Schools in Texas with Physical Therapy Programs: 5 Top Choices

Texas ranks 2nd in the nation for the number of physical therapists employed, with over 28,000 licensed professionals.

Top 5 Schools in Texas with Physical Therapy Programs

1. Texas Woman's University (TWU)
2. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW)
3. Texas A&M University (TAMU)
4. Baylor University
5. University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC)

Why Choose a Physical Therapy Program in Texas?

• High demand for physical therapists: The aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases are driving demand for qualified physical therapists.
• Excellent salaries: Physical therapists in Texas earn a median annual salary of $97,500, well above the national average.
• Strong academic institutions: Texas is home to some of the top physical therapy programs in the country, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and clinical training.

Featured Programs

Texas Woman's University (TWU)

• Program Length: 3 years (full-time)
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• Clinical Experience: 1,500+ hours of supervised clinical practice at a variety of settings
• Specialized Tracks: Orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric, and geriatric physical therapy

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW)

• Program Length: 3 years (full-time)
• Accreditation: CAPTE
• Clinical Experience: 1,400+ hours of hands-on training in various clinical rotations
• Research Focus: Strong commitment to research in physical therapy and rehabilitation science

Texas A&M University (TAMU)

• Program Length: 3 years (full-time)
• Accreditation: CAPTE
• Clinical Experience: 1,300+ hours of clinical internships at university-affiliated hospitals and clinics
• Interprofessional Education: Collaboration with students from other healthcare disciplines, such as medicine and nursing

Application Process

Admission to physical therapy programs in Texas is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as kinesiology or exercise science
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Strong foundation in math and science

Clinical Experience:

• Volunteer or paid experience in a healthcare setting
• Observation hours in a physical therapy clinic

Other:

• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• GRE scores (optional)

Career Opportunities

Physical therapists in Texas can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Nursing homes
• Schools
• Sports medicine facilities
• Private practices

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists in Texas is $97,500. The job outlook for physical therapists is very bright. Employment is projected to grow by 25% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Tips for Success

• Start early: Begin preparing your application materials well in advance of the application deadlines.
• Get involved in clinical experiences: Gain as much hands-on experience as possible in a physical therapy setting.
• Network with professionals: Attend physical therapy conferences and seminars to meet professionals in the field.
• Practice your interview skills: Prepare for common interview questions and practice answering them confidently.
• Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your qualifications and skills that make you a strong candidate for physical therapy school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of physical therapy school in Texas?
A: The cost of physical therapy school in Texas varies depending on the institution and program length. However, the average tuition and fees for a 3-year program range from $50,000 to $100,000.

Q: What are the job prospects for physical therapists in Texas?
A: The job outlook for physical therapists in Texas is very good. Employment is expected to grow by 25% from 2020 to 2030.

Q: What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physical therapist assistant?
A: Physical therapists have a master's or doctoral degree in physical therapy and are licensed to practice independently. Physical therapist assistants have an associate's or bachelor's degree and work under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Additional Resources

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA)
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Tables

Table 1: Top 5 Schools in Texas with Physical Therapy Programs

Table 2: Application Requirements for Physical Therapy Programs in Texas

Table 3: Career Opportunities for Physical Therapists in Texas

Table 4: Salary and Job Outlook for Physical Therapists in Texas