Easiest Physical Therapy Schools To Get Into | Expert Guide

Getting into physical therapy school is actually a difficult one. Even if you have a good score, enrolling in any of the best physical therapy schools in the united states is not a sure thing.

So, not to worry in this article, we have curbed out the easiest PT schools you can get into in 2024 and an easy guide on how to get it.

Your interest to study in any of the easiest physical therapy schools in the united states can be a reality if you get in rightly.

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions that, aims to ease pain and help you function, move, and live better.

You will also need it to Relieve pain. Improve movement or ability. Prevent or recover from a sports injury.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a physical therapist is a trained and licensed medical professional with experience in diagnosing physical abnormalities, restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity and proper function.

During several years of training, physical therapists study areas such as biology, anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathology, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal studies.

Hence, the screening process in physical therapy schools has become rigorous and very competitive. This makes it really difficult for students to gain admission. However, some of these schools have less rigorous admission processes than others.

In other words, we understand your desire to become a physical therapist. Hence, this article on the easiest physical therapy schools to get into this 2024 should guide you to weigh your options, apply correctly, and start your career as a physiotherapist by enrolling for the program.

Before we continue, let’s go through the table of content below to get an overview of what the article entails.

Why Is Physical Therapy School Important?

Physical therapy schools have come a long way since the profession was introduced almost a century ago.

However, as a PT earned more attention as a viable health care method, more physical therapy schools cropped up and certificates and bachelor’s degrees were born.

Then, master’s degrees in PT soon followed, but today, all accredited schools offer one outcome: The Doctor of Physical Therapy(DPT).

Transitional DPT (t-DPT) programs are designed to help practicing physical therapists increase their knowledge base.

Also, improve their skills in evidence-based practice and better understand the business of physical therapy.

Furthermore, PT enhances your clinical skills and learn the latest advances in physiotherapy, Also earning a PT/transitional DPT prevents you from lagging behind.

In addition, to the importance students not only learn in a real-life setting under the supervision of a licensed PT but are expected to be immersed in a diverse environment.

Check Out: Best Physical Therapy Schools in the World

How Hard is it to Get into Physical Therapy (PT) School?

Most might ask, is pt school hard to get into? Physical Therapy PT school is not for the faint of heart.

So, if you’re wondering if it’s difficult to get into physical therapy school, this article will answer your questions.

We’ll provide you with tons of information that will help you understand the obstacles you can face if you want huge go to physical therapy school.
But don’t worry; getting into a physical therapy program is perfectly achievable, and much easier when you know what you’re up against.

While getting into PT school is statistically difficult (about 16 percent admission or acceptance rate), it’s a lot simpler when you know the qualifications and what you’re up against in terms of competition.

Many applicants are turned down because they do not meet the minimum requirements of the schools to which they apply.

If you want my short and candid opinion, here it is: Getting into physical therapy school is the most difficult element of the process.

It took most interviewed candidates three years to get accepted, but once they did, I smashed it they stood out in every class, including writing and passing the national board exam (NPTE) three months ahead of schedule.

Many of the candidates testified that their experiences are similar to mine in this way. So, if you get in, it’s possible that the most difficult part is already done.

See Also: 10 Best Physical Therapy Internships Programs In 2024

How Easy Is It To Get Into A Physical Therapy School?

This kind of health care professional is an expert in diagnosing and counteracting mobility problems.

Physical therapy is a good field of study. So, as I said early on, physical therapy schools are difficult to get into, yet there are some schools where you don’t necessarily need a very high score to gain admission. Some of these schools are accredited, while some are unaccredited.

So, going to any of the unaccredited schools all in the name that you are in search of the easiest PT schools to get into it will affect you in the long run.

This is because it is statistically unlikely that you would be able to pass the national physical therapy exam or NPTE and obtain a license to practice in the state where you intend to work, just because your school is not accredited.

