Top Hybrid Physical Therapy Degree Programs

What Is a Hybrid Physical Therapy Program?

Here, we’ll discuss the important aspects of hybrid physical therapy programs. You’ll know the reasons for choosing them, their best features, and ways to fund your studies. We’ll also feature 10 of the best hybrid programs for your consideration.

What are hybrid physical therapy (PT) programs in the first place? Their typical features include:

• Combine online courses and in-person clinical experiences for a well-rounded education
• Offer maximum flexibility, convenience, and accessibility for non-traditional students
• Provide more affordable education than on-campus programs

Candidates complete online courses via lectures, discussions, and readings. Every program uses a specific learning management system (LMS) for this purpose. Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle are among the most popular.

Then, candidates complete in-person skills labs and clinical rotations in diverse settings. In-person patient simulations in approved healthcare facilities are common, too.

Who are hybrid PT programs best for? If you’re looking for flexible scheduling, you’re an ideal candidate. The following individuals also enjoy the benefits of these programs.

• Working professionals
• Parents and caregivers
• Career changers
• Individuals in rural, remote, and underserved areas
• Military and veteran students

Regardless of your background, you must be a self-motivated learner to thrive. Your determination and discipline are crucial to your success.

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• Top Hybrid Physician Assistant Degree Programs
• What to Expect in a Hybrid Degree Program
• Is a Physical Therapy Degree Worth It?

Why Choose a Hybrid Program for PT?

Of course, on-campus and fully online PT programs have their merits, and you can choose either one, too. But if you think of hybrid programs as getting the best of both worlds, you’ll consider them first.

Flexibility for online learners

You can access your learning materials anytime, anywhere from an Internet-connected device. Then, you can work on your assignments and projects at your own time. (But remember that weekly deadlines are a serious thing)

In other words, you have maximum scheduling flexibility with online courses. You can achieve a good work-life balance while meeting your academic obligations.

Same degree as fully in-person programs

Even your diploma won’t have the word “hybrid” or “online” printed on it. Instead, it will only be “Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)”. This is because hybrid and on-campus DPT programs usually have the same curriculum.

In short, different delivery methods, same education and training.

Often more affordable or time-efficient

Many hybrid programs offer affordable online tuition and fees. This is a primary factor in their affordability. Then, hybrid programs also feature reduced campus fees and indirect costs. There’s less travelling to be done, too.

In the end, you can save both time and money in a hybrid program. But, of course, you must be proactive in saving money, such as applying for financial aid.

What Makes a Top Hybrid Physical Therapy Program?

The top physical therapy degree programs didn’t get there, so to speak, by accident. These programs share major features that contributed to their prestigious reputation.

Accreditation

Active regional accreditation is a must – it’s an assurance of quality, among others. Then, the program itself must have CAPTE accreditation. (Check the Directory of Physical Therapy Programs for this purpose.)

If a program doesn’t have CAPTE accreditation, its graduates may be ineligible to sit for the NPTE. Passing the NPTE, the PT profession’s certification exam, is required for licensure.

Quality of online instruction

The best hybrid programs are known for their rigorous coursework and clinicals. Candidates learn via engaging multimedia content delivered via user-friendly platforms. The faculty have exceptional credentials, are skilled in virtual teaching, and are approachable.

In-person support and clinical placement success

Online learning has its merits, but in-person learning experiences are crucial, too. The best hybrid programs have strong clinical placement services. Effective student support services for online students are also available.

Cost and financial aid availability

Cost is a significant concern for aspiring PTs for a good reason. Costs vary widely but range from $2,000 to $190,623 (APTA Total Cost of Education Comparison). 

Many candidates take out student loans to cover their expenses, too. Graduates of DPT programs owe an average of $142,489 in student loan debt (APTA).

Financial aid can cover most of these costs and, thus, lessen the need for student loans. Federal aid, scholarships and grants, and work-study programs are available.

