Is Physical Therapy a Doctoral Degree?

Everything You Need To Know About the DPT

Is Physical Therapy a Doctoral Degree? The short answer is yes, physical therapy is a doctoral degree. However, it’s not the type of doctor profession that you’re probably imagining, and the educational pathway looks a bit different than a PhD. While the requirements are clear on what’s expected of aspiring physical therapists (PTs), changes in degree regulations have caused adjustments to what’s actually needed to enter this field.

We’re here to help clear up any misconceptions you may have about this physical therapy program and learn the ins and outs of all things Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

Is Physical Therapy Officially a Doctoral Degree Today?

Physical therapy education has drastically changed over the decades. While the DPT is required for physical therapy practice in the U.S. today, that wasn’t always the case. When the profession was first introduced, a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a certificate in physical therapy sufficed. As time passed, an entry-level physical therapy bachelor’s degree was introduced. Until recently, a master’s degree in this field was the highest level degree you could receive, and was required to practice physical therapy.

That changed in 2016, when the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) made the DPT the required degree for all its accredited entry-level physical therapist education programs. Why, you ask? The decision came down to a few different factors:

• Evolution of the healthcare system and patient complexity: As healthcare has changed, so have patients’ conditions and the technical standards. Advances in medical technology and treatment have improved survival rates, but they’ve also increased the need for more complex and involved patient care. With this shift, physical therapists can now manage patients with diverse medical histories, post-surgical needs, and complex functional limitations that require a deeper understanding of pathology and pharmacology.

• Expanded scope of practice and autonomy for PTs: Patients can seek physical therapy services without a physician referral due to this change, giving them more access to the care they need. Additionally, physical therapists can independently evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunction and determine the appropriate treatment plans.

• Increased need for advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based care: Modern physical therapy relies on an extensive knowledge base and skillset, which comes from obtaining the highest level of education. A doctoral curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and outcome measurement, which are all necessary for success in the industry.

• Enhanced benefits for patients and the profession: For patients, doctoral-level education means higher-quality care and improved operational safety. By following a doctoral curriculum, graduates can ensure they deliver comprehensive evaluations and treatment strategies.

What Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy?

A Doctor of Physical Therapy is the required degree for physical therapists who practice in the United States. This curriculum equips students with expert knowledge of exercise physiology, human movement, and hands-on techniques to help patients manage pain, rehabilitate body function, and enhance mobility, often following injuries. Health professionals in this role often work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and even patients’ homes.

In healthcare, a doctorate is the most advanced education you can receive, showing that you’ve mastered a specific medical practice and can either conduct new research or work directly with patients confidently.

So, is the DPT degree considered a real doctorate? Yes, it’s a clinical doctorate—or professional doctorate—that’s focused on applying existing knowledge rather than discovering new theories. Unlike a PhD, which is a research doctorate, a DPT prepares graduates to perform clinical work, including caring for patients, diagnosing problems, developing treatment plans, and providing guidance on movement science.

DPT vs PhD vs Older Physical Therapy Degrees

While a DPT and a PhD are both doctoral degrees, they have different career outcomes and slightly different educational pathways. A DPT is a clinical doctorate; it is not research-focused like a PhD. When you get a DPT to practice physical therapy, you become a clinician. When securing a PhD, you pick a topic you’re interested in researching and oftentimes teaching.

In similar fields like occupational therapy, a master’s degree is still adequate. However, the previous bachelor’s and master’s degrees focused on physical therapy are now outdated. If you’re wondering, “What’s higher, a master’s in physical therapy or DPT?” The answer is DPT. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) no longer accepts the master’s degree as sufficient for practicing.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers a direct-entry program that enables you to get a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in three years before going into the three-year doctoral curriculum. This cuts a year off of the traditional educational timeline, allowing you to enter the workforce earlier.

The DPT Pathway: Coursework and Timeline

When it comes to getting your DPT, there are two different pathways you can choose from when going to physical therapy school: the traditional or direct-entry route. The traditional post-baccalaureate physical therapy DPT program requires you to get a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited school. Then, you can apply to a three-year doctoral program, totaling seven years until completion.

At MCPHS, the three-plus-three direct-entry program allows you to get your DPT in just six years. During your first three years, you’ll complete prerequisite coursework like anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Then, your final three years will dive deeper into more complex topics like neuroscience and musculoskeletal care.

You’ll also provide care to real patients in our on-campus, pro-bono Balance, Movement, and Wellness Center, giving you hands-on experience to prepare you for the field. Not only that, but you’ll get hours of off-campus clinical experience through three full-time opportunities and a 10-week outpatient orthopedic role where you’ll get to take on work in a complex medical setting. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NAPTE), as well as your state's PT licensing exam, the final steps to becoming a licensed physical therapist.

Why Choose MCPHS for Your Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

The demand for physical therapy is growing, making top-tier education all the more important. At MCPHS, we offer physical therapy students access to:

• Clinically experienced faculty.
• Hands-on learning and early clinical education.
• Strong healthcare partnerships.
• Supportive learning environment and student resources.
• Active alumni network and career support.

As you make your decision about career path and schooling, ensure you select a college that has your back and your best interests while equipping you with all the tools and resources necessary to succeed in the medical industry.

By partnering with MCPHS, you’ll start on the pathway to a confident, clinical practice-ready PT career. Apply today!