And even if you pass the exam, the issue might be the employment problem because hospitals and people generally believe that schools that are not accredited are not up to the standard which leads to employment issues.

Furthermore, even though you succeed to get a job, believe me, the salary will be poor just like an undergraduate student’s salary. So, to avoid this, you should avoid the low-ranked schools even though it is still difficult to get into.

However, from this article, you will see the easiest Physical therapy schools you can get into that offer low GRE scores and GPA scores with high acceptance rates and are still accredited.

Read this How can I become a Massage therapist in 2024? Schools, Cost Programs & Salary

What are the Chances of Getting into Physical Therapy School?

You should also expect to work hard in classes that are both mentally and physically challenging. They’re also fierce competitors.
From a pool of 200 to 600 applications, many colleges select only 30 pupils.

To be admitted into a physical therapy graduate program, you must discover ways to gain experience and work hard.

Typically, programs require roughly 100 hours of observation in a range of settings.
Look for volunteer or paid opportunities to work with a professional physical therapist.

Look around for nearby hospitals, physical therapy clinics, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities where you can gain observational experience.

These experiences are frequently required as part of a program’s requirements. Ensure that the licensed therapist you observe verifies your hours.

Check Out: 21 Best Masters Degree Scholarships for Physical Therapy Students

What Are The Admission Requirements of A PT School?

If you want to enroll in PT school in the United States and become a physiotherapist, it is important you know the most important PT school admission requirements. This will help you prepare efficiently before applying to any school.

GPA Requirement

Physiotherapy schools generally require that you have completed or be in the process of completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree. So, for your admission into any school, you will need your GPA score from your undergraduate study which is very important.

Furthermore, the higher your GPA, the most likely you can get into any physiotherapy school in the United States.

Generally, most physiotherapy schools in the United States accept a minimum of 3.0 GPA as part of the requirements.

Admission Test(GRE)

GRE test score is also an important requirement for gaining admission into any physiotherapy school in the US.

However, the average admitted GRE scores generally run about 155 for the verbal section, 154 for the quantitative section, and between 4.0 and 4.5 for the writing section.

CASper Test(Online)

CASPer is an online test that assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of the PT program and will complement the other tools that we use for applicant screening.

An Applicant’s Volunteer Experience

A number of volunteer or work hours under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist is a frequent prerequisite of PT programs.

Even if the institution you wish to attend does not offer them, I recommend putting in some time. It will make your life a lot easier at school. Make an effort to practice for 50 to 100 hours.

It’s entirely up to you and your goals where you acquire this experience. You should strive to gain experience in the field in which you intend to work in the future, although this is not always possible.

Rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care institutions, and fitness programs are examples of good places to gain real-world experience.

Letter Of Recommendation

If you’re serious about becoming a physical therapist, you’ll need these. Perhaps not all schools will require them, but believe me when I say that they are a lifesaver.

Obtain at least two letters of recommendation from licensed physical therapists and two letters of recommendation from upper-level lecturers.

Two References

You will need two references as part of the admission requirement, which will be from two different physical therapists.

Can you Get into PT School with a Low GPA?

Yes, you can get into PT School with a low GPA, but this totally depends on your GPA score.

The truth is, most schools will not let you enroll unless you have a GPA of at least 3.0. But don’t stop at 3.0; try to push it as near to 4.0 as you can.

The greater it is, the better your chances of getting into a physical therapy program.

To enhance your GPA score, it’s advisable to take new classes that you can ace in order to raise your GPA or repeat classes that you failed.

One thing I can’t tell you, is the path part to take that will be ideal for you, but if you didn’t perform well in a class like anatomy mentioned earlier, you should retake it. It’s all knowledge that will be useful while you’re in physical therapy schools.