Top 10 Hybrid Physical Therapy Programs

Arcadia University

The private, non‑profit university offers some of the best hybrid PT schools. Candidates enjoy the combination of flexible online learning and rigorous in-person clinicals. The faculty members are capable and approachable, too, which boosts student engagement.

• Degree offered: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Format: 26 months. Primarily online coursework. Eight scheduled on-campus immersions and clinical rotations.
• Estimated tuition: $20,180/semester. Financial aid is available.
• Notable features:
  • Innovative patient-centered curriculum
  • Synchronous and asynchronous classes
  • Effective academic advising services and tech support
  • Strong clinical placement services

Graceland University

Graceland is considered the Best in the Midwest for good reasons. Indeed, it offers one of the most affordable PT degree programs in the US.

• Degree Offered: DPT
• Format: 2 years. Online courses and in-person lab immersions. Full-time enrollment/
• Estimated Tuition: $17,640/trimester (6 trimesters). Financial aid available
• Notable Features:
  • Accelerated curriculum with a strong emphasis on community impact and leadership
  • Candidates must develop collaboration skills, adaptability, and social responsibility
  • Designed for aspiring movement systems experts

Baylor University

The private Baptist research university has among the best online physical therapy schools. The program consists of 50% online learning, 20% hands-on training, and 30% clinicals. The balanced approach is ideal for working professionals, too.

• Degree offered: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Format: 24-26 months.
• Estimated tuition: $19,500/trimester (6 trimesters). Financial aid is available.
• Notable features:
  • 99.5% NPTE pass rate
  • Extensive student support and career development services
  • Strong faculty mentorship and student engagement
  • Christian mission-driven curriculum

University of Utah

Utah offers among the best physical therapy programs with clinicals, too. Its innovative curriculum, uniform tuition, and evidence-based clinicals are top-notch.

• Degree offered: DPT
• Format: About 36 months. Online courses (asynchronous and live sessions), lab immersions, and clinicals.
• Estimated tuition: $93,300 total program tuition
• Notable features:
  • 99% first-time NPTE pass rate
  • Offers an accelerated two-year option
  • Emphasizes evidence-based practice
  • Strong clinical placement support services
  • Full-time enrollment

University of Southern California

USC’s program is considered an excellent choice in accredited hybrid PT programs. Candidates enjoy the strong research emphasis and career support services. Graduates are knowledgeable, capable, and adaptable, as well as service-oriented practitioners.

• Degree offered: DPT
• Format: 35 months. Online courses combined with on-campus immersions and in-person clinicals.
• Estimated tuition: $84,023/year for Years 1 and 2. $50,763/year for Year 3. Additional fees apply. Financial aid is available.
• Notable features:
  • Nationally-ranked program
  • Expert faculty offers quality instruction and mentorship

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

This is the newest of the featured DPT hybrid programs with a Fall 2025 launch. The hybrid format features the rigorous on-campus eight-semester curriculum.

Candidates, however, learn via synchronous and asynchronous courses. The program features 12 in-person immersive lab sessions. Candidates learn from expert faculty and clinicians, too.

• Degree offered: DPT
• Format: 33 months (8 consecutive semesters).
• Estimated tuition:  $12,280/semester (in-state and out-of-state). Other fees apply. Financial aid is available.
• Notable features:
  • Customizable research and clinical tracks
  • Strong emphasis on rural and underserved populations

University of Kansas

KU offers a hybrid program that provides flexibility without sacrificing its quality.

• Degree offered: DPT
• Format: 36 months. Online courses and on-campus lab immersions. Full-time enrollment
• Estimated tuition: $66,333 total tuition and fees (in-state); $134,290 (out-of-state)
• Notable features:
  • Remote labs and flipped lectures
  • Same curriculum as the on-campus program
  • Early clinical integration starting in the second semester
  • Dual-degree options available (e.g., DPT + MBA or MHSA or PhD in Rehabilitation Science)

Tufts University

Tufts offers an accelerated program for highly motivated individuals. The full-time curriculum allows candidates to choose their clinical location. Choices include Boston, Phoenix, or Seattle, among others.

