Best Physical Therapy Schools in Florida

Florida has over 20 physical therapy schools that offer Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degrees. I have highlighted 10 of the top programs in the state based on factors like admissions selectivity, affordability, reputation, and career outcomes.

University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, FL

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 25%

Avg SAT Score: 1350

Tuition: $28,658 per year (in-state), $58,916 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $78,000

Website: https://pt.phhp.ufl.edu/

The University of Florida offers an excellent DPT program that focuses on evidence-based practice. Students get early clinical experience and can complete elective rotations in specialty areas. The program takes 3 years to complete. Graduates have high job placement rates.

Florida International University

Location: Miami, FL

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Avg SAT Score: 1210

Tuition: $10,358 per year (in-state), $21,432 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $72,000

Website: https://medicine.fiu.edu/programs/physical-therapy/index.html

FIU has an affordable DPT program with small class sizes. Students complete clinical rotations at facilities across South Florida. Graduates praise the supportive faculty and hands-on learning. Many secure jobs locally after finishing the 3-year program.

Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Tuition: $31,445 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $68,500

Website: https://healthsciences.nova.edu/pt/

NSU’s hybrid DPT program includes online and in-person classes taught by practicing physical therapists. Students work closely with faculty mentors and complete clinicals across Florida. NSU also offers a t-DPT program for practicing PTs seeking a Doctorate.

University of South Florida

Location: Tampa, FL

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 17%

Avg SAT Score: 1260

Tuition: $22,324 per year (in-state), $38,040 (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $70,000

Website: https://health.usf.edu/medicine/dpt/dpt_apply

USF’s DPT program emphasizes evidence-based practice and hands-on training at the university’s clinic and external sites. Students also complete research projects focused on a clinical question or area of interest. The 3-year program has good outcomes for licensure and employment.

University of Miami

Location: Coral Gables, FL

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 18%

Avg SAT Score: 1400

Tuition: $46,944 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $74,500

Website: https://pt.med.miami.edu/

UM has a competitive DPT program focused on training culturally competent physical therapists. Second year students complete full-time clinical rotations across the U.S. Numerous research opportunities are also available. Graduates have excellent licensure pass and job placement rates.

Florida Gulf Coast University

Location: Fort Myers, FL

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 38%

Tuition: $21,073 per year (in-state), $38,997 per year (out-of-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $68,000

Website: https://fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/rehabsciences/dpt/index.html

FGCU offers an affordable DPT program with faculty mentors and clinical rotations across Florida. Students get hands-on training at the university’s Balance and Mobility Center. After completing the 3-year program, most graduates find local jobs.

Saint Leo University

Location: Saint Leo, FL

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Tuition: $32,350 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $63,500

Website: https://saintleo.edu/program-physical-therapy-doctor-physical-therapy-dpt

Saint Leo has a career-focused hybrid DPT program blending online and in-person instruction. Required clinical rotations occur at facilities across Florida. Graduates are prepared to practice in various settings with an emphasis on ethical decision making and professionalism.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 15%

Tuition: $10,965 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary After Graduation: $75,000

Website: https://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?PhysicalTherapy&PT-Home

FAMU offers a cost-effective DPT program focused on meeting the therapy needs of underserved populations. Students complete clinical training across Florida with some opportunities for out-of-state rotations. Graduates have high licensure and career placement rates.

AdventHealth University

Location: Orlando, FL

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Tuition: $29,495 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $68,000

Website: https://www.ahu.edu/academics/school-of-health-professions/doctor-of-physical-therapy-program

AdventHealth University trains students to provide compassionate, whole-person care. The faith-based DPT program blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. Graduates achieve high pass rates on licensing exams and often find jobs through clinical contacts.

Keiser University

Location: Multiple Florida Locations

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Tuition: $32,784 per year

Avg Salary After Graduation: $67,000

Website: https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/doctor-of-physical-therapy-dpt/

Keiser University offers an accelerated year-round hybrid DPT program with campuses across Florida. Students work closely with faculty mentors during clinical training at partner sites. Graduates report satisfaction with the hands-on learning and job preparation.

See Other Best Physical Therapy Schools in the South

• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Alabama
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Arkansas
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Georgia
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Louisiana
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Mississippi
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Oklahoma
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in South Carolina
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Tennessee
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Texas
• Best Physical Therapy Schools in Virginia
• See Best Physical Therapy Schools by State

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA and entrance exam scores do I need to get into PT school in Florida?

Most Florida DPT programs require at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and good scores on the GRE. Competitive applicants have GPAs over 3.5 and GRE scores above 300. Some schools consider high prerequisite grades over cumulative GPA.

How much does PT school cost in Florida?

Tuition and fees for Florida’s public DPT programs range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students. Private schools cost $30,000 to $50,000 annually. Budget for textbooks, equipment, and living expenses too.

Can I attend a DPT program in Florida part-time?

A few schools like NSU and AdventHealth University offer flexible hybrid DPT programs blending online and in-person study. But most Florida programs require full-time attendance to master physical therapy skills through labs and clinical rotations.

What specialized DPT programs are available in Florida?

Some Florida universities enable DPT students to focus on areas like sports rehab, geriatrics, pediatrics, or occupational therapy through elective coursework and clinical rotations. UM and USF also offer dual DPT/PhD programs.

What is job growth like for PTs in Florida?

The job outlook is excellent for Florida physical therapists with 30% growth expected statewide by 2026. Florida’s expanding elderly population and focus on ability restoration for injured workers is fueling demand for rehabilitation services.

Do I need to attend a Florida PT school to obtain a state license?

No, DPT graduates from any accredited US school can qualify for Florida licensure by passing the NPTE exam and meeting other requirements. But attending school in Florida can provide local clinical connections.

When should I apply to PT programs in Florida?

It’s best to apply 12-18 months before your desired start term. Some schools like University of Florida use the PTCAS centralized application with deadlines in October. Others have later deadlines for direct applications.

Can I transfer between Florida DPT programs?

Transferring into a Florida DPT program is very difficult given variations in curriculum and limited space. Typically, you must withdraw and reapply from the start. A few schools may consider second year entry pending review.

How important is the reputation of the DPT school I attend?

While big names like University of Florida can open doors, employers mainly assess your clinical skills. All accredited Florida programs produce competent therapists. Focus on schools providing your desired specialty options or practice exposures.

Do Florida DPT programs help secure clinical rotations?

Yes, Florida DPT schools coordinate required full-time clinical rotations at facilities statewide or beyond. Developing these site contacts can aid your future job search too. The schools provide guidance about logistics like transportation and lodging.

Rohit Mittal

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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