Here are PT Schools that accept low GPA requirements:

• The University of Illinois at Chicago
• Daemen College
• CSU Northridge
• Bellarmine University
• AT Still University
• East Tennessee State University
• Emory & Henry College
• Regis University
• Shenandoah University
• Southwest Baptist University
• Touro University
• University of Kentucky
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

What are Physical Therapy Schools with a 2.5 GPA Requirement?

If you think physical therapy is the perfect vocation for you, you should start planning your application as soon as possible.

A minimum grade point average is required in most DPT programs. These minimal scores vary by institution and may be low when compared to the average GPA of those who are accepted.

This means, that there are physical therapy schools that have GPA requirements as low as 2.5.

They include:

• The University of Illinois at Chicago
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• East Tennessee State University
• University of Kentucky
• University of Mary

What Are Physical Therapy Schools Acceptance Rates Like?

The PT school acceptance rates are a very important admission factor to consider when you’re applying to any physical therapy school, especially in the United States. Acceptance rates are most times a reasonably good proxy for how we can rank PT schools.

The more desirable a school is, the more people apply to them. But the issue arises when the school is too picky, in such a situation, any physical therapy school that has low acceptance rates can be considered as best.

Though these schools can not be so easy to get into, especially when the schools have a high acceptance rate. However, the average acceptance rate for best physical therapy schools is 31.76%

For this reason, the acceptance rate is one of the factors used to measure the World Rankings of Best Physical Therapy Schools.

What Are The Easiest Physical Therapy(PT) Schools To Get Into?

PT schools grant you the opportunity to fully become a physiotherapist and these schools are easy to gain admission into.

However, we made out time to compile a list of the easiest PT schools to get into in 2024. Also, we made this list in different categories based on different states in the USA. So if you are in Texas, California, and Canada, you can easily find the best PT school that will suit you.

Ranking Factors

In order to properly rank the easiest physical therapy schools to get into, we used the following factors

Acceptance Rate: In this article, we consider schools that have the highest acceptance rate. Because the higher the acceptance rate, the easier it is to get into the PT school.

GPA Score: We also consider any of the schools with a low GPA score, which is automatically easy to get into.

Graduation Rate: Here we consider schools that have the highest graduation rate. Because the higher the graduation rate, the easier students graduate from PT schools without delay.

Here is a comprehensive list of the 2024 ranking of the Easiest PT Schools to Get Into:

• University of Delaware
• University of Pittsburgh
• Creighton University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Emory University
• Northwestern University
• University of Iowa
• MGH Institute of Health Professions
• U.S. Army-Baylor University
• Duke University

Check this Easiest Law Schools to Get Into in 2024 | Expert Guide

#1. University of Delaware

Acceptance Rate: 66%
GPA Score: 3.77
Graduation Rate: 94.34%

The University of Delaware has been ranked Number 1 in the list of best physical therapy schools.

The University of Delaware is a private-public research university located in Newark, Delaware. UD is the largest university in Delaware.

It offers three associate’s programs, 148 bachelor’s programs, 121 master’s programs, and 55 doctoral programs across its eight colleges.

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to advance physical therapist practice by providing outstanding entry-level and post-graduate education, translating science to deliver quality clinical services, leading federally funded rehabilitation research, and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and leaders of our profession.

In addition, The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2. University of Pittsburgh

Acceptance Rate: 59%
GPA Score: 3.0
Graduation Rate: 82%

The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation is the second-best accredited physical therapy school.

Also, the school is an international leader in rehabilitation and disabilities education, research, and community service.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) at the University of Pittsburgh is among the best physical therapy schools in the world.

The school is known for its excellence in academic and clinical education, and high-impact, multidisciplinary research. Also, The school has been leading the way to help people of all ages and stages of life to overcome movement, function, and mobility challenges.

In addition, The SHRS is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

#3. Creighton University

Acceptance Rate: 71%
GPA Score: 3.74
Graduation Rate: 99%

The Creighton University School of Medicine is the graduate medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, the United States. It was founded in 1892.

