Physical Therapy Schools in Texas: Physical therapists assist patients in leading active, healthy lives. Many persons with impairments experience an improvement in quality of life thanks to the use of prescribed exercise and hands-on care. Patients are instructed by these medical specialists on the workouts that are most appropriate for their unique circumstances. The advantages of PT are beneficial in a variety of settings, including medical facilities, clinics, and sporting venues.
Students must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy program from a recognized institution and pass the licensing test in order to practice. These courses cover topics like biology, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, pharmacology, and behavioral sciences. These programs typically last three years. Students in PT also learn about non-technical subjects like communication and ethics. After completing coursework in the classroom and a lab, students apply their expertise through clinical rotations.
As the population ages and the need for services increases, there will likely be a continued high need for PT practitioners. Because of this, several thorough programs instruct students on how to become successful physical therapists. Texas is not an exception to the rising need for PT services, with almost 20,000 active physical therapists and 30 recognized institutions.
It can be difficult to choose the best program with so many excellent options available. According to US News’ rating of physical therapy programs, these are the top 10 physical therapy schools in Texas.
Physical Therapy Schools in Texas
10. University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso, TX)

A community-centered mentality, critical thinking skills, and professional core values are all developed in PT students at UT El Paso. This method equips graduates to progress the field of physical therapy and improve community health.
The highly qualified professors at UTEP strive to set an example for students. Professors exhibit leadership in the field of physical therapy at all levels. Faculty members guide students in research and evidence-based practice outside of the classroom.
Associate professor and program director Dr. Gurovich has assumed the position of temporary editor-in-chief of the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal.
The modern Campbell Building serves as home to the PT program. The Human Anatomy Teaching Laboratory and the hospital simulation lab are available for student use. These cutting-edge facilities enable physical therapy students to exercise in “real life” circumstances and hone essential skills.
9. Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, TX)

The American Physical Therapy Association was a professional organization that all Hardin-Simmons PT students were a part of in 2019. With this accomplishment, the university received the Reach100 Platinum Award and free access to the core courses for the telehealth credential. Since 2011, 100% of students have passed the certification exam and joined APTA.
In their first week at HSU, physical therapy students start learning through practice. The HSU PT missions were started to offer free medical treatment to community members outside of clinical experiences. Students get the chance to practice physical therapy on patients who struggle to get the care they need.
Success in the profession has been experienced by HSU physical therapy students from the first graduating class in 1997. Within a year of graduating, every PT graduate who passes the national licensing exam has a job. Alumni work in both clinical practice and research across the board.
8. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
It takes PT students at UT San Antonio 1,360 hours of supervised clinical practice. Acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and neurological rehabilitation are all covered by these full-time clinical affiliations. Physical therapy students take engage in a specialized rotation spanning fields including pediatrics and sports medicine in order to develop their professional interests.
Together with instructors from the health professions, physical therapy students can take part in research. Physical activity and function, community health, the prevention and management of chronic illnesses, and critical care are among the study topics that are required. The School of Health Professions offers programs to promote publications and spread research in addition to resources.
One UT San Antonio research effort aims to investigate how holistic programs affect the wellbeing of cancer survivors. Physical therapy students thoroughly evaluate patients in conjunction with the Institute for Health Promotion Research to select the most appropriate treatment.
7. University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth, TX)
The University of North Texas Health Science Center offers PT students a comprehensive curriculum in modern physical therapy. The program has a strong emphasis on healthcare for underprivileged people together with a research-focused setting. Several locations around the world, particularly rural communities and Malawi, provide clinical internship opportunities.
Two laboratories specifically for the department of physical therapy are located on the UNT campus. The 2,300 square foot Human Movement Performance Lab include force plates, motion analysis devices, and simulation tools. The Functional Mobility Assessment Lab is a testing facility for people with balance issues. Around $500 000 has been spent by UNT on PT research.
PT students are supported in the classroom in addition to having great chances for research and clinical practice. Physical therapy professionals will provide guidance in each class because of the low student-to-faculty ratio.
6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock, TX)
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center strives for excellence in physical therapy education and patient care. The PT program was rated the best in the country for three years running according to polls of student satisfaction. Students studying physical therapy at TTUHSC are equipped to use their clinically acquired knowledge to enhance patients’ health.
The university’s extensive 3-year lock-step program is renowned. The curriculum equips students with a solid foundation in basic science and the most recent clinical procedures through its 100 credit hours. Also, students are exposed to a variety of practice areas within the industry.
