How to Choose the Right Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program: 5 Things to Consider

Choosing the right Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program involves evaluating five key factors: location, academic quality, faculty experience, clinical education opportunities, and overall cost. Prospective students should also compare graduation and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) pass rates, class sizes, accreditation, and the types of clinical settings available to determine which program best aligns with their educational needs and career goals.

Dr. Jill Horbacewicz, the Chair of the Physical Therapy program and a professor at Touro University School of Health Sciences, knows firsthand how the right environment can shape a student’s path. “Finding the right program starts with discovering what matters most to you,” she advises. “Part of it comes down to personal preference, but there are also considerations that will shape your day-to-day experience and long-term success.”

How Important Is Location When Choosing a DPT Program?

For many people, location will play one of the biggest roles in determining where to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy. “Think about whether you’d prefer a suburban campus with green lawns where you commute by car or you’re looking for something urban where you are in a bustling area and can use public transportation,” suggests Dr. Horbacewicz. Ask yourself if it’s realistic to move away to go to school or if you’ll need to live at home or stay local for work or family. Being far away can be an adventure, but it can also mean a lack of a support system, so it’s important to consider.

Additionally, take some time to identify your career goals – like which field most interests you as a specialty and the area where you’ll want to practice as a PT. “You’ll want to think about clinical experiences,” she stresses. “Certain settings will have more options available to you. For example, you’re likely to find a wider variety of opportunities for clinical experiences in a metropolitan area.” However, if you plan to work in a more rural area, it might be beneficial to train in a similar environment.

What Should You Look for Academically in a DPT Program?

Every physical therapy program is a little different, so look for one that best aligns with your learning style and supports your success. “PT is a hands-on profession, so there has to be an in-person portion,” Dr. Horbacewicz says. “Some schools do it by distance learning with intense hands-on lessons, while others incorporate it into coursework throughout the term. Ideally, based on learning theory and the best way to retain what you learn, you want regular practice and scaffolding of the information as it builds rather than something that’s immersive and takes place less frequently, but think about how you learn best.”

She also recommends looking at a school’s pass rate. “When a student graduates, they   still can’t practice until they pass the national licensing examination,” she explains. “Those results are required to be published on a school’s website but you can also find them on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy site. That gives you a sense of how well prepared the graduates are.”

Why Does Faculty Experience Matter in Physical Therapy School

Faculty can make or break your experience earning your DPT, so do your research about the people from whom you’ll be learning. “Faculty members should be clinically active,” advises Dr. Horbacewicz. “You may want to look for someone who shares your area of interest, but more importantly, the program should have a variety of faculty specializations.” This ensures you’ll get a more balanced and well-rounded perspective.

She also recommends thinking about class size, which will affect how much interaction you’ll actually have with professors. “Many programs have large classes of 60, 70, or even 100,” she says, “but that changes the way professors teach and the way they test. When you have smaller classes, the faculty can get to know you as a learner and as a person – and can give mentorship and advice.”

What Clinical Experiences Should a DPT Program Offer?

The clinical experience you get when earning your PT doctorate will set the stage for your career, so finding the right fit is one of the most important criteria when selecting a PT program. Positive clinical experiences can open the door to career paths you hadn’t considered, while negative ones may end up reshaping your plans.

To learn more about the opportunities that will be available to you, Dr. Horbacewicz suggests asking:

• What types of clinical experiences are available?
• How many experiences will be available?
• How are clinical experiences distributed?
• What is required to successfully complete those rotations?
• What choice will I have in where I’m sent?

“Look for a program that alternates clinical experiences with learning,” she stresses. “That way, you can go out and apply what you’ve learned, come back to the classroom to learn more, and then go back out and do it all again.” She also notes that “more” doesn’t always equal “better,” particularly when it comes to weekly experiences. “When students get sent out once a week or for only one week at a time, they may end up observing versus gaining hands-on experience.”

How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost?

Tuition for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program can vary widely – and of course, there are also plenty of associated costs, from books to add-on fees, to housing if you’re attending a program far from home. Dr. Horbacewicz points out that you can compare the total costs of different programs by checking out the “Financial Fact Sheet” on each school’s website. “If you can, be realistic about tuition costs and the amount of your loans,” she advises. ” A more expensive school doesn’t necessarily translate to higher pay or a more prestigious job: Do your due diligence and look at PT salaries in the area where you plan to practice. Then, go on LinkedIn and look at where PTs are working and where they went to school. In many cases, you’ll find that students from expensive schools and affordable schools work together in the same places.”

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Touro University School of Health Sciences

Along with these considerations, Dr. Horbacewicz also recommends visiting a school to see what it has to offer. Checking out the campus and talking with alumni and faculty can give you a sense of the day-to-day experience. “There was one student who had planned to attend another substantially more expensive program in the area, but after visiting Touro, he changed his mind,” Dr. Horbacewicz shares. “Our tuition is lower than most private schools in New York, while still offering the highest quality, state-of-the-art campuses, and outstanding faculty.”

Touro’s CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program is offered at both the school’s Central Islip campus on Long Island and the Manhattan campus located in the heart of Times Square. As Dr. Horbacewicz explains, “Students get the best of both worlds with an urban option and a more suburban location. Either way, you’re in New York near some of the world’s most renowned hospitals and medical centers, with access to specialties you might not see everywhere.”

This prime location, along with Touro’s extensive partnerships, means that students here get world-class clinical experiences. Dr. Horbacewicz also reveals that students get to weigh in and share their preferences for the types of clinical experiences they’d like to have – which is something that doesn’t typically happen at larger schools.

The school also boasts an impressive faculty with extensive real-world experience in fields like neurology, orthopedics, and pediatrics. Plus, since Touro University limits class sizes to 35 students, professors can provide the kind of personal attention and mentorship that really helps students to thrive.

To learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Touro University School of Health Sciences, contact us today. We look forward to sharing more about how Touro can support your goals and help you achieve a rewarding career as a physical therapist.