Best Physical Therapy Programs in Oklahoma

Updated on April 8, 2024

Oklahoma has several quality physical therapy programs that prepare students for a career as a physical therapist. The top physical therapy schools in Oklahoma offer accredited programs, experienced faculty, quality clinical training opportunities, and good career support to set graduates up for success. When researching the top PT programs in Oklahoma, key factors to consider include program curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, career services, graduation rates, tuition costs, and average starting salaries after graduation.

Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma, located in Oklahoma City, offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program through its College of Allied Health. The program has an impressive 95% ultimate pass rate for the NPTE licensure exam.

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Acceptance Rate: 11%

Tuition: $24,060 per year (in-state), $49,344 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $86,850

Website: https://alliedhealth.ouhsc.edu/Prospective-Students/Physical-Therapy

OU’s physical therapy program provides training in areas like musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological and pediatric physical therapy. Students complete 38 weeks of clinical rotations at facilities across the state. OU also has a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to physical therapy instruction.

Langston University

Langston University, located in Langston, Oklahoma, offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with interactive classroom technology and simulated patient environments.

Location: Langston, OK

Acceptance Rate: 11%

Tuition: $11,278 per year (in-state), $19,758 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $82,000

Website: https://bluetigerportal.langston.edu/physical-therapy/dpt/

Langston’s physical therapy program focuses on evidence-based practice and developing cultural competence. Students complete clinical affiliations starting in their second semester, in addition to 30 weeks of clinical experiences in their third year.

Oklahoma State University

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences produces physical therapists to serve rural populations.

Location: Tulsa, OK

Acceptance Rate: 8%

Tuition: $22,069 per year (in-state), $45,787 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $82,000

Website: https://health.okstate.edu/physical-therapy/index.html

Key focus areas of the program include osteopathic manipulative medicine and working with Native American communities. Students complete clinical rotations across Oklahoma as well as a 10-week clinical internship.

University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program focused on evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning skills.

Location: Edmond, OK

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Tuition: $16,895 per year (in-state), $30,075 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $82,000

Website: https://www.uco.edu/cms/pts/physical-therapy/index.asp

Students gain experience in UCO’s dedicate Anatomage table lab and Pro Bono clinic. They also complete clinical rotations at facilities across the state and country. The program boasts 100% job placement rates for its graduates.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers an accredited physical therapy program emphasizing evidence-based practice and integrative care.

Location: Weatherford, OK

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Tuition: $15,465 per year (in-state), $29,205 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $80,000

Website: https://www.swosu.edu/academics/physical-therapy/index.aspx

The program provides interprofessional education through SWOSU’s College of Pharmacy and College of Associate and Applied Sciences. Students complete clinical rotations across western Oklahoma as well as a final, full-time clinical internship.

Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University’s physical therapy program emphasizes whole person healthcare with a foundation in Christian mission.

Location: Tulsa, OK

Acceptance Rate: 33%

Tuition: $34,884 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $75,000

Website: https://oru.edu/academics/sche/physical-therapy/index.php

This 104 credit DPT program provides clinical experience across the Tulsa area. Distinctive elements include interprofessional simulation labs and optional global health mission trips.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a physical therapy program focused on evidence-based practice across lifespan.

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Acceptance Rate: 8%

Tuition: $22,002 per year (in-state), $45,720 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $85,000

Website: https://alliedhealth.ouhsc.edu/Prospective-Students/Physical-Therapy

Students gain experience through pro bono clinics and 38 weeks of clinical rotations. They also have access to seven research centers at OUHSC. The program boasts strong ultimate licensure exam pass rates.

Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University offers an accredited physical therapist education program emphasizing competency across practice areas.

Location: Tahlequah, OK

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Tuition: $15,090 per year (in-state), $29,190 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $75,000

Website: https://academics.nsuok.edu/PhysicalTherapy/

Students complete clinical rotations across Oklahoma as well as 12 weeks of full-time clinical internships in their final semester. The program focuses on competencies around examination, evaluation, diagnosis, interventions, patient/client management, and practice management.

University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa Doctor of Physical Therapy Program focuses on developing autonomy in clinical reasoning and practice.

Location: Tulsa, OK

Acceptance Rate: 38%

Tuition: $39,104 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $85,000

Website: https://utulsa.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-health-sciences/departments-and-schools/school-of-physical-therapy/doctor-of-physical-therapy-program

Students complete clinical education experiences across the Tulsa metro area as well as other regions. They also have access to TU’s state-of-the-art Exercise and Movement Analysis Laboratory.

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University’s physical therapy program emphasizes patient-centered care and community health needs.

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Acceptance Rate: 31%

Tuition: $34,368 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $78,000

Website: https://www.okcu.edu/physical-therapy/dpt/welcome

Students gain experience through pro bono clinics, simulation labs, and clinical rotations across the OKC metro and state. Distinctive program elements include interprofessional training and optional global outreach opportunities.

See Other Best Physical Therapy Schools in the South

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do you need to become a physical therapist?

You need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to become a licensed physical therapist. DPT programs typically last 3 years. You also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and meet other state licensure requirements.

How competitive are physical therapy programs in Oklahoma?

Physical therapy programs in Oklahoma are moderately to highly competitive with some acceptance rates around 10-15%. Competitive applicants have high GPAs (3.5+), good GRE scores, observational hours, and letters of recommendation.

What is the job outlook for physical therapists in Oklahoma?

The job outlook for physical therapists in Oklahoma is excellent. Projected job growth nationwide 2014-2024 is expected to be 34% according to the APTA. This is much faster than average compared to other professions.

What classes should I take to prepare for a DPT program?

Recommended undergraduate coursework includes biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, statistics, psychology, and exercise science classes. Taking a range of science-based, social science, and humanities coursework also helps strengthen your foundation.

Is work experience required for physical therapy school?

While not always required, having observational hours and work experience in physical therapy settings is highly recommended and can strengthen your application. Many programs require or recommend 100+ hours of observation or work.

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients with health conditions, illnesses, or injuries that impact movement. This involves evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and providing hands-on care to relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent disability.

What settings do physical therapists work in?

Physical therapists work in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and more. Those part of sports medicine teams may work with athletes and sports organizations.

What does a physical therapist assistant (PTA) do? How is this different from a PT?

PTAs provide therapy under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. PTAs have an associate’s degree and help implement patient care plans. PTs have doctorate-level education and specialize in evaluation and diagnosis.

How much do physical therapists earn in Oklahoma?

The average physical therapist salary in Oklahoma is $86,850, higher than the national average. Those working in home health and skilled nursing facilities earn the highest salaries.

What is the job outlook for physical therapy in Oklahoma?

Faster than average job growth is expected for physical therapy jobs in Oklahoma through 2028 according to Projections Central. Openings will result from demand for PTs to treat chronic conditions in aging populations.

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