A new satellite campus opened in 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, becoming the first Jesuit medical program west of Omaha. 

However,  All matriculating students complete pre-clinical coursework in Omaha, and 42 third-year students complete their clinical rotations in Phoenix, with elective options at both campuses during their fourth year.

Furthermore, the school is accredited regionally by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Arctic Physical Therapy Scholarship – U.S and Canadian College Students

#4. Washington University in St. Louis

Acceptance Rate: 15%
GPA Score: 4.15
Graduation Rate: 94%

Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university with its main campus mostly in unincorporated St. Louis County, Missouri, and Clayton, Missouri. Founded in 1853.

The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy is leading in advancing human health through movement, integrating interdisciplinary research, outstanding clinical care, and education of tomorrow’s leaders to drive optimization of function across the lifespan.

The Program in Physical Therapy has pioneered a unique, movement-based approach to physical therapy. 

Also, Washington University physical therapy has been ranked as the fourth-best PT school. In addition, the school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

#5. Emory University

Acceptance Rate: 19%
GPA Score: 3.78
Graduation Rate: 91%

The school is the fifth-best school for physical therapy.

Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Emory was founded in 1836 as “Emory College” by the Methodist Episcopal Church and was named in honor of Methodist bishop John Emory.

However, the Department of Physical Therapy has been a destination of choice for many prospective physical therapy students.

There is something about the program that promotes exceptional skills, creativity, reflectivity, and humanity while instilling self-confidence as students transform into outstanding professionals.

Furthermore, the mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to cultivate the well-being of individuals and global communities through exemplary leadership in physical therapy education, discovery, and service.

In addition, the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees.

#6. Northwestern University

Acceptance Rate: 8%
GPA Score: 4.09
Graduation Rate: 94%

Northwestern University is the sixth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. It was founded in 1851.

The Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University maintains the richest possible educational environment for students to acquire training in physical therapy.

However, the school is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research, and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.

In addition, Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

You can also read this: 13 Best Physical Therapy Schools In California In 2024

#7. University of Iowa

Acceptance Rate: 83%
GPA Score: 3.76
Graduation Rate: 72%

The University of Lowa is the seventh-best school that offers physical therapy training.

The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest and the second-largest university in the state.

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences offers a unique learning environment in a leading medical education center. 

However, The department consists of faculty members who are dedicated clinical educators and scientists who embrace the department’s mission to advance the health of humankind.

So, through the faculty members’ clinical teaching skills and commitment to advancing new knowledge in physical therapy, students are artfully mentored to meet the challenges facing health care today.

In addition, the school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission(HLC).

#8. MGH Institute of Health Professions

Acceptance Rate: 50-60%
GPA Score: 3.0
Graduation Rate: 96.6%

MGM Institute of Health Professions is the eighth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions (The MGH Institute) is a private university centered on the health sciences and located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1977 by Massachusetts General Hospital.

However, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares physical therapists to be successful practitioners and leaders in complex and evolving health care systems.

In other words, they emphasize critical thinking and clinical decision-making, collaborative team-based care, and lifelong learning to accomplish the goal.

The school is accredited by theTNew England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

#9. U.S. Army-Baylor University

Acceptance Rate: 30%
GPA Score: 3.25
Graduation Rate: 98%

U.S. Army-Baylor University is the ninth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

The military physical therapy program is located at the historic Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and is the Home of Military Medicine.

Students are awarded a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Baylor University upon completing our program. Also, Program applicants do not need to be in the military to apply. 

The current class size is 26 students and they complete 124 semester hours in didactic and clinical education during the program.

In addition, the school is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

#10. Duke University

Acceptance Rate: 10%
GPA Score: 4.03
Graduation Rate: 100%

Duke University is the tenth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day town of Trinity in 1838.

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an inclusive community of scholars engaged in the discovery, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge in the optimal care of patients and instruction of learners.

However, students’ team experience programs allow them to gain hands-on clinical experience under the direction of a skilled clinician.

