Becoming a licensed physical therapist is a rewarding yet rigorous journey that requires years of education and clinical training. As a physical therapy professional or practice owner, understanding the timeline of physical therapy school (PT school) is crucial—not only for hiring the right candidates but also for mentoring future physical therapists, optimizing internship programs, and managing staffing efficiently.
In this article, we will break down the complete educational path for becoming a physical therapist, including the time commitment, degree options, and how physical therapy professionals can leverage this information in their practice.
The journey to becoming a physical therapist typically spans six to seven years, including undergraduate studies, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, clinical rotations, and licensure. However, the exact duration depends on multiple factors, including the type of program chosen and any accelerated or specialized pathways pursued.
The first step toward becoming a physical therapist is earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as:
Time Required: 4 years (standard undergraduate program)
Students must complete prerequisite courses in subjects like anatomy, physiology, physics, chemistry, and psychology before applying to PT school. Some students may take an extra year to fulfill these prerequisites if they switch majors or pursue additional coursework.
After earning a bachelor's degree, aspiring physical therapists must enroll in a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited DPT program. A DPT program typically lasts three years, covering subjects such as:
Time Required: 3 years (standard DPT program)
DPT programs also include clinical rotations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Clinical rotations are integrated into the three-year curriculum, with students spending 22–38 weeks in clinical settings before graduation.
After completing physical therapy school, graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and meet state licensure requirements. Some physical therapists also pursue specialized certifications, which require additional coursework and exams.
Time Required: 3–6 months (licensure and optional certifications)
While the traditional seven-year route (4 years undergrad + 3 years DPT) is the most common, alternative pathways exist for those looking to enter the field faster or enhance their expertise.
Some universities offer a combined Bachelor’s and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (BS/DPT) program, which allows students to graduate in six years instead of seven.
Certain institutions offer freshman-entry DPT programs, allowing students to be admitted directly into PT school from high school.
For practicing physical therapists with a master’s degree, a t-DPT program offers an opportunity to upgrade their credentials to a doctoral level.
|
Education Level |
Duration |
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
4 years |
|
DPT Program |
3 years |
|
Licensure & Certification |
3-6 months |
|
Total Duration |
~7 years (traditional route) |
|
Accelerated BS/DPT |
~6 years |
|
Freshman to Doctorate |
~6 years |
|
Transitional DPT (t-DPT) |
1-2 years (for existing PTs) |
For practice owners and PT professionals, understanding these timelines is essential when hiring new graduates or mentoring students during internships.
The journey through physical therapy school is demanding, and once PTs enter the field, managing their professional growth efficiently becomes a priority. PtEverywhere, a leading physical therapy software, streamlines this transition and supports PTs and clinic owners by:
Whether you're a student, new graduate, or practice owner, PtEverywhere enhances efficiency and supports your journey in physical therapy.
The physical therapy school journey requires a commitment of six to seven years, but alternative pathways exist for those seeking an accelerated approach. Understanding the length of PT school helps physical therapy professionals and practice owners plan recruitment, optimize mentorship programs, and structure internships more effectively.
For PTs looking to streamline operations and improve efficiency in their clinics, leveraging PtEverywhere’s all-in-one physical therapy software can make a significant impact on workflow, patient care, and business growth.