Best Physical Therapy Programs in New Jersey

Updated on February 7, 2024

New Jersey has several highly-ranked physical therapy programs that produce skilled and licensed physical therapists ready to help patients regain movement and manage pain. The top PT schools in New Jersey offer rigorous curriculums centered around anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and evidence-based treatment plans. Graduates boast competitive licensure exam pass rates and strong career prospects. This list highlights ten standout DPT programs based on metrics like admissions selectivity, affordability, and student outcomes.

Rutgers University – School of Health Professions

Location: Newark, NJ

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 10%

Tuition: $32,764 per year (in-state), $42,960 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $98,383 (New Jersey)

Website: shrp.rutgers.edu

Rutgers’ DPT program is highly competitive, with a rigorous science-heavy curriculum focused on developing skilled clinicians. The program boasts strong ultimate licensure exam pass rates and prepared graduates ready to practice in various healthcare settings. Rutgers also offers combined DPT programs for athletic training, exercise science, and biology majors.

Seton Hall University

Location: South Orange, NJ

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 9%

Avg SAT Score: 1220

Tuition: $39,000 per year

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: www.shu.edu/academics/gradmeded/doctor-physical-therapy

Seton Hall University has an innovative DPT curriculum fusing classroom learning and clinical rotations from year one. Early clinical exposure allows students to cement hands-on skills while developing relationships within the PT community. Seton Hall stresses service learning and producing well-rounded, ethical practitioners.

Kean University

Location: Union, NJ

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 20%

Tuition: $16,394 per year (in-state), $23,634 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: www.kean.edu/academics/doctor-physical-therapy-dpt

Kean University offers an affordable in-state DPT program focused on evidence-based practice and developing real-world clinical skills. Students benefit from the program’s on-site teaching clinic serving local communities. Kean also facilitates clinical rotations across various NJ practice settings, giving graduates robust experience.

Stockton University

Location: Galloway Township, NJ

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition: $16,842 per year (in-state), $25,274 (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: stockton.edu/graduate/physical-therapy

Stockton University’s DPT program emphasizes developing competent entry-level clinicians skilled across the lifespan. The program includes 32 weeks of clinical rotations across outpatient, acute, and specialty settings. Stockton also facilitates optional international clinical rotations to give a global perspective.

Monmouth University

Location: West Long Branch, NJ

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Avg SAT Score: 1100

Tuition: $37,444 per year

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: www.monmouth.edu/graduate/physical-therapy

Monmouth University offers a rigorous DPT program focused on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and community engagement. Students benefit from Monmouth’s on-campus clinic serving local patients across the lifespan. The program also facilitates clinical affiliations within various NJ practice settings.

Location: Stratford, NJ

Rating: 6.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 20%

Tuition: $17,283 per year (in-state), $29,820 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: shrp.umdnj.edu/dept/dspt/index.html

UMDNJ offers an affordable DPT program focused on developing competent entry-level physical therapists, especially those interested in serving rural and underserved communities. Students complete clinical rotations through UMDNJ’s partner sites across the state. Graduates report strong licensure exam pass rates.

Caldwell University

Location: Caldwell, NJ

Rating: 6/10

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition: $32,840 per year

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: www.caldwell.edu/academics/graduate-programs/doctor-physical-therapy

Caldwell University’s DPT program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and ethical decision making. Students benefit from early clinical exposure at on-site clinics and graduate ready to provide compassionate care across various settings. The program facilitates clinical rotations across NJ practice areas.

Ramapo College

Location: Mahwah, NJ

Rating: 5.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Tuition: $16,684 per year (in-state), $25,164 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: www.ramapo.edu/dpt/

Ramapo College offers an affordable entry-level DPT program focused on hands-on practice and clinical reasoning skills. Students complete clinical affiliations within Ramapo’s on-site clinic and at external sites across NJ practice settings. Small cohort sizes allow for individualized instruction and mentorship.

Felician University

Location: Rutherford, NJ

Rating: 5/10

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition: $31,886 per year

Avg Salary: $85,000

Website: felician.edu/program/doctor-physical-therapy

Felician University’s DPT program emphasizes primary care skills needed to treat diverse patient populations. Students develop clinical decision-making and manual therapy skills during on-site clinical practice and off-site rotations across NJ practice settings. Graduates report strong licensure exam pass rates.

See Other Best Physical Therapy Schools in the Northeast

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA and GRE scores do I need to get into PT school in New Jersey?

Most top-ranked DPT programs in New Jersey require a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and GRE scores of around 150 in verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. Competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher plus strong GRE scores.

How much does PT school cost in New Jersey?

Tuition for New Jersey DPT programs ranges from about $16,000 per year (in-state) to over $37,000 per year at private universities. Costs are cheaper at public schools for in-state students. Expect additional program fees and living expenses.

What school has the best PT program in New Jersey?

Based on metrics like admissions selectivity, student outcomes, and reputation, Rutgers University and Seton Hall University are considered the top DPT programs in New Jersey. Both produce highly skilled clinicians ready for licensure exams and practice.

Do I need to attend a PT school in New Jersey to practice in the state after graduation?

No, DPT graduates from any accredited US PT program can apply for a license to practice physical therapy in New Jersey, regardless of location. Attending an in-state program can provide better access to local clinical rotations.

What types of physical therapy jobs are available in New Jersey?

New Jersey has roles within major hospitals, private outpatient clinics, sports clinics, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and home health agencies. Common settings include orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, cardiovascular, oncological, and geriatric rehabilitation.

How long is a DPT program in New Jersey?

Full-time DPT programs take about 3 years to complete. This includes classroom coursework in foundational sciences and physical therapy techniques plus around 30 weeks of supervised clinical rotations. Some schools offer hybrid online/in-person options.

When should I apply to PT school in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey DPT programs have fall deadlines in the winter or early spring prior to your planned enrollment year. Apply early as programs have limited seats and a selective admissions process including interviews.

Is getting into PT school in New Jersey competitive?

Yes, admission to DPT programs is very competitive with some top-ranked schools accepting under 10% of applicants. Having strong GPAs, GREs, letters of recommendation, healthcare hours, and interview skills is key.

Can I get licensed in other states if I attend PT school in New Jersey?

Yes, as long as your DPT program is accredited and you pass the national NPTE licensure exam, you can apply for a PT license via state endorsement in any US jurisdiction after graduation.

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