Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Physical Therapist Programs in Carmel, Evansville, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and South Bend.
Top Physical Therapist Programs in Indiana
Looking for the best physical therapist programs in Indiana? This guide covers top schools that offer exceptional training, accredited curricula, and extensive clinical experience.
Discover which program aligns with your career goals in the field of physical therapy.
Indiana Wesleyan University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to develop autonomous practitioners driven by faith and a commitment to positive health outcomes. The DPT program at IWU emphasizes servant leadership, advocacy, integrity, and compassionate care, embedding these values into its curriculum.
Key Features:
- Servant leadership: Emphasizes patient-centered care and community service.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Offers a sensory-based pediatric lab, anatomy and neuroanatomy cadaver lab, and a Bertec® computerized dynamic posturography machine.
- Collaborative research: Encourages the engagement in research and critical analysis to advance clinical practices.
- Cultural competence: Integrates cultural, spiritual, and individual differences in care.
The program includes a three-year, trimester-based curriculum that’s evidence-based. Students must complete an undergraduate degree, prerequisite coursework, and at least 60 hours of clinical observation to be eligible for admission. Additionally, an interview is required.
For more detailed information, visit Indiana Wesleyan University’s DPT Program.
Indiana State University – Doctor of Physical Therapy
At Indiana State University, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program focuses on developing compassionate and clinically competent physical therapists. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), it emphasizes culturally competent care and health equity for underserved populations.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive curriculum: Includes anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and musculoskeletal physical therapy.
- Flexibility in admissions: Accepts pass/fail grades for courses affected by COVID-19 and waives the GRE requirement.
- Clinical experiences: Offers diverse opportunities in various settings to enhance practical skills.
- Community engagement: Fosters student participation in research, community service, and professional activities.
Financial aid options are available to help manage education costs. The combination of rigorous academic training and numerous clinical experiences ensures a well-rounded educational experience.
Learn more about the program on the Indiana State University’s website.
Hanover College – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Hanover College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers a distinctive two-year accelerated hybrid model. This approach combines online learning, onsite lab immersions, and integrated clinical education, preparing students for modern physical therapy practice.
Key Features:
- Hybrid model: Flexibly combines online and onsite learning.
- Interprofessional education: Focuses on collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
- Telehealth training: Prepares students for the future of healthcare delivery.
- Experienced faculty: Classes and labs are conducted by board-certified specialists and master clinicians.
The program emphasizes service, innovation, and mindfulness in patient care. As with all programs highlighted, the DPT program at Hanover is accredited by CAPTE, ensuring adherence to national standards of academic excellence.
Check out the full details at Hanover College’s DPT program page.
Trine University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Trine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program stands out as the only fully accredited DPT program in the Fort Wayne region. Designed to prepare students for licensure and clinical practice, it offers a robust three-year, full-time curriculum.
Key Features:
- Clinical skills labs: Provides hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Gross anatomy lab: Enables detailed anatomical learning.
- Diverse clinical placements: Partnerships with health providers like Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network.
- Direct Entry track: Available for high school students aiming for early admission.
The program includes didactic instruction and practical experience, culminating in full-time internships in the final year. Admission is managed through a rolling process, making it accessible for many applicants.
For more details, visit the Trine University DPT program page.
Marian University – Pre-Physical Therapy Program
Marian University’s Pre-Physical Therapy program sets a solid foundation for students aiming to enroll in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive coursework: Includes anatomy, human physiology, kinesiology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and psychology.
- Field experience: Encourages shadowing physical therapists and engaging in volunteer work.
- Community involvement: Participation in community service and leadership roles is advised.
- Research opportunities: Involvement in independent research projects to bolster applications.
The program lasts three to four years, depending on the student’s pace, and prepares them for the competitive process of DPT program admission. A GPA of 3.6 or higher and good GRE scores are often required.
Learn more by visiting Marian University’s Pre-Physical Therapy program page.
Ivy Tech Community College – Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program
Ivy Tech Community College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program across campuses in Lake County at Crown Point, Muncie, and Sellersburg. Students can pursue certificates and an Associate of Science (AS) degree.
Key Features:
- Accredited program: Meets rigorous national standards.
- Clinical attendance: Necessary for hands-on experience in real-world settings.
- Licensure preparation: Focuses on preparing students for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
- Financial aid: Available to support students through their education journey.
