The Leading Business Education Network for Doctors, Financial Advisors and Health Industry Consultants

DOCTORATE: Physical Therapy

By Staff Reporters

***

***

A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) helps people improve their mobility and physical functioning, manage pain, and prevent disability. After earning an undergraduate degree, a person can enroll in a DPT program, which is typically three years. The curriculum includes courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (movement), neurology, cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) rehabilitation, behavioral sciences, and pharmacology.

Clinical rotations are a major component of DPT education. They may perform clinical rotations in various settings including a PT clinic, hospital, nursing care facility, rehabilitation clinic, and school.  At the end of their coursework and clinical rotation, a student earns a DPT degree but still must pass a state licensure exam to practice as a physical therapist.2

On average, a DPT in the U.S. makes $105,710 per year, according to 2024 statistics.

While a DPT may use the title “Dr,” they are different from an MD/DO/DPM/DDS. A DPT cannot write prescriptions or perform surgery. A DPT is also different from a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). DPT is treatment-focused, whereas the PhD is research-focused.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED

Refer, Like and Subscribe

***

***

Rate this:

Share this:

• Share on Tumblr
• WhatsApp
• Reddit
• 
• More

• Email
• Print

Like Loading...

Filed under: "Doctors Only", Career Development, Glossary Terms | Tagged: DO, doctor physicial therapy, DPM, DPT, DPT salary, exercise, health, healthcare, MD, PhD, physical therapy, physicial therapist, PT, PT salary, RPt |

One Response

1. Frank DPT, on May 17, 2025 at 2:57 PM said:

   DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

   While a DPT may use the title “Dr,” they are different from an MD/DO/DPM/DDS. A DPT cannot write prescriptions or perform surgery. A DPT is also different from a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). DPT is treatment-focused, whereas the PhD is research-focused.

   Physical Therapist Oath

   In the presence of my colleagues, friends, families and teachers and in view of the honored profession I am entering into, I solemnly and willingly state that I dedicate myself to the following:

   • I will practice physical therapy with compassion for the vulnerabilities in each of my patients and will work to preserve their dignity and promote their health and welfare.
   • I will value the lives of my patients as I value my own life, through my concern for their significance and with respect for them and the confidential nature of our relationship.
   • I will be humble.
   • I recognize my limitations and will continue to consult with my colleagues and co-workers for knowledge with which I can better treat my patients and for the inspiration to expand and augment my education.
   • I will share my knowledge with my colleagues and patients freely, with compassion and patience.
   • I will work toward the improvement of the quality of life for all of my patients.
   • I will honor the choices that my patients make with respect to their wishes and needs.
   • I will do no harm to another human.
   • I will work to improve the practice of physical therapy so that all who seek it will receive treatment which is proper, ethical and just.
   • I will not allow my judgment regarding the practice of my profession to be influenced by race, creed, religion, greed or unethical behavior.
   • I will expect the same behavior from my colleagues and co-workers.
   • Thus, with this oath, I freely accept the obligations and rewards which will accompany my practice of physical therapy.

   Frank DPT

   LikeLike