16 Easiest Physical Therapy Schools to Get Into

The physical therapy field is said to be one of the fastest-growing occupations in the world, and colleges and universities across the world are ready to prepare the next generation of care providers.  Also, there are countless of the easiest physical Therapy Schools to get into in the world today.

Physical therapy degrees combine excellence in teaching with state-of-the-art laboratories, facilities, and equipment, providing the best for students in theory and practice.

If you want to get into the best PT school with the easiest admission requirements, in this article, we will take a look at the best and easiest physical therapy schools to get into and what you need to know about them.

Related: List Of The Best Physical Therapy Schools In Texas 

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Physical therapy, also called physiotherapy, is a medical specialty that deals with the prevention of disability, the promotion of optimal health, and the restoration of movement and physical function impaired by injury or disability. It utilizes therapeutic exercise and physical modalities (such as massage), assistive devices, and patient education and training.

Physical therapy professions can help clients recover from injuries, relieve pain, maintain health, and prevent future injuries. 

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WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF PT SCHOOLS?

The requirements of PT schools vary based on the school and the location of the school. However, the average requirements for PT schools in the world are as follows:

1. GPA REQUIREMENT

Generally, physical therapy schools require that you have completed or are in the process of completing a four-year bachelor’s degree. So for admission to any physical therapy school, you will need your GPA from your undergraduate studies.

The minimum GPA for physical therapy schools in the United States is 3.0 (some schools may require a higher GPA).

2. GRE REQUIREMENT

Many physical therapy programs require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Physical therapy schools that require the GRE may have a minimum acceptable score. 

This test evaluates your verbal and quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills. If your school requires you to take the GRE, start studying about three months in advance.

3. A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION AND TWO REFERENCES

Many Physical therapy schools in the world require at least two letters of recommendation from certified physical therapists and two letters of recommendation from top lecturers. This may not be necessary for all schools, but it is a lifesaver.

You will also be required to provide two references from two different physical therapists.

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WHAT IS THE HIGHEST DEGREE IN PHYSICAL THERAPY?

When it comes to degrees in physical therapy, the highest level a student can earn in the field is Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and that requires many years of study on top of various research projects that need to be published in the respective field. 

Earning such a degree is quite incredible, and students that graduate at this level become experts in their field. Also, the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete.

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TOP 16 EASIEST PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOLS TO GET INTO

Here is a list of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into:

1. UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

The University of Kentucky comes in first among the easiest Physical Therapy Schools to get into. The physical therapy program at the University of Kentucky strives to develop competent physical therapy practitioners who have the necessary knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life of their patients and clients.

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2. AT STILL UNIVERSITY

easiest physical therapy schools to get into
Source: atsu.edu

AT Still University is a global leader in education, research, and preparing physical therapy students. It is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

ATSU‘s physical therapy department is one of the best in the world and is well recognized for its academic and clinical excellence, as well as its commitment to promoting the health of society by educating physical therapy students in a supportive learning environment centered on whole-person healthcare.

Faculty members of the ATSU physical therapy department are consistently acknowledged for their personal interactions and accessibility, which create a supportive learning environment. Acceptance to the Physical Therapy Program at AT Still University: 31%

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3. UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 

The University of Pittsburgh is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based public research university. It was established in 1787. It is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) is ranked among the world’s best physical therapy schools. The school is well known for its academic, clinical, and research excellence. It is ranked #1 in physical therapy in the United States.

It’s physical therapist education that leaves a legacy of excellence, spanning more than 90 years. The success of the physical therapy program is fueled by a passion for moving the field forward, advancing research, and creating evidence-based practice. Admission to the University of Pittsburgh is easy, as the school has an acceptance rate of 59%.

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4. UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

The University of Delaware is a Newark, Delaware-based land-grant research university. It was established in 1743 and is the state’s largest university. It is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

The University of Delaware offers three associate degrees, 148 bachelor’s degrees, 121 master’s degrees, and 55 doctoral degrees across its eight colleges. The university’s physical therapy program is one of the highest-ranked in the country, dedicated to providing didactic and clinical education that emphasizes lifelong learning.

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5. UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

easiest physical therapy schools to get into
Source: uiowa.edu

The University of Iowa of Iowa is one of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into. Also, the school is a leader in education, research, and medical education. 

The University of Iowa Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science is ranked among the top physical therapy schools in the nation and provides ongoing educational opportunities for students. Education is enhanced by close association with the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, one of the nation’s largest university-owned hospitals. 

The department is made up of faculty members who are expert clinicians and scientists who believe in the department’s mission to advance human health. 

The department has a 100% graduation rate, a 100% employment rate, a 100% licensure first-time examination pass rate, and a 100% licensure ultimate examination pass rate.

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6. TOURO UNIVERSITY

Touro University is a private Jewish university based in New York City, New York. It was established in 1971 and is a global leader in health sciences and education. It is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

The physical therapy program at Touro University aims to train and educate physical therapists who are as compassionate as they are capable. The program has a strong history of progressive methods that focus on the human body and provide a multitude of effective treatments. 