Also, the faculty pursue research through innovative clinical practices, educational research, improving diagnostic accuracy, and more.

In addition, Duke University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

What is the Easiest DPT Program to Get Into?

Before seeking to know the easiest DPT School to get into, it’s important to understand the minimal admissions standards for DPT programs before applying so that you can choose programs that are a good fit for you.

Some admissions requirements, such as interviews and letters of recommendation, may not be anything you should be concerned about until you begin applying (you should be thinking about who might write your letters of recommendation).
Other requirements, such as minimum GPAs, GRE exam scores, and PT observation hours, necessitate prior preparation in order to reach your objectives.

So, here is the easiest DPT program to get into in 2024:

• University of California-San Francisco
• Texas Woman’s University
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences
• University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
• University of Illinois College of Applied Health Sciences

DPT Programs with Low GPA Requirements

The dreaded GPA (grade point average) standards are without a doubt the biggest roadblock in the way of students who want to go to DPT school (in the United States and in Canada).

With the firsthand knowledge we’ve garnered about this situation, we urge you to keep reading if you want the best advice.

We’ve gathered a list of school statistics on GPA and observation hour requirements, as supplied by the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service, to help you prepare for program applications (PTCAS).

• AdventHealth University
• Alabama State University
• Anderson University
• Chapman University
• College of Saint Mary
• Clarke University
• D’Youville College

Easiest PT Schools to Get into in Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S both by landmass and population. As a huge state, a lot of quality physical therapy schools established their campuses in this state.

Citizens of this state have a high interest in education, especially in the area of medicine.

However, below are the 13 easiest schools in Texas you can get into:

• Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
• Texas State University College of Health Professions
• Archer College of Health and Human Services
• Mayborn College of Health Sciences
• College of Health Sciences – University of Texas-El Paso
• Hardin – Simmons University College of Health Professions
• School of Health Professions – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• School of Health Professions – the University of Texas – Medical Branch at Galveston
• University of the Incarnate Word School of Physical Therapy
• School of Health Professions – University of North Texas Health Science Center
• School of Health Professions – University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center
• College of Health Sciences – Texas Woman’s University
• School of Health Professions – University of Texas – Health Science Center at San Antonio

What are the Easiest PT Schools to Get into in California?

California is one of the biggest states in the U.S. There are over 39 million residents in California as it is home to the headquarters of many international companies.

However, you can attend any of the top pt schools in California, but you need to understand that they are very competitive. So, for that reason, you need a strong GPA and GRE score to have a chance of getting admission.

Below is a list of the easiest schools in California you can get into:

• The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
• San Francisco State University
• California State University, Fresno
• California State University, Long Beach
• University of Southern California
• California State University, Northridge
• Samuel Merritt University
• California State University, Sacramento
• Chapman University
• Saint Mary’s College of California
• Azusa Pacific University
• University of the Pacific
• Western University of Health Sciences

Easiest Physiotherapy School To Get Into In Canada

Physical therapy is a regulated profession in Canada. This means that by law you are required to be licensed to practice.

Also, physiotherapists’ jobs are high-demand occupations in Canada.

Below is a list of the easiest schools in Canada you can get into:

• McMaster University
• Queen’s University
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• The University of British Columbia
• The University of Alberta
• Western University
• The University of Saskatchewan
• University of Manitoba
• Université de Montréal
• McGill University
• Université de Sherbrooke
• Université Laval
• Dalhousie University
• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, getting admission into a physical therapy school can be quite difficult and very competitive, but doing the necessary things by preparing efficiently and getting your admission requirements ready is a step for you to get in easily.

However, I believe this article on the easiest PT schools to get into will help you in choosing rightly.

FAQS

REFERENCE

• OSMIFW.com – Importance of Physical Therapy
• Marshall.edu – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
• USnews.com – Best Graduate Schools/ Physical therapy Ranking

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