Studying Physical Therapy Online

 

The university I used to work for recently announced its first hybrid doctoral program, a PhD in physical therapy. Very exciting, but really, physical therapy (PT)? It’s physical therapy, so doesn’t it need to be taught physically, in person? That’s exactly why the University of Utah created a hybrid program. The new program, starting in May 2023, will offer asynchronous lessons to cover basic concepts, weekly synchronous online student-faculty meetings, 1-2 weeklong in-person on-campus immersions each semester, and clinical placements near each student’s residence. The intent of the hybrid program is to empower students from any location to participate, while also honoring the practicality of the subject matter.

 

In the US, you need a PhD in physical therapy to be a licensed practicing physical therapist. That got me to wondering, are there other online PT programs? How do they handle the hands-on nature of physical therapy?

 

University of St. Augustine offers a “flex” physical therapy doctorate program. It combines online classes with in-person practice at clinical simulation centers (every weekend, with a choice of five campuses in Florida and Texas) and immersive virtual simulations.

 

Andrews University in Michigan offers a “transitional” Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Students in this program participate in in-person short courses, as well as independent study and distance learning.

 

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles offers a hybrid doctorate program. Students will attend classes on-line and in person, and can complete their clinical rotations in their local community.

 

Arcadia University in Pennsylvania offers a hybrid physical therapy PhD program. Students participate in live synchronous online classes and eight immersive in-person experiences. Additional clinical experiences will occur in  one of 250 facilities in the institution’s international network.

 

University of Michigan/Flint offers a transitional physical therapy doctorate program that is completely online, but does not lead to licensure. Courses run asynchoronously. Clinical experiences can be completed in the student’s local community.

 

Shenandoah University in Virginia offers a transitional physical therapy PhD program that is primarily online. In addition to an extensive online curriculum, students attend a short in-person class before graduation and must complete a capstone project (to build on their existing professional life).