Candidates enjoy holistic support from day one, which contributes to their success. Tufts provides academic coaching and counseling services. Candidates learn from their professors and peers, thanks to learning communities. 

• Degree Offered: DPT
• Format: 28 months (7 semesters). Online courses and in-person clinicals.
• Estimated Tuition: About $41,680 total. Financial aid available
• Notable Features:
  • Early and diverse clinical training experiences
  • Focus on health equity and community engagement

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

HU provides its DPT candidates with a cutting-edge curriculum. The program welcomes diverse students, such as working professionals and career changers.

• Degree Offered: DPT
• Format: Three years. Online learning, hands-on lab sessions, and 32-week clinical rotations
• Estimated Tuition: $91,545 total (Spring 2026 cohort)
• Notable Features:
  • Integrates simulation exercises and experiential learning experiences
  • Strong emphasis on interprofessional education and digital health integration

University of North Texas Health Science Center

The hybrid program features the same curriculum and requirements as the on-campus program.

• Degree Offered: DPT
• Format: 33  months (8 semesters). 6-week online courses with alternating in-person immersion labs
• Estimated Tuition: $11,106 (Fall and spring, in-state); $19,900 (out-of-state). Financial aid is available.
• Notable Features:
  • High pass, graduation, and employment rates
  • Low student‑faculty ratio
  • Focus on rural health and underserved populations

Tips for Paying for a Hybrid PT Program

Effective financial planning is a must before entering your PT studies. Setting a realistic budget is a start. Then, explore every possible financial aid for physical therapy students. Here are the best ways to fund your DPT aspirations.

FAFSA and federal aid options

File your complete and accurate FAFSA before the deadline. It’s the gateway to federal aid – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. Many state-based and need-based student financial aid programs also use the FAFSA.

Scholarships specific to physical therapy students

Explore scholarships for PT programs, too, offered by professional organizations, such as:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Scholarships
• Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

School-based grants or tuition waivers

Ask your college’s financial aid office about:

• College-wide and program-specific scholarships and grants
• Tuition waivers
• Tuition discounts for military and veteran students, among others

Many of these financial aid programs aren’t widely advertised, so it pays to ask.

Work-study or part-time study options

Earning while learning is a good way to fund your DPT studies, too. Consider part-time enrollment, too, so you can still work while studying.

How to Choose the Right Hybrid PT Program for You

Each of the featured hybrid PT programs above is an excellent choice. But not every program will align with your interests, resources, and goals. Here are tips to consider so you can make the right choice for yourself.

• Look at the regional and programmatic accreditation first. Again, a CAPTE accreditation is a must.
• Consider the curriculum. Read the course descriptions and outcomes. Look for intensive preparation for success in the NPTE.
• Ask about the clinical requirements and locations. Check if it’s close to your work or home, if that’s what you want. Inquire about clinical placement and support services, too.
• Consider the cost of attendance. Tuition and fees aren’t the only costs in a DPT program. Account for the indirect costs, too, including in-person costs. Then, explore your financial aid options available.
• Ensure that the course format and schedules accommodate your busy schedule.

Don’t forget to look into the student support services, too. Academic advising, virtual office hours, and tech support are a must.

Check the alumni outcomes, too. The higher the NPTE pass rates, the better your chances. Strong job placement and alumni networking opportunities are also welcome.

To Conclude: Finding the Balance Between Flexibility and Quality

Earning your DPT degree is only the start of bigger, brighter things for your career. Once you become licensed, you’ll enjoy high demand and salaries.

Physical therapists earned $101,020/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024). Their diverse workplaces include home healthcare services, nursing and residential care facilities, and hospitals. The projected job growth for PTs is 14%, much faster than average (BLS, 2023-2033).

But it’s crucial to choose the right hybrid program to start on the right foot. Always choose based on your interests, finances, and goals, not on what others say is what’s best for you.