Best Physical Therapy Programs in Arizona

Updated on April 8, 2024

This comprehensive guide provides an overview of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs available in Arizona. Covering a variety of institutions, we delve into details such as acceptance rates, tuition costs, program details, and average post-graduation salaries. Whether you’re a local resident or considering moving to Arizona for your studies, this guide aims to assist you in finding the DPT program best suited to your academic and professional goals.

A.T. Still University – Mesa Campus

A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) is located in Mesa, Arizona. It has a rating of 9/10 and a very competitive acceptance rate of only 33%. The average SAT score is not required for admission. Tuition is $32,724 per year. The average salary after graduation is $86,850.

Website: https://www.atsu.edu/arizona-school-of-health-sciences

A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) offers an excellent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice and hands-on clinical experiences. Students benefit from the school’s partnerships with healthcare providers across Arizona.

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is located in Flagstaff, Arizona. It has a rating of 8/10 and a competitive acceptance rate of around 75%. The average SAT score is 1140. Tuition is $11,564 per year for in-state students. The average salary after graduation is $82,000.

Website: https://nau.edu/health-sciences/physical-therapy/

NAU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides students with clinical experience across diverse populations and settings. The beautiful mountain campus offers a supportive learning environment.

Midwestern University – Glendale Campus

Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus is located in Glendale, Arizona. It has a rating of 8/10 and an acceptance rate of around 20%. The average SAT score is not required. Tuition is $39,595 per year. The average salary after graduation is $85,000.

Website: https://www.midwestern.edu/programs_and_admission/az_physical_therapy.html

The Physical Therapy Program aims to graduate knowledgeable, caring, responsive physical therapists. Students gain clinical experience across the lifespan in diverse settings.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is located in Tempe, Arizona. It has a rating of 7/10 and an acceptance rate around 75%. The average SAT score is 1215. In-state tuition is $11,338 per year. The average salary after graduation is $80,000.

Website: https://chs.asu.edu/programs/schools/physical-therapy

ASU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is known for innovation and focuses on evidence-based practice. Students benefit from the research opportunities available.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (UA) is located in Tucson, Arizona. It has a rating of 7/10 and an acceptance rate around 40%. The average SAT score is 1210. In-state tuition is $12,447 per year. The average salary after graduation is $78,000.

Website: https://dpt.deptmedicine.arizona.edu/

UA’s Physical Therapy program provides clinical experience across diverse settings and populations. Students can also pursue dual degrees and benefit from research opportunities.

Franklin Pierce University – Goodyear Campus

Franklin Pierce University’s Goodyear Campus is located in Goodyear, Arizona. It has a rating of 6/10 and an acceptance rate around 75%. SAT scores are not required. Tuition is $31,894 per year. Salary data is not available.

Website: https://www.franklinpierce.edu/academics/UG/majors/physical_therapy.htm

The Physical Therapy program aims to graduate ethical practitioners focused on patient health and wellness. Students gain hands-on clinical experience.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. It has a rating of 6/10 and an acceptance rate of around 60%. The average SAT score is 1040. Tuition is $20,800 per year. The average salary after graduation is $75,000.

Website: https://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/doctor-of-physical-therapy

GCU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program develops students’ clinical skills across diverse populations and settings. The curriculum integrates Christian values and service.

A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

A.T Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-SOMA) has a campus in Mesa, Arizona. It has a rating of 5/10 and an acceptance rate around 12%. SAT scores are not required. Tuition is $49,800 per year. Salary data is not available.

Website: https://www.atsu.edu/soma/admissions/arizona-school-of-osteopathic-medicine-admissions

ATSU-SOMA provides osteopathic and allopathic health professional education. Students can pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with an emphasis on serving rural and underserved communities.

Ottawa University – Phoenix Campus

Ottawa University’s Phoenix campus offers a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning. It has a rating of 4/10 and an acceptance rate of around 50%. SAT scores are not required. Tuition is $575 per credit hour. Salary data is not available.

Website: https://www.ottawa.edu/ottawa-az-graduate-majors/ms-exercise-science-strength-conditioning

This program prepares students to work with diverse populations on health promotion and rehabilitation. Hands-on clinical experiences develop clinical skills.

South College – Phoenix Campus

South College’s Phoenix campus offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program has a rating of 4/10 and an acceptance rate around 75%. SAT scores are not required for admission. Tuition is $27,900 per year. Salary data is not available.

Website: https://www.south.edu/programs/doctor-of-physical-therapy-arizona/

This program aims to develop knowledgeable, caring physical therapy practitioners focused on evidence-based practice and patient values.

See Other Best Physical Therapy Schools in the West

FAQs

What is the typical cost for a DPT program in Arizona?

Tuition for DPT programs in Arizona ranges from about $20,000 per year to over $40,000 per year for private programs. Public in-state tuition tends to be lower, from $11,000-$12,500 per year.

Which DPT program has the highest average salary post-graduation?

A.T. Still University – Mesa Campus has the highest reported average salary after graduation at $86,850. However, salary can vary greatly depending on your specific job and setting.

Do you have to take the SAT exam for a DPT program?

Most DPT programs in Arizona do not require SAT scores. However, the public universities like NAU, ASU and UA do typically require SAT scores as part of undergraduate admissions.

Which Arizona DPT program is easiest to get into?

South College – Phoenix Campus has one of the highest reported acceptance rates at around 75%, making it one of the easier programs to get into compared to others.

Which Arizona university has the best ranked DPT program?

A.T. Still University – Mesa Campus is rated the highest at 9/10 and has a highly competitive acceptance rate, indicating it is a top program in the state.

Can I attend a DPT program in Arizona if I live out-of-state?

Yes, all programs welcome out-of-state applicants. However, tuition is higher for non-residents at public universities. Private programs charge all students the same tuition.

What GPA do I need to get into a DPT program in Arizona?

Competitive GPA varies by program but is typically above 3.0. More selective programs require a GPA around 3.5 or higher.

Should I get a DPT or PTA qualification in Arizona?

DPT programs lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, while PTA programs provide Physical Therapy Assistant qualifications at the associate degree level. DPT provides greater career advancement potential.

Are there dual degree options for DPT programs in Arizona?

Yes, some schools like Midwestern University and the University of Arizona allow you to combine the DPT with another degree like a PhD or MBA.

How much demand is there for physical therapists in Arizona?

Demand is growing rapidly, with over 2,100 openings estimated in Arizona through 2026, a growth of 28% over ten years.

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Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.

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