Best Physical Therapy Programs in Massachusetts

Updated on February 7, 2024

Physical therapy is a growing field in healthcare. Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve mobility. They work in various settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and fitness centers. Massachusetts has some of the top physical therapy programs in the country. When selecting a physical therapy school in Massachusetts, students should consider factors like cost, reputation, location, and program specialties. The following are 10 of the best physical therapy schools in Massachusetts based on metrics like admissions selectivity, affordability, and career outcomes.

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Location: Boston, MA

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 20%

Tuition: $38,500 per year

Avg Salary: $90,000

Website: mghihp.edu

The MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston focuses exclusively on graduate healthcare education. Its small class sizes and clinical affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital make it one of the most prestigious PT programs. Students get early clinical experience and learn an evidence-based approach.

Boston University

Location: Boston, MA

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 15%

Avg SAT Score: 1350

Tuition: $56,000 per year

Avg Salary: $87,000

Website: bu.edu

Boston University’s Sargent College offers a top-ranked DPT program emphasizing student-faculty collaboration and clinical excellence. Students benefit from the medical campus location and strong industry connections leading to competitive residencies.

Springfield College

Location: Springfield, MA

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Tuition: $37,000 per year

Avg Salary: $83,000

Website: springfieldcollege.edu

Springfield prides itself on preparing students for lifelong learning and leadership roles in PT. The curriculum spans orthopedics, neuro-rehab, pediatrics, and more. Students enjoy small class sizes and abundant hands-on training.

Northeastern University

Location: Boston, MA

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 23%

Tuition: $53,500 per year

Avg Salary: $90,000

Website: northeastern.edu

The #3 ranked PT program from U.S. News, Northeastern produces practice-ready grads. Students complete clinical rotations at the school’s health centers and graduate ready to practice across settings.

Worcester State University

Location: Worcester, MA

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Tuition: $11,000 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $80,000

Website: worcester.edu

Worcester State is the most affordable option to earn a DPT degree in Massachusetts. Graduates have a strong reputation in the community for their well-rounded preparation for entering a specialty like sports rehab or geriatrics.

American International College

Location: Springfield, MA

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Tuition: $36,000 per year

Avg Salary: $78,000

Website: aic.edu

AIC offers full-time, part-time and hybrid options to complete the DPT curriculum focused on evidence-based practice. graduates praise the emphasis on developing excellence in patient examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention.

Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions

Location: Boston, MA

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 29%

Tuition: $43,444 per year

Avg Salary: $90,500

Website: mghihp.edu

Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions is centered around clinical training and teaching future physical therapists practical skills. Small class sizes allow for personalized mentorship resulting in 100% employment rates.

Franklin Pierce University

Location: Goodyear, AZ

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition: $33,900 per year

Avg Salary: $83,000

Website: franklinpierce.edu

Franklin Pierce’s hybrid DPT program combines online learning with intensive on-campus labs and clinical training rotations. Graduates deliver empathetic, culturally competent care in settings nationwide.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Location: Lowell, MA

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Tuition: $16,250 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $80,000

Website: uml.edu

UMass Lowell’s DPT program emphasizes patient-centered care, community health, and leadership development delivered by expert faculty researchers. The curriculum focuses on outpatient rehabilitation services.

Simmons University

Location: Boston, MA

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Tuition: $39,500 per year

Avg Salary: $83,500

Website: simmons.edu

Simmons DPT graduates have a strong reputation for generalist preparation spanning the continuum of care. Students benefit from the program’s emphasis on interprofessional education and missionary work abroad.

See Other Best Physical Therapy Schools in the Northeast

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions prospective students have about physical therapy programs in Massachusetts:

How much does it cost to apply to PT school?

The application fees range from $50-$150 depending on the number of schools you apply to. Costs also include CASPer test fees, transcript fees, and travel costs for interviews.

Is a bachelor’s degree required before DPT school?

Yes, you need a 4-year bachelor’s degree before entering a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Common majors include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and health sciences.

Are there online DPT programs?

Yes, Franklin Pierce University offers a hybrid DPT program combining online coursework with intensive on-campus labs and clinical training rotations. Other schools may offer select online course options.

How long does it take to become a physical therapist?

A DPT program takes 3 years post-bachelor’s, so typically 7 years total from high school (4 years bachelor’s + 3 years DPT).

What is the average cost of tuition for DPT programs in Massachusetts?

For private universities like Boston University, the tuition can be upwards of $50,000 per year. For public in-state schools like UMass Lowell, the tuition is around $16,000 per year.

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