Best Physical Therapy Programs in Indiana

Updated on April 8, 2024

Indiana has several highly-ranked physical therapy programs that produce skilled and licensed physical therapists ready to meet the healthcare needs of the state and beyond. When researching the top physical therapy schools in Indiana, key factors to consider include ratings and reviews, cost, curriculum, clinical opportunities, career support services, and more. This list highlights ten standout DPT programs based on academic excellence, affordability, hands-on training, graduate outcomes and other metrics.

University of Indianapolis

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition: $34,178 per year

Avg Salary: $83,500

Website: https://uindy.edu

The University of Indianapolis offers an excellent Doctor of Physical Therapy program focusing on evidence-based practice. The curriculum provides early clinical experiences and advanced training in areas like pediatrics and geriatrics. Students also complete clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities across the country. Graduates praise the supportive faculty and wealth of hands-on learning.

Indiana University

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Tuition: $30,094 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $86,620

Website: https://pt.iu.edu

The DPT program at Indiana University is highly competitive, with a 92% ultimate pass rate on board exams. Students complete challenging coursework emphasizing real-world practice, including early clinical rotations. The curriculum also highlights community outreach and interprofessional training. Graduates are skilled, compassionate therapists prepared for direct patient care roles.

University of Evansville

Location: Evansville, IN

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Tuition: $32,220 per year

Avg Salary: $84,430

Website: https://evansville.edu

At the University of Evansville’s College of Education and Health Sciences, students benefit from individual faculty attention and mentoring. The DPT program emphasizes evidence-based practice across the lifespan. Students gain extensive clinical experience through rotations at highly-ranked regional medical centers. Graduates consistently secure employment soon after completing this affordable program.

Manchester University

Location: North Manchester, IN

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Tuition: $34,302 per year

Avg Salary: $81,500

Website: https://www.manchester.edu

Manchester University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program focuses on generalist training for rural and underserved areas. The curriculum includes coursework, lab practice, and clinical rotations emphasizing patient-centered care and community health. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and faculty support. Graduates are prepared for direct-access patient care roles across settings.

University of Saint Francis

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Tuition: $31,400 per year

Avg Salary: $82,060

Website: https://healthsciences.sf.edu

The DPT program at the University of Saint Francis prioritizes hands-on learning, patient safety, and professional development. Students complete clinical rotations across the lifespan, including pediatric, acute care, and rehabilitation settings. The curriculum also incorporates community service opportunities emphasizing social responsibility. Graduates consistently secure licensure and employment soon after finishing this affordable program.

Huntington University

Location: Huntington, IN

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Tuition: $33,000 per year

Avg Salary: $80,100

Website: https://huntington.edu

Huntington University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program emphasizes a whole-person approach to patient care. The curriculum provides early clinical experiences and advanced coursework preparing students for contemporary practice. Small class sizes allow for individual mentoring and professional development. Graduates are skilled generalist physical therapists meeting workforce needs across settings.

University of Southern Indiana

Location: Evansville, IN

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Tuition: $11,394 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $82,500

Website: https://www.usi.edu

The University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions offers an affordable three-year DPT program focused on primary care physical therapy. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and interprofessional training for collaborative practice. Students benefit from the school’s state-of-the-art Simulation Center prior to clinical placements within the region and beyond.

Oakland City University

Location: Oakland City, IN

Rating: 6.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Tuition: $26,835 per year

Avg Salary: $79,800

Website: https://oak.edu

Oakland City University’s School of Sciences and Mathematics offers a pathway to the DPT through an affiliation with the University of Evansville. This small program emphasizes individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and clinical training placements within rural and underserved communities. Graduates deliver essential rehabilitation services across settings.

Trine University

Location: Angola, IN

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Tuition: $34,450 per year

Avg Salary: $81,000

Website: https://trine.edu

Trine University’s DPT program emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient education, and practice management training. Students benefit from the school’s state-of-the-art Healthcare Clinic supporting hands-on learning. The curriculum also highlights interprofessional and service opportunities. Clinical rotations train students across settings from outpatient clinics to acute care hospitals.

University of Indianapolis DPT Program at USI

Location: Evansville, IN

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition: $11,394 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $83,500

Website: https://uindy.edu

Through an exclusive partnership, students can complete the highly-rated University of Indianapolis DPT curriculum on the University of Southern Indiana campus. This affordable program emphasizes evidence-based practice, hands-on training, and clinical rotations within prestigious regional medical centers. Graduates deliver compassionate, skilled rehabilitative care.

See Other Best Physical Therapy Schools in the Midwest

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA and entrance exam scores do I need to get into a DPT program in Indiana?

Most programs require a 3.0 GPA overall and prerequisite GPA along with competitive GRE scores. Some schools may accept the MCAT. Required minimum scores vary by program but average accepted GPAs range from 3.3-3.8 with GREs over 300.

Which Indiana DPT programs offer the most clinical experience?

The University of Indianapolis, Indiana University, University of Evansville, and other top programs provide early clinical exposure and 30+ weeks of clinical rotations. Students train across settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, pediatric centers, and rehabilitation facilities.

What is the total cost of DPT programs in Indiana?

Tuition for three-year DPT programs averages $30,000-35,000 per year for Indiana residents at public schools, and $32,000-34,000 at private colleges. Plus living expenses, fees, books, and supplies.

What types of financial aid or scholarships are available?

Schools offer graduate assistantships, research funding, veteran education benefits and some scholarships. Federal Direct Grad PLUS and private loans provide supplemental assistance. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for current staff seeking DPT training.

How competitive is the DPT application process in Indiana?

Admissions are moderately to highly selective with acceptance rates of 13-75% among top programs. Applicants should demonstrate academic ability, healthcare experience, strong letters of reference, leadership skills, and fit within a program’s mission and values.

What percentage of Indiana DPT graduates pass the NPTE licensing exam?

Ultimate licensure pass rates exceed 90% for most programs. Indiana University reports a 92% pass rate. Hands-on coursework, clinical training, and board exam preparation result in licensure success.

What types of jobs can you get in Indiana with a DPT degree?

Graduates qualify for well-paid physical therapist positions within settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports and athletic facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and home health agencies. Opportunities exist statewide.

Does Indiana offer loan forgiveness programs for PTs?

Yes, PTs meeting service requirements within Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas can secure federal and state loan repayment assistance. Some facilities also offer sign-on bonuses or reimbursement for new graduates.

Can I complete long-distance or online DPT program options in Indiana?

Most programs require hands-on lab practice and in-person clinical rotations. However, Manchester University and Trine University offer some blended/hybrid online course options combined with on-campus labs and training. Distance options are very limited.

What specialized DPT training programs exist in Indiana?

Beyond generalist degrees, Trine University offers elective tracks in areas like sports medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Indiana University and University of Indianapolis also highlight specialty concentrations or residencies in fields ranging from neurorehabilitation to women’s health.

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