Top Physical Therapy Schools (US)

The University of Southern California (USC) has long been recognized as one of the premier institutions for physical therapy education, consistently ranking at the top of the U.S. News & World Report Graduate Schools ranking. Its physical therapy program is highly respected for its comprehensive curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and cutting-edge research in the field of rehabilitation medicine. USC’s physical therapy program is part of the university's Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, which is also ranked first in the nation by U.S. News for its graduate-level programs in physical therapy. This division has earned a reputation for training some of the most highly skilled and knowledgeable physical therapists in the country.

USC’s commitment to excellence in physical therapy education is underscored by its top-tier faculty, many of whom are leaders in their fields of research and clinical practice. The program at USC is designed to prepare students for a wide range of clinical settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practices. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical expertise, and the integration of new research findings into daily clinical care. USC students benefit from extensive clinical education, with numerous partnerships with hospitals and healthcare centers in the Los Angeles area, providing them with a diverse range of hands-on experiences.

Beyond the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, USC also offers advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Biokinesiology, which allows students to delve into research and contribute to the advancement of physical therapy practices and techniques. This Ph.D. program is one of the first of its kind in the nation, offering a unique opportunity for students who wish to pursue a career in academic research or clinical innovation. The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at USC is particularly well known for its pioneering work in the areas of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, and sports medicine.

In addition to its DPT program, USC also offers an Executive DPT program designed for practicing physical therapists who wish to further their education while continuing to work in clinical practice. The Executive DPT program allows students to gain advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills that will help them advance in their careers. With its commitment to providing top-tier education and research opportunities, USC continues to be a leader in physical therapy education, preparing students for successful careers in the healthcare industry.

The University of Pittsburgh is another top-ranked institution for physical therapy education, consistently placing among the top two programs in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report. The University of Pittsburgh’s physical therapy program is housed within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, which also offers a variety of other programs in rehabilitation science. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), ensuring that it meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive set of physical therapy programs, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science. The DPT program at Pittsburgh is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the clinical setting. It includes a combination of coursework, laboratory work, and extensive clinical rotations, allowing students to develop a strong foundation in the theory and practice of physical therapy. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making, and prepares students to handle the complex and diverse needs of patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program at the University of Pittsburgh is designed for licensed physical therapists who already have a degree in physical therapy and wish to earn a doctoral degree. The t-DPT program is delivered online, providing flexibility for working professionals who want to enhance their skills and advance their careers. The program is ideal for those seeking to move into leadership roles, improve their clinical expertise, or engage in research and academic pursuits.

In addition to its clinical programs, the University of Pittsburgh also offers a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science, which focuses on research in physical therapy and rehabilitation. This program is designed for students who wish to contribute to the development of new therapies, interventions, and technologies in the field. Students in the Ph.D. program work closely with faculty members on research projects and gain a deep understanding of the scientific principles that underpin physical therapy practice. The Ph.D. program at Pittsburgh is one of the few in the country that focuses specifically on rehabilitation science, and it provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become leaders in the field of physical therapy research.

Washington University in St. Louis is also tied for second place in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best physical therapy programs, sharing the distinction with the University of Pittsburgh. Washington University’s Program in Physical Therapy, part of the School of Medicine, is widely regarded as one of the top programs in the country. The program has a rich history of excellence in teaching and research, and it is known for its commitment to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in a variety of clinical settings.

The Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and provides students with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and clinical practice. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical education, with students participating in multiple clinical internships throughout their education. Students have the opportunity to work with patients in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, and they receive individualized mentorship from faculty and clinical instructors.

In addition to its DPT program, Washington University also offers a Ph.D. in Movement Science for those interested in pursuing a career in research. The Ph.D. program at Washington University is designed to train students to conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as biomechanics, motor control, and rehabilitation science. Students in the Ph.D. program work closely with faculty members on research projects, contributing to the development of new treatments and interventions for patients with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.

Overall, the University of Southern California, the University of Pittsburgh, and Washington University in St. Louis are widely recognized as the top institutions for physical therapy education in the United States. Each of these universities offers a range of high-quality programs that provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to become successful physical therapists. Whether students are interested in a traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, a transitional DPT program for licensed therapists, or pursuing advanced degrees in rehabilitation science, these institutions offer some of the best education and training in the field. For students who are serious about a career in physical therapy, these universities represent the gold standard in education and research, and they continue to shape the future of physical therapy practice.

Ranking of Top Physical Therapy Schools:
1. University of Southern California
2. University of Pittsburgh
2. Washington University in St. Louis
4. University of Delaware
5. US Army-Baylor University
5. University of Iowa
7. Arcadia University
7. MGH Institute of Health Professions
7. Northwestern University
7. University of Miami
11. Emory University
11. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
13. Duke University
13. University of California–San Francisco/San Francisco State University
15. New York University
15. University of Florida
15. University of Illinois–Chicago
15. University of Maryland–Baltimore
19. Creighton University
19. Marquette University
19. Ohio State University
19. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
19. University of Utah
24. Boston University
24. Texas Woman’s University
24. University of Kansas Medical Center
24. University of Texas Medical Branch–Galveston
24. Virginia Commonwealth University
29. Northern Arizona University
29. Regis University
29. University of Alabama–Birmingham
29. University of Washington
33. Columbia University
33. Mayo School of Health Related Sciences
33. University of Colorado–Denver
33. University of Nebraska Medical Center
33. University of Wisconsin–Madison
38. University of Kentucky
38. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
38. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
41. Ithaca College
41. Ohio University
41. Simmons College
41. St. Louis University
41. Temple University
41. University of Central Arkansas
41. University of Indianapolis
41. University of Montana–Missoula
41. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
41. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center–Dallas
41. University of Vermont
52. Belmont University
52. Indiana University–Indianapolis
52. Sacred Heart University
52. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
52. University of Missouri–Columbia
57. Drexel University
57. Eastern Washington University
57. Old Dominion University
57. Pacific University
57. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
57. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–Camden/UMDNJ
57. St. Ambrose University
57. Stony Brook University
57. Texas State University–San Marcos
57. University at Buffalo–SUNY
57. University of Connecticut
57. University of Michigan–Flint
69. Bradley University
69. Chapman University
69. College of St. Scholastica
69. East Carolina University
69. Medical College of Georgia
69. Medical University of South Carolina
69. Northeastern University
69. SUNY–Upstate Medical Center
69. Samuel Merritt College
69. Thomas Jefferson Univ
69. Uni of North Dakota
69. Uni of Puget Sound
69. Uni of South Carolina–Columbia
69. Uni of South Florida
69. Uni of Tennessee–Chattanooga
69. West Virginia Univ
85. Armstrong Atlantic State Univ
85. College of St. Catherine
85. Elon Univ
85. Quinnipiac Univ
85. SUNY–Downstate Medical Center
85. Texas Tech Univ Health Sciences Center
85. Uni of Evansville
85. Uni of Rhode Island
85. Uni of Texas Health Science Center–San Antonio
85. Uni of the Pacific
Source: U.S. News & World Report 2009 Edition