Barry PhilipsFlorida is an excellent destination for students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. The state is home to several universities offering accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, giving prospective students a wide range of options based on academic quality, location, cost, clinical opportunities, and admission requirements.
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, improve mobility, and regain physical function. Because physical therapy is a licensed healthcare profession in the United States, students typically need to complete a professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) before becoming licensed.
Admission into a DPT program can be competitive. Most schools require a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite science courses, a competitive GPA, letters of recommendation, physical therapy observation or clinical experience, and an application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). However, requirements differ from one university to another.
If you are searching for the best physical therapy schools in Florida, this guide highlights schools worth considering and explains their major admission requirements.
Top Physical Therapy Schools In Florida And Requirements
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville is one of the leading choices for students who want to study physical therapy in Florida.
UF’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is offered through the College of Public Health and Health Professions. The program combines academic instruction, laboratory training, clinical education, research, and professional development.
The University of Florida is particularly attractive to applicants looking for a highly established public research university with a strong healthcare education environment.
University of Florida DPT requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Required prerequisite courses completed with acceptable grades
- General biology
- General chemistry I and II with laboratories
- General physics I and II with laboratories
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Physical therapy observation experience
- PTCAS application
UF does not currently require the GRE for admission to its DPT program.
The university also encourages applicants to obtain observation experience in different areas of physical therapy. This can help prospective students demonstrate that they understand the profession and have explored different clinical environments.
For students seeking a combination of academic reputation, clinical preparation, and research opportunities, UF is one of the strongest options to consider.
2. University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy through its Miller School of Medicine in Coral Gables.
The university provides students with extensive preparation in physical therapy assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, clinical decision-making, and patient care.
Its location in South Florida also gives students access to a large and diverse healthcare environment.
University of Miami DPT requirements
Applicants should generally expect to meet requirements such as:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Completion of required prerequisite courses
- Biology
- General chemistry I and II with laboratories
- Physics I and II with laboratories
- Human anatomy
- Human physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- English composition or an appropriate writing course
- PTCAS application
The GRE is currently optional for applicants.
Students should also pay attention to the university’s rules concerning outstanding prerequisite courses. Although some applicants may be permitted to complete limited prerequisites after applying, all required coursework must be completed within the university’s specified timeframe.
The University of Miami is particularly appealing to students who prefer a private university and want to study physical therapy in the Miami area.
3. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa is another excellent option for students searching for a physical therapy school in Florida.
USF’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides training in physical therapy science, clinical practice, patient management, evidence-based care, and professional leadership.
The program also benefits from USF’s broader health sciences environment, which can provide students with opportunities to interact with other healthcare disciplines.
University of South Florida DPT requirements
Applicants should expect requirements such as:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Competitive cumulative GPA
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Physical therapy observation or clinical exposure
- Letters of recommendation
- PTCAS application
USF is competitive, so meeting the minimum admission requirements does not necessarily guarantee acceptance.
Students interested in USF should therefore aim to achieve a strong undergraduate GPA and gain meaningful experience in physical therapy settings before applying.
4. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando has one of the most attractive DPT programs for students looking for a public university option.
UCF’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program combines classroom education, laboratory instruction, clinical education, and professional preparation.
One of the program’s major strengths is its reported student outcomes. UCF has published strong recent NPTE, graduation, and employment results, making it an attractive option for students concerned about preparation for professional practice.
University of Central Florida DPT requirements
Applicants generally need:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Anatomy and physiology with laboratories
- Biology
- Chemistry with laboratories
- Physics with laboratories
- Psychology
- Statistics
- PTCAS application
UCF generally requires prerequisite courses to be completed within its specified time limits.
Because admission can be competitive, applicants should not focus only on meeting the minimum GPA. Strong grades in science courses can make an application more competitive.
UCF is an especially appealing choice for students who want to study physical therapy in the Orlando area while attending a large public research university.
5. Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) in Miami offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
FIU’s DPT program is designed to prepare graduates for evidence-based physical therapy practice and careers across different healthcare environments.
The university admits DPT students annually, and applicants must complete the required application process through PTCAS.