Within six months of passing their licensing exam after graduating, 100% of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center students secure employment. Students go on to work for hospital systems, outpatient clinics, educational institutions, acute care hospitals, and sports medicine clinics. Graduates of TTUHSC with physical therapy degrees have numerous chances to advance their professions.
5. Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
Physical therapy students at Texas State University have the chance to study under professors who have made contributions to academia and the field. Professors put students first by providing assistance and consideration. The Barbara Melzer Endowed Professorship was established to honor professors who contribute to the program’s family-friendly environment.
The TSU Community-Access Physical Therapy Clinic is a clinic run by students that provides free services. The Round Rock staff offers physical therapy based on scientific facts. The clinic offers PT as well as therapies for orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.
Via the program’s industry partners, physical therapy students will have access to a variety of resources. The TSU physical therapy program is supported by a number of organizations, including 3M, Central Texas Medical Center, DARCO Medical Technologies, and Wake Pharma US.
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4. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX)
Students studying physical therapy can take advantage of several intriguing options at the Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center. The vibrant city serves as a hub for business, the arts, and medical innovation. The Parkland Memorial Hospital and the Aston Ambulatory Care Center are just two of the amazing resources available to students on campus.
PT students at UT Southwestern have the chance to work at Camp John Marc during their second summer session. Throughout the summer, PT students put their newly learned abilities in practice by caring for campers who have neuromuscular illnesses. Students learn about the difficulties that families and patients encounter on a daily basis through this unique experience.
Students at UT Southwestern can keep developing their medical knowledge even after they graduate. The institution has five residency programs, ranging from neurological physical therapy to prosthetics and orthotics.
3. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (Galveston, TX)
Several programs are available at UTMB Galveston for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom in real-world situations. An educational organization called the Student Physical Therapy Association volunteers in the community to represent the PT profession. By continuing their study outside of the classroom, students offer the essential care.
Over the course of the academic year, mission trips are available for students who want to use their abilities in a global context. Peru, Haiti, and Guatemala are just a few of the places where students engage in service and volunteer-based learning. Every day, more than 200 patients get outpatient rehabilitation therapy at the Clinic Saint-Esprit in Haiti.
At UTMB Galveston, third-year physical therapy students are required to finish capstone projects based on actual patient cases from their clinical rotations. At Research Day, they demonstrate their work to instructors and peers. Students get the abilities they will need for their future employment as a result of their work.
2. Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX)
Physical therapy students at TWU receive training from experts in the field. Teachers at one of the best institutions in the country have put in countless hours of practice, study, and instruction. Professors actively participate in local, state, and national Physical Therapy Associations to support the industry. A number of people have also been recognized for their dedication to the industry with awards.
At TWU, clinical education enables students to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting. The university has about 400 sites across the country where PT students can receive clinical education. Students can follow their professional interests thanks to the variety of clinical settings available.
Alumni from TWU use their knowledge to encourage patients’ health and wellness. They have the requisite technical knowledge to practice PT thanks to the program’s exceptional reputation and outstanding lecturers. Patsy Shropshire developed a program to promote fitness in local communities using her training in physical therapy from TWU.
1. Baylor University (Fort Sam Houston & Waco, TX)
Students at Baylor receive the training they need to handle the difficulties of working as a physical therapist. The field’s only program of its kind, the accelerated PT program enables students to finish the course work in just two years. With the use of online discussions, practical laboratory sessions, and clinical instruction, instructors instruct students using a blended learning strategy.
Via the Doctorate Program between the Army and Baylor University, the highly regarded PT department at Baylor also seeks for candidates to become officers. Students acquire their physical therapy degree in addition to their basic officer initial entrance training. Graduates are qualified to work as military physical therapists and active-duty officers.
By participation in faculty-led research projects, both Baylor physical therapy programs provide several opportunities for student research. The Baylor community focuses on maximizing illness prevention and treatment for conditions including neuromusculoskeletal disorders using cutting-edge facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does it take in Texas to become a physical therapist?
The D.P.T. is a full-time, nine-semester, three-year graduate program. The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education has approved the program. After receiving their degree, graduates are qualified to sit for the licensure exam.
How do I get a PT license in Texas?
Physical therapists in Texas are required to complete a four-year bachelor's degree at a recognized institution before enrolling in a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program.
What are Physical Therapists Salaries in Texas?
In Texas, a physical therapist can expect to make roughly $99,040 per year.
Is Becoming a PT Challenging?
The path to becoming a physical therapist is not easy.
Years of advanced education are necessary, as is admission to a physical therapy program that is quite competitive. For instance, completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a requirement for employment as a physical therapist.
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