Courses are traditionally taught in-person, providing direct supervision and practical experience essential for effective learning. Admission requires prerequisite coursework completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
Visit the Ivy Tech Community College PTA program page for more information.
IU East – Pre-Physical Therapy Program
The Pre-Physical Therapy program at IU East is meticulously designed to prepare you for advanced studies and a successful career in physical therapy.
Key Features:
- Holistic Preparation: Emphasizes written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking.
- GRE Preparation: Faculty recommend early GRE preparation to ease the admission process.
- Extracurricular Involvement: Encourages participation in activities to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
- Tailored Guidance: Faculty advisors guide you through pre-professional observations for practical experience.
Early on, you are advised to review specific requirements for various physical therapy programs to tailor your education accordingly. IU East also provides resources to help you prepare for the GRE, enhancing your chances of admission.
More information is available on the IU East Pre-Physical Therapy program page.
University of Evansville – Doctor of Physical Therapy
The University of Evansville offers a well-rounded Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Key Features:
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Housed in the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences.
- Comprehensive Education: Combines technical expertise with critical thinking and compassionate care.
- Hands-On Learning: Emphasizes practical experience through modern labs and clinical internships.
- Supportive Faculty: Experienced faculty provide expert guidance and support throughout your education.
The program spans three years or nine semesters and prepares you for delivering evidence-based physical therapy services. To ensure comprehensive training and experience, head over to the University of Evansville’s DPT program page.
Manchester University – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
Manchester University offers a robust Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to be completed in 30 months, spanning eight semesters.
Key Features:
- Advanced Laboratories: Equipped with cutting-edge physical therapy tools.
- Professional Development: Courses cover professional growth, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological disorders management.
- Research Opportunities: Faculty-supervised research with chances to present and publish findings.
- Career Diversity: Prepares you for various career paths including outpatient facilities, pediatric specialization, academia, and private practice.
Accredited by CAPTE, Manchester’s DPT program embodies a comprehensive approach to developing professional physical therapists. Dive deeper into the program specifics on the Manchester University DPT homepage.
IU Indianapolis – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at IU Indianapolis through the School of Health & Human Sciences aims to promote maximal functional mobility and effective rehabilitation.
Key Features:
- Diverse Clinical Partnerships: Local and national inpatient and outpatient clinical partnerships.
- Lifespan Care Focus: Addresses mobility issues across the lifespan due to injury or disease.
- Health Promotion: Incorporates programs oriented towards fitness and wellness.
- Comprehensive Training: Prepares you with essential skills and knowledge for impactful patient care.
This program equips you with a thorough understanding and practical experience to significantly contribute to the field of physical therapy. For additional details, explore the IU Indianapolis DPT program page.
University of Southern Indiana – Pre-Physical Therapy Program
The Pre-Physical Therapy program at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) takes a thorough, hands-on approach to prepare you for graduate-level physical therapy studies.
Key Features:
- Early Start: Pre-physical therapy courses begin in the freshman year.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Complete all prerequisites within four years and 120 credit hours.
- Flexibility: Available for students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Exercise Science.
- Field Experience: Emphasizes practical, hands-on instruction for superior preparation and training.
The supportive learning environment at USI is tailored to help you explore and reach your career goals. Learn more by visiting the USI Pre-Physical Therapy program page.
Choosing the Right Physical Therapist Program in Indiana
Selecting the best physical therapist program is crucial to achieving your career aspirations. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Accredited programs meet stringent quality standards.
- Curriculum Structure: Evaluate if the curriculum includes essential courses like anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and clinical practice.
- Clinical Experience Opportunities: Programs offering diverse and numerous clinical placements provide practical expertise.
- Faculty Expertise: The qualifications and experiences of the instructors significantly enhance the learning experience.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Assess tuition fees and the availability of financial aid to manage expenses effectively.
- Location: Consider the convenience and access to clinical sites when selecting a program.
- Job Placement Rates: High job placement rates indicate the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for success.
Physical Therapist Programs By State
Conclusion
Choosing the right physical therapist program in Indiana is a significant step towards a fulfilling career in physical therapy. By carefully considering the factors and exploring the options listed above, you can find a program that aligns with your career goals and sets you on a path to success.
Explore the details of each program by visiting their respective program pages and take the next step towards achieving your professional dreams.