Florida International University DPT requirements
Important requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Required upper-division coursework
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Physical therapy observation experience
- PTCAS application
FIU requires applicants to have significant exposure to the physical therapy profession. Its current admissions information specifies at least 60 hours of physical therapy observation or related exposure.
This makes FIU a good option for applicants who have already spent considerable time observing physical therapists and understanding what the profession involves.
6. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is one of Florida’s major private universities offering Doctor of Physical Therapy education.
Its Fort Lauderdale campus provides students with access to a large South Florida healthcare market, while NSU’s broader health professions environment creates opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.
Nova Southeastern University DPT requirements
Applicants should generally prepare for requirements involving:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Physical therapy observation or clinical exposure
- Letters of recommendation
- PTCAS application
- Additional program-specific requirements
NSU can be particularly attractive to students who prefer private university education and want to study in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Because the university’s requirements can vary by admission cycle, prospective students should confirm the latest prerequisite, GPA, testing, and application requirements before submitting an application.
7. Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy through the Marieb College of Health Professions.
The university’s DPT program is designed to prepare students for professional physical therapy practice through academic instruction, laboratory education, and clinical experiences.
FGCU has relatively specific academic requirements, making it important for applicants to review the prerequisite list carefully.
Florida Gulf Coast University DPT requirements
Applicants generally need:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.20 prerequisite GPA
- At least 3.00 GPA in upper-division coursework
- Required prerequisite courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- GRE scores meeting the program’s requirements
- PTCAS application
FGCU’s current requirements include minimum GRE performance standards, including requirements for verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing performance.
Applicants should therefore plan their GRE preparation early if they intend to apply to FGCU.
The university can be a strong choice for students interested in studying physical therapy in Southwest Florida.
8. University of North Florida
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy through its Brooks College of Health.
UNF provides students with professional training in physical therapy science, clinical reasoning, patient management, and evidence-based practice.
The program has detailed prerequisite requirements, so prospective students should plan their undergraduate coursework carefully.
University of North Florida DPT requirements
Applicants generally need:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirements in applicable academic categories
- General Chemistry I and II with laboratories
- Physics I and II with laboratories
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with laboratories
- General Biology I and II with laboratories
- Introduction to Psychology
- Lifespan Development or Abnormal Psychology
- Statistics
- GRE
- Recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
UNF also requires a recommendation from a licensed physical therapist.
This requirement makes it particularly important for applicants to establish professional relationships during their observation or clinical experience.
Students interested in living and studying in Jacksonville should consider UNF among their Florida DPT options.
9. Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College in Lakeland provides another pathway for students seeking a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Florida.
Unlike some of the state’s larger public universities, Florida Southern offers a private-college environment.
The school places considerable emphasis on academic preparation and physical therapy exposure.
Florida Southern College DPT requirements
Applicants generally need:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Required prerequisite courses
- Biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- At least 25 hours of physical therapy exposure
- Two recommendation letters
- Recommendation from a licensed physical therapist
- GRE
- PTCAS application
- Interview when invited
Applicants should make sure their prerequisite courses satisfy the school’s course-content and age requirements.
Florida Southern can be a good choice for students looking for a smaller private-school environment and a focused health professions education.
10. Florida A&M University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M University or FAMU) in Tallahassee is another institution prospective physical therapy students can consider.
As a historically Black university, FAMU offers students the opportunity to pursue professional healthcare education within an institution with a longstanding commitment to education, service, and community development.
Florida A&M University DPT requirements
Prospective students should generally expect requirements involving:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Physical therapy observation or experience
- Recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
- Additional program-specific requirements
Because DPT admission requirements can change from one application cycle to another, students should confirm FAMU’s latest requirements before applying.
What Are the General Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Florida?
Although every university has its own admission standards, most Florida DPT programs have several requirements in common.
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Most DPT programs require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree before beginning professional physical therapy education.
Your undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy.
Common majors among DPT applicants include:
- Biology
- Exercise science
- Kinesiology
- Health science
- Psychology
- Biomedical science
- Sports science
The important consideration is completing the prerequisite courses required by the DPT program.
2. Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite coursework is one of the most important parts of a physical therapy application.
Typical prerequisites include:
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
Some schools require laboratory components, while others have additional requirements such as English, medical terminology, developmental psychology, or exercise science.
