How long does it take to get your doctorate in physical therapy?

The length of time it takes to get a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) varies depending on the institution and the program structure, but it typically takes three years of full-time study after completing a bachelor's degree. Some DPT programs may offer accelerated tracks that can be completed in as little as two and a half years, while others may require four or more years.

Here's a general overview of the timeline for obtaining a DPT:

1. Undergraduate education: Before starting a DPT program, you must complete an undergraduate degree. Common undergraduate majors for aspiring physical therapists include exercise science, kinesiology, biology, and health sciences. The undergraduate coursework typically includes prerequisites in math, science, and social sciences.

2. DPT program: The DPT program is typically three years long and consists of both classroom instruction and clinical experiences. The classroom component covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. The clinical experiences provide hands-on opportunities to work with patients under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

3. Residency: After completing the DPT program, some physical therapists choose to complete a residency. Residencies are typically one year long and provide advanced clinical training in a specific area of physical therapy, such as orthopedics, sports physical therapy, or pediatrics.

Upon successful completion of the DPT program and any required residency, you will be awarded a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) degree and will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapist.