequisite test for programs in any area of study. Your grade point average (GPA), community involvement and test scores may all factor into each school’s decision along with the content of your application essay and letters of recommendation. Many schools use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), which allows you to apply to multiple participating schools at the same time.
Most DPT programs require students to earn a bachelor’s degree or complete four years of college-level classes before they apply. Others offer a 3+3 curricular format in which students take three years of specific preprofessional (undergraduate/pre-PT) courses and three years of professional DPT program coursework.
A few programs offer freshman entry, recruiting students directly from high school into a seven-year program where they will earn both their bachelor’s degree and their DPT. High school students accepted into these programs can automatically advance into the professional phase of the DPT program as long as they meet the program’s requirements, such as a minimum GPA.
What else will I need to become a physical therapist?
Besides your DPT, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in your state and pay any applicable licensure and application fees. Some states have additional requirements for practicing physical therapists. Check with your state’s licensing authorities to find out if there’s anything else you’ll need to do.
If you want to practice in multiple states, you should check out the PT Compact. This is an agreement between participating states that creates a more streamlined licensing process. You’ll have to obtain licensure in your home state first and then pass the jurisprudence exam in the state where you want to have an additional license. If one of the states you want to practice in isn’t participating, you’ll have to apply for a separate license in that state. The PT Compact is a great option for those who want to become travel PTs.
What are my other options for a career in physical therapy?
You may have noticed that some physical therapists don’t have the letters DPT at the end of their names. Physical therapists who completed their education before 2015 don’t necessarily need a DPT degree. However, PTs are now required to complete a doctorate in physical therapy before they’re allowed to practice.
If a doctoral program isn’t right for you, you may choose to pursue a physical therapist assistant (PTA) degree. The average length of a PTA program is typically five semesters or two academic years. The coursework doesn’t cover as many topics, and the clinical requirement is usually shorter than what DPT programs require. To work as a PTA in the United States, you must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant education program and pass the NPTE to become licensed in the state where you want to practice. The national median salary for PTAs was $64,080 in 2023, so you’d make a significant amount more with a DPT.
You can earn even more if you decide to pursue a specialty in a particular area of physical therapy. To do this, you must have a valid license and at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area of your choice; in addition, 500 (25%) of these hours must have occurred within the last three years. Specialty councils within the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) may have other unique requirements as well — for example, evidence of competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency care.
Ready to begin your physical therapy career? Keep Alliance PTP in mind
Alliance Physical Therapy Partners firmly believes that partnership means creating something greater than the sum of its parts. That’s why we support PTs through every stage of their career, beginning with students in DPT programs. Check out opportunities at Alliance PTP for clinical rotations, shadowing and volunteer work.
Becoming a part of the Alliance PTP community while you’re in school can give you a running start for your career after graduation. We want to help our partners serve the people in their communities better by developing amazing PT team members and admin staff. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for hardworking individuals who want:
- A less hectic daily schedule than most PT providers require
- Exceptional health, retirement and wellness benefits
- Readily available mentorship and professional development opportunities
- To be part of a team that’s committed to caring for its patients and the local community
Want to learn more about the current career opportunities available at Alliance PTP’s partnership in care? You can view job openings from all of our partner clinics in our career portal.
