Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Physical Therapist Programs in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro, Portland, and Salem.
Considering a career in physical therapy?
Oregon offers some of the finest programs designed to equip you with the skills needed for success.
In this guide, we spotlight the top Physical Therapist Programs in Oregon, detailing the key features, hands-on opportunities, and academic excellence each one provides.
Oregon State University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Discover the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at OSU-Cascades, designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a physical therapist. This in-person program offers modern classrooms and laboratories, providing a hands-on learning experience.
- Affiliation with Oregon State University: Access to expert clinicians and researchers.
- Personalized instruction: Small class sizes enhance your learning.
- Diverse clinical experiences: Benefit from a vibrant physical therapy community.
- Accreditation: Candidate for Accreditation status by CAPTE, aiming for full accreditation by spring 2024.
Located in Bend, Oregon, the program immerses you in a dynamic educational environment, aligning classroom learning with real-world applications. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) by July 2024.
For more information on tuition and fees, visit their program page.
Oregon Tech – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Explore Oregon Tech’s collaborative Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, developed with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). This program aims to produce top-tier physical therapists, focusing on rural healthcare.
- Comprehensive training: Equip yourself to diagnose and treat movement disorders.
- Prepared for licensure: Ready to take the state licensure exam upon graduation.
- Emphasis on rural healthcare: Address the shortage of physical therapists in underserved areas.
- Variety of clinical experiences: Training across acute care, ICU, pediatrics, and outpatient rehabilitation.
This program, currently seeking accreditation from CAPTE, ensures you receive high-quality education and training. Post-graduation opportunities include advanced residencies and leadership roles.
To learn more, visit their program page.
WesternU Oregon – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at WesternU Oregon is known for integrating clinical experiences within its comprehensive curriculum.
- Humanistic care approach: Emphasizes patient individuality.
- Small class sizes: High faculty-to-student ratios for personalized attention.
- Clinical education opportunities: Extensive hands-on training.
- Strong support services: Access to tutoring and lab assistants who are experienced clinicians.
Located in Oregon, this program offers robust interprofessional learning and a commitment to lifelong connections, preparing you for a successful career in physical therapy.
More information is available on their program page.
Oregon State University – Pre-Health Professions Program in Physical Therapy
Aimed at aspiring physical therapists, the Pre-Health Professions program at OSU offers a strong foundation for entering a DPT program.
- Robust science curriculum: Comprehensive coursework to prepare for doctoral studies.
- Hands-on experience: Minimum of 100 observation hours required.
- Competitive graduates: Notably high GPA averages and extensive physical therapy experience.
This program, accredited by CAPTE, educates students to meet specific requirements for various DPT programs, potentially including the GRE.
Find further details on their program page.
Pacific University – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Pacific University is well-regarded for its all-encompassing curriculum.
- Balanced approach: Covers orthopedic, neurologic, pediatric, and geriatric care.
- High success rate: 100 percent pass rate on the national licensing exam.
- Expert faculty: Diverse clinical backgrounds, focusing on evidence-based practice and ethics.
- Hands-on practice: Extensive practical experience, emphasizing treating patients without referral.
Graduates from this program make substantial impacts in their careers, supported by a strong foundation of professional growth and patient care ethics.
For more information, visit their program page.
George Fox University – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The George Fox University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers a unique fast-track format that allows students to complete their degree in just two and a half years. This program immerses you in coursework, collaborative research, and extensive clinical internships across various specialties.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by CAPTE, ensuring a high standard of education.
- Licensure: Graduates enjoy widespread licensure reciprocity across all 50 U.S. states, enhancing job prospects.
- Tuition: The average cost is $38,100 per academic year.
- Core values: Emphasizes service, integrity, and professional preparedness.
This program’s robust curriculum and strong faculty support system foster an environment conducive to your academic and professional success.
Explore more about the program on their official page.
Oregon State University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
The OSU-Cascades DPT program prepares you to be an entry-level clinician-scientist, capable of impacting patient care positively. The program features comprehensive training in clinical biomechanics, neuroanatomy, and specialized areas like geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, sports, and neurology.
- Hands-on experience: Extensive practical exposure in real-world settings.
- National Exam: Graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
- Setting: Program hosted at OSU-Cascades campus, promoting healthier lifestyles through optimized movement.
To gain more details about the program, visit the program page.
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
A collaborative effort, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program by OHSU and Oregon Tech, aims to bridge the gap in physical therapy provision in rural and underserved areas in Oregon.
- Focus on rural healthcare: Trains high-quality physical therapists to serve communities in need.
- Diverse settings: Clinical training spans acute care, ICUs, and outpatient rehabilitation.
- Accreditation: The program is in its candidacy phase for CAPTE accreditation.
- Licensure eligibility: Graduates will be ready to sit for state licensure exams.
Learn more about this impactful program by visiting the program page.
What to Consider When Choosing a Physical Therapist Program
Choosing the right physical therapist program is pivotal for your career. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by CAPTE. Accreditation guarantees that the program meets professional standards essential for quality education.
2. Faculty Expertise
- Qualifications: Look into the credentials and clinical experience of the faculty.
- Engagement: Faculty should be active in both research and clinical practice, enhancing the learning experience.
3. Clinical Experience
- Settings: Ensure a variety of clinical placements, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
- Supervised hours: Programs should offer ample supervised clinical hours to build hands-on skills.
4. Curriculum
- Comprehensive coverage: The curriculum should include biomechanics, neurology, orthopedics, and pediatrics.
- Continuing education: Availability of electives, workshops, and seminars for ongoing professional development.
5. Financial Considerations
- Tuition and fees: Assess the cost of the program and compare it with other institutions.
- Financial aid: Look for scholarships, grants, and assistantships.
6. Location and Resources
- Proximity: Consider the campus location and its access to diverse clinical settings.
- Resources: Availability of libraries, laboratories, and research opportunities.
7. Graduate Outcomes
- Licensing exam pass rates: High pass rates on the NPTE are often indicative of program quality.
- Employment rates: Evaluate job placement services and the employment rate of graduates.
Physical Therapist Programs By State
Conclusion
Choosing the right physical therapist program is a pivotal step in your career journey. Oregon offers programs with exceptional education and clinical training, each with unique strengths designed to meet various professional needs. Explore the programs discussed, assess their suitability according to your goals, and embark on the path to becoming a skilled physical therapist in Oregon.
By carefully considering your options and the factors important to you, you can make an informed decision and take a significant step towards a rewarding career in physical therapy.