Students should compare prerequisite lists before selecting their undergraduate courses.
3. Competitive GPA
A minimum GPA of approximately 3.0 is common among Florida DPT programs.
However, applicants should understand the difference between a minimum GPA and a competitive GPA.
A student who barely meets the minimum may still face difficulty gaining admission if other applicants have significantly stronger academic records.
For this reason, students should aim for the highest GPA possible, particularly in prerequisite and science courses.
4. Physical Therapy Observation Hours
Physical therapy observation is another common requirement.
Observation allows applicants to demonstrate that they have explored the profession before committing several years to professional training.
Depending on the school, applicants may need anywhere from a few dozen hours to significantly more.
It is also beneficial to gain experience in different settings, such as:
- Orthopedic clinics
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Sports rehabilitation
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Geriatric care
5. GRE Scores
The Graduate Record Examination is becoming less universal among DPT programs.
Some Florida schools have removed the GRE requirement, while others continue to require it.
Therefore, students should not automatically assume that they need to take the GRE. Instead, they should first create a list of target schools and check each school’s current requirements.
6. Letters of Recommendation
DPT programs frequently request letters of recommendation.
Depending on the university, recommendations may come from:
- College professors
- Physical therapists
- Healthcare professionals
- Employers
- Supervisors
A recommendation from a physical therapist who has directly observed your interest and professionalism can be particularly valuable when the school permits or requires one.
7. PTCAS Application
Many physical therapy programs use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, commonly called PTCAS.
Through PTCAS, students can submit their academic information, experiences, recommendations, essays, and other application materials to participating DPT programs.
Applicants should begin preparing early because gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, observation documentation, and other materials can take time.
How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School in Florida
Choosing a DPT program should involve more than looking at rankings.
Accreditation
Always confirm that the program is appropriately accredited. Accreditation is essential because graduates need to meet professional and licensing requirements.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Compare total tuition rather than looking only at the cost per semester. Also consider fees, housing, transportation, books, equipment, and other living expenses.
Clinical Education
Clinical experience is a major component of DPT training. Look for programs with strong clinical education opportunities and access to diverse healthcare settings.
NPTE Performance
Graduation is only one step toward becoming a physical therapist. Students must also meet licensing requirements, including passing the NPTE.
Reviewing a school’s recent licensure outcomes can help applicants evaluate how effectively its program prepares graduates for professional practice.
Location
Florida is a large state, so location matters. Consider whether you prefer Gainesville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Tallahassee, or another area.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in Florida
| Rank | Physical Therapy School | Location | Degree | Major Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida | Gainesville | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 prerequisite GPA, prerequisites, observation |
| 2 | University of Miami | Coral Gables | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, prerequisites, GRE optional |
| 3 | University of South Florida | Tampa | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, prerequisites, competitive GPA, PT experience |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Orlando | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 prerequisite GPA, science prerequisites |
| 5 | Florida International University | Miami | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, prerequisites, 60 observation hours |
| 6 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, prerequisites, GPA, PT experience |
| 7 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.20 prerequisite GPA, GRE, prerequisites |
| 8 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, science prerequisites, GRE |
| 9 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, 25 PT exposure hours, GRE |
| 10 | Florida A&M University | Tallahassee | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, prerequisites, GPA, PT experience |
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Conclusion
The top physical therapy schools in Florida offer prospective students several pathways into one of the most rewarding healthcare professions. From large public universities such as the University of Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Central Florida to private institutions such as the University of Miami, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida Southern College, students have numerous options to consider.
However, the best school for you depends on more than its position on a ranking list. Consider accreditation, admission requirements, tuition, clinical opportunities, licensure outcomes, location, class size, and financial aid before making your decision.
If you are still completing your undergraduate education, focus on maintaining a strong GPA and completing prerequisite science courses. You should also gain meaningful physical therapy observation experience and begin building relationships with professors and licensed physical therapists who may eventually provide recommendations.
Most importantly, check each university’s current admission requirements before applying. Requirements for GPA, GRE scores, observation hours, prerequisite courses, application deadlines, and recommendation letters can change from one admission cycle to another.
With careful preparation and a strong academic and professional profile, students can position themselves competitively for admission to one of the many excellent Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in Florida.