Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Staff physical therapist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a staff physical therapist. Staff physical therapists usually study physical therapy, biology, or kinesiology. 61% of staff physical therapists hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 5,286 real staff physical therapist resumes to see exactly what staff physical therapist education sections show.
The most common colleges for staff physical therapists are the Northeastern University and the Northeastern University.
There are also many online staff physical therapist courses to help get the education required to be a staff physical therapist.
There are certain staff physical therapist certifications that you should consider. These staff physical therapist certifications include Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) and Lymphedema Technician Certification.
What education do you need to become a staff physical therapist?
What degree do you need to be a staff physical therapist?
- Bachelor's, 61%
- Master's, 18%
- Doctorate, 17%
- Associate, 2%
- Other Degrees, 2%
What should I major in to become a staff physical therapist?
- Physical Therapy, 70%
- Biology, 7%
- Kinesiology, 6%
- Other Majors, 13%
Most common colleges for staff physical therapists
| Staff physical therapist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 12.79% |
| Ithaca College | 9.35% |
| Boston University | 7.44% |
| University of Pittsburgh | 7.25% |
| Temple University | 5.53% |
Best majors for staff physical therapists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physical Therapy | 70.2% |
| 2 | Biology | 6.5% |
| 3 | Kinesiology | 6.4% |
| 4 | Health Sciences And Services | 3.7% |
| 5 | Psychology | 2.7% |
Best colleges for staff physical therapists
The best colleges for staff physical therapists are Northwestern University, Tufts University, and Loyola Marymount University.
A staff physical therapist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for staff physical therapists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become staff physical therapists.
1. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Enrollment
15,201
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$8,987
Enrollment
18,946
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
6. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,382
Enrollment
5,597
7. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Enrollment
34,564
8. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
In-state tuition
$53,399
Enrollment
7,356
9. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
10. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Enrollment
31,503
20 best online courses for staff physical therapists
Advertising disclosure
1. Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale
Acute stroke is a time-dependent medical emergency. In acute ischemic stroke, the first objective is to restore brain flow using sistemic thrombolytic treatment and, in patients with large vessel occlusion, by endovascular treatment. In hemorrhagic stroke there are also specific treatments that can improve the clinical outcome. The sooner the initiation of all these therapies the higher the clinical benefit. Thus, the organization of Stroke Code systems coordinated between emergency medical...
2. The Critical Role of IT Support Staff in Healthcare
This is a very exciting time to be exploring a career in Health IT Support! In this introductory course, you’ll learn about various roles in IT support that are common in healthcare. IT support staff play critical roles in many different healthcare venues. In addition to helping clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms, you may end up providing support in a skilled nursing facility, ambulatory surgical center, virtual care setting, or even a patient’s home! On any given day, you may interact...
3. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...
4. Deep Tissue Massage: Neuromuscular Therapy Certificate
Neuromuscular Therapy is a highly effective form of Deep Tissue Massage for pain relief (2 CEUs)...
5. Trauma Emergencies and Care
Welcome to Trauma Emergencies and Care. In this course, you will learn about some of the mechanics and physics of trauma on the human body, and how this can cause injury. You will continue to expand your new vocabulary with medical terminology, and learn how to describe the different injuries you may see. You will also learn about the trauma system itself- and when it is important to transport patients to a trauma center. Then we will dive into specific injuries based on what part of the body...
6. Operations and Patient Safety for Healthcare IT Staff
Now that you've been introduced to the world of Health IT and the important role played by electronic health records (EHRs), we'll focus on other technologies that play a role in maintaining ongoing operations in healthcare. Telemedicine, patient portals, barcode scanners, printers, and medical devices are just some of the technologies that impact providers and patients. As an IT support specialist, you’ll be asked to troubleshoot issues with a wide variety of tools. You'll see a scenario with...
7. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy
Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...
8. Colombian Wood Therapy Course - Maderoterapia
Learn how to use Colombian Wood Therapy to help your clients reduce cellulite and melt fat...
9. Wilderness First Aid - Introduction
In this course, students will learn the basics of wilderness medicine, including how it is a unique clinical environment, and concepts of scene safety. They will learn how to perform a basic assessment of a patient, including a physical exam, gather history data using the SAMPLE approach, and how to evaluate a patient for a potential spinal cord injury...
10. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
11. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...
12. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
13. Colour Therapy Practitioner Certification
Learn to use the power of colour to promote health and wellbeing...
14. Bowen Therapy NO MASSAGE Healing Certificate Course (8CEU)
An incredible NO MASSAGE remedial therapy for massage therapists or anyone else that wants to learn how to heal people...
15. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course 4 CE
Learn Cupping Therapy Massage Today to Treat Your Own Pains, Your Friends, Family Or Massage Clients Effortlessly!...
16. Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Therapy & Sound Healing Training
Learn How To Become A Sound Healing Therapist Using Tibetan Bowls. Learn How To Work One-On-One With Clients...
17. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
18. Professional Cupping Therapy & Massage
Professional and comprehensive course of cupping techniques and applications...
19. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Certificate Course (6CEU)
Manual lymphatic drainage massage will change your massage practice. Learn how to do this powerful massage technique...
20. Certification in Sound Therapy & Sound Healing - Accredited
Become professional therapist / healer Fully Accredited Professional Sound Healing / Sound Therapy Certificate...
Top 10 most affordable universities for staff physical therapists
The most affordable schools for staff physical therapists are Brigham Young University, hunter college of the city university of new york, and florida international university.
If the best universities for staff physical therapists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for staff physical therapists.
1. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
2. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
3. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
4. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
5. University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO • Private
In-state tuition
$9,283
Cost of attendance
22,243
6. SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,625
Cost of attendance
24,718
7. Augusta University
Augusta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$8,604
Cost of attendance
20,618
8. San Jose State University
San Jose, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,796
Cost of attendance
24,514
9. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
10. Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$7,292
Cost of attendance
20,387
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for staff physical therapists
The hardest universities for staff physical therapists to get into are Northwestern University, Tufts University, and Loyola Marymount University.
Some great schools for staff physical therapists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for staff physical therapists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,461
3. Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,321
4. Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
51%
SAT average
1,395
5. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
6. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
7. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
8. University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
59%
SAT average
1,367
9. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,304
10. SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • Private
Admissions rate
42%
SAT average
1,326
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for staff physical therapists
The easiest schools for staff physical therapists to get into are AdventHealth University, notre dame de namur university, and d'youville college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a staff physical therapist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for staff physical therapists.
1. AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,016
2. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
3. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
4. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
5. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
6. Ottawa University
Ottawa, KS • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,024
7. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
8. Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, CT • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
931
9. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
10. Clarke University
Dubuque, IA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
1,058
Average staff physical therapist salary by education level
| Staff physical therapist education level | Staff physical therapist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $78,307 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $74,313 |
| Doctorate Degree | $76,478 |
Staff physical therapist education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common healthcare practitioner and technical questions.
Search for staff physical therapist jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025