Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools In Minnesota 2026 Requirements

Minnesota is an attractive destination for students interested in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other healthcare careers. The state is home to universities and colleges that provide professional physical therapy education, clinical training, and related programmes designed to prepare students for careers helping people recover from injuries, improve mobility, and regain physical independence.

If you are searching for the top physical therapy schools in Minnesota and their admission requirements, it is important to understand the difference between becoming a physical therapist and becoming a physical therapist assistant. These professions have different educational requirements, responsibilities, and licensing pathways.

In the United States, aspiring physical therapists generally need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a programme accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). They must then meet applicable state licensing requirements, including passing the National Physical Therapy Examination. Physical therapist assistants typically complete an approved associate-degree programme and meet the relevant licensing or certification requirements.

This article examines 10 Minnesota institutions to consider, outlines common admission requirements, and explains how to choose a programme that fits your educational and career goals.

Important note: This is a practical list, not an official ranking. The institutions discussed include professional DPT education and physical therapist assistant (PTA) pathways. These are different qualifications, and the availability and accreditation status of individual programmes should be confirmed before applying.

Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in Minnesota

1. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota is a major public research university with an established Division of Physical Therapy. Located in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, the university is a strong option for students seeking a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Its professional education combines scientific foundations, clinical reasoning, movement assessment, rehabilitation techniques, and practical clinical experience. Students prepare to work with individuals experiencing musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, mobility limitations, and other physical challenges.

The university may be particularly appealing to students interested in evidence-based practice, research, and a broad clinical learning environment.

Admission requirements

Applicants should review the current programme requirements, which generally include:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completed by the specified deadline.
Completion of the required prerequisite courses, including relevant biological sciences, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics.
A minimum grade of C or better in required prerequisite courses, subject to programme-specific rules.
At least 40 hours of physical therapy observation, employment, or volunteer experience.
Letters of recommendation, including a recommendation from a physical therapist familiar with the applicant’s experience, as required by the current policy.
Official academic transcripts and a completed application.
Any required essays, supplementary materials, and English-language proficiency documentation for eligible international applicants.
Ability to meet the programme’s academic, professional, and technical standards.

Applicants should pay particular attention to laboratory requirements and the rules governing online prerequisite courses.

Best for: Students seeking a research-oriented DPT education at a large public university.

2. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences – Rochester

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy programme in Rochester, Minnesota. Its connection to a major academic medical centre makes it an attractive option for applicants interested in clinical education and evidence-based healthcare.

The programme prepares students to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, apply therapeutic interventions, and work with other healthcare professionals. Its learning environment emphasises clinical decision-making and patient-centred care.

Admission requirements

Published admission criteria have included the following:

A completed bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
Biology coursework with laboratory experience, including human anatomy and physiology.
Two chemistry courses with laboratory components.
Two physics courses with laboratory components.
A statistics course.
Psychology coursework, including introductory psychology and abnormal psychology or an accepted equivalent.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0, subject to current programme rules.
GRE scores where required by the applicable admission cycle.
Three letters of recommendation covering relevant academic, professional, or physical therapy experience.
Official transcripts and a completed application through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
An interview if selected by the admissions committee.

Physical therapy observation or employment experience can help applicants understand the profession and strengthen their applications. Candidates should verify the latest rules concerning required hours, examinations, and application deadlines.

Best for: Students who want to learn in a major medical setting and develop strong clinical and research skills.

3. St. Catherine University – Minneapolis–Saint Paul Area

St. Catherine University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy programme for students preparing for professional practice. Its curriculum combines foundational science, rehabilitation theory, patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and supervised clinical education.

The programme is designed to help students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to evaluate movement disorders and support patients with different rehabilitation needs.

Admission requirements

Prospective applicants should expect to meet requirements such as:

A bachelor’s or graduate degree from an appropriately accredited institution.
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
A prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0.
Completion of required prerequisite courses with acceptable grades.
At least 40 hours of physical therapy observation verified according to programme policy.
Official transcripts from all relevant institutions.
A completed application and any required supporting documents.
Compliance with the university’s academic and professional standards.