The curriculum is designed to help students advance their skills; students will develop observation, communication, motor control, and strength. They will learn the essential functions necessary in the practice of physical therapy.

7. BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY

Bellarmine University is one of Kentucky’s oldest and best physical therapy education providers in the world. The university offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which prepares students for licensure and practice in the field of physical therapy. Also, it is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

The program is an integral part of the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences (SMRS), the physical therapist professional community, and the local healthcare delivery system. Dedicated to excellence in physical therapist education and service by providing comprehensive academic and clinical experiences for diverse and talented students.

8. EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

East Tennessee State University is a Johnson City, Tennessee-based university. It was founded in 1911 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in the region and beyond.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

The university prepares physical therapy practitioners who embody lifelong learning, collaboration, and leadership in order to improve the health of individuals in the region and society. The DPT program is offered by the Department of Physical Therapy and runs for three academic years. 

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9. EMORY UNIVERSITY 

Emory University is an Atlanta-based private research university. It was established in 1836 and named in honor of Methodist Bishop John Emory. It is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

The Division of Physical Therapy at Emory University is committed to providing the highest quality of education in physical therapy practice, with a mission to promote individual and global community well-being. 

10. NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

easiest physical therapy schools to get into
Source: northwestern.edu

Northwestern University is an Illinois-based private research university. It was established in 1851, and it is the oldest chartered university in Illinois.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Northwestern University is set in a premier academic medical environment where discovery and integration of new knowledge with education and clinical practice are priorities. 

The university is dedicated to educating and training the next generation of physical therapists and scientists who will advance clinical professional practice and movement sciences to promote wellness and optimal health outcomes for the patient, the community, and society. 

11. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The University of Southern California is a Los Angeles-based private research university. It was established in 1880.  It is the oldest private research university in California and also one of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy is ranked among the top physical therapy schools in the nation. It is dedicated to educating and preparing the next generation of physical therapists by integrating research and clinical practice with the classroom.

The division grants doctoral degrees in physical therapy (DPT) and biokinesiology (PhD), as well as master’s degrees in biokinesiology.

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12. SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Southwest Baptist University is a Bolivar, Missouri-based private Baptist university. It was established in 1878 and is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention. The school is one of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

Southwest Baptist University takes pride in its Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which prepares students for their career as physical therapists and provides them with the knowledge and skills needed for patient management, education, consultation, and clinical research. 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Southwest Baptist University is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

13. DUKE UNIVERSITY

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three-year, full-time program that results in a comprehensive foundation in the science and art of physical therapy. The mission of the program is to develop the next generation of professional leaders. It is focused on personalized treatments that help clinicians understand and promote the health of individual patients. 

Undoubtedly, Duke University is among the easiest physical therapy schools to get into. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Duke University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 

14. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Established in 1958, the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Florida is ranked sixth in the nation among graduate programs in physical therapy at public universities by U.S. News and World Report. 

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program provides the required education necessary for graduates to take the professional license examination and embark on a professional career in physical therapy.

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15. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY 

easiest physical therapy schools to get into
Source: nyu.edu

NYU offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become skilled physical therapists. Students will master the theoretical and hands-on skills needed to prevent, detect, and treat movement-related illnesses and injuries. 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program consists of 133 credit hours and runs for 3 years. The mission of the program is to prepare physical therapist students for licensure. The school boasts a 98% national licensure examination pass rate.

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16. CSU NORTHRIDGE 

CSU Northridge is a Los Angeles, California-based public university. It was established in 1958 and is one of the largest comprehensive universities in the United States in terms of enrollment size. Also, it is one of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into.

CSU Northridge’s department of physical therapy is dedicated to preparing competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence-based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing healthcare environment. The department offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a three-year, full-time program designed to prepare students for licensure as physical therapists. 

ARE PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOLS WORTH IT?

Yes! Physical therapy school is worth it. Physical therapy is considered to be a very safe treatment option for different chronic conditions. If you are passionate and interested in pursuing a career that helps patients heal or makes a positive difference in a patient’s life, physical therapy might be the best option for you to consider. 

HOW LONG ARE PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOLS?

Physical therapy school generally takes two and a half  to three years to complete. The D.P.T. is a nine-semester, basically three-year, full-time graduate program. 

WHAT ARE THE EASIEST PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOLS TO GET INTO?

Some of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into include University of Kentucky, AT Still University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, University of Iowa, Touro University, Bellarmine University, East Tennessee State University, Emory University, and more.

CONCLUSION 

To become a professional physical therapist, you need to enroll in an accredited school. Also, there are several physical therapy schools that offer students the best physical therapy education. This article has listed some of the easiest physical therapy schools to get into, and we hope they are helpful to your search.

REFERENCE

  • Wikipedia.org
  • Worldscholarshub.com
  • Karmerpower.com
  • Usnews.com

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