Applicants should consult the current prerequisite checklist to determine the required courses, laboratory components, and rules for courses completed at other institutions.

Best for: Students seeking a university-based DPT programme with a strong emphasis on professional preparation and clinical learning.

4. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul, is another institution to consider when researching professional physical therapy education in Minnesota. Its Doctor of Physical Therapy programme provides a pathway for students who want to become licensed physical therapists.

The university also offers undergraduate preparation options relevant to students planning to pursue physical therapy. However, completing an undergraduate pre-physical therapy pathway does not automatically guarantee admission to the professional programme.

Admission requirements

Published DPT requirements have included:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
Biology coursework appropriate to the programme’s requirements.
Two chemistry courses with laboratory components.
Human anatomy and physiology coursework.
Two physics courses with laboratory components.
Introductory psychology and additional behavioural or social science coursework.
A statistics course.
GRE scores where required.
Recommendation letters, including a recommendation from a practising physical therapist where specified.
Physical therapy observation experience, with 100 or more hours recommended in the published requirements.
Official transcripts and a completed PTCAS application.

Students should confirm current prerequisite equivalencies, observation-hour expectations, testing policies, and application deadlines before submitting an application.

Best for: Students who want to plan their undergraduate preparation around the requirements of a professional DPT programme.

5. The College of St. Scholastica – Duluth

The College of St. Scholastica offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy programme in Duluth. The institution is an option for students seeking professional preparation for a career in rehabilitation and movement science.

Students develop the knowledge needed to assess patients, design appropriate interventions, and contribute to rehabilitation across different clinical settings. The college also provides undergraduate preparation options for eligible students interested in physical therapy.

Admission requirements

Requirements to investigate include:

A bachelor’s degree completed before professional programme enrolment.
Biology coursework, generally including at least two courses.
Two general chemistry courses with laboratory components.
Human anatomy and physiology.
Two general physics courses with laboratory components.
A statistics course.
Psychology coursework.
Medical terminology, where required.
Acceptable grades in prerequisite courses.
Official transcripts, recommendations, and a completed application through the required admissions system.
Completion of any programme-specific selection requirements.

The college has also published early-assurance options for eligible high school and transfer students. Such pathways may have separate GPA requirements, progression standards, and application procedures.

Students interested in early assurance should confirm the eligibility rules and whether the pathway is available for their intended entry year.

Best for: Students interested in a DPT programme with structured clinical preparation and potential early-planning opportunities.

6. St. Catherine University – Physical Therapist Assistant Pathway

In addition to its professional physical therapy education, St. Catherine University is worth investigating for students interested in physical therapist assistant education. A PTA works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to help implement treatment plans and support patient rehabilitation.

This pathway is different from a DPT programme. PTA students generally pursue an associate-level qualification and prepare for assistant-level responsibilities rather than independent practice as a physical therapist.

Admission requirements

Depending on the current programme offering, applicants may need to meet requirements such as:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of the institution’s admission application.
Official academic transcripts.
Required prerequisite or foundational coursework.
Completion of any programme-specific selection procedures.
Ability to meet technical standards for practical and clinical training.
Compliance with clinical placement requirements, including applicable health documentation and background checks.

Students should verify the current PTA programme status, available qualification, accreditation, and admission procedures directly with the university before applying.

Best for: Students exploring assistant-level rehabilitation careers who want to investigate educational options in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.

7. Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Coon Rapids

Anoka-Ramsey Community College is a public community college that students may wish to investigate when comparing rehabilitation-related education in Minnesota. Community colleges can offer a more accessible route into healthcare training, particularly for students who prefer an associate-degree pathway.

Before choosing this institution for physical therapist assistant education, applicants should confirm whether the relevant PTA programme is currently offered and accepting students.

Admission requirements

Where an approved PTA pathway is available, typical requirements may include:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of the college’s admission procedures.
Official academic transcripts.
Required prerequisite courses, potentially including anatomy, physiology, biology, or other foundational subjects.
Completion of any additional programme application or selection process.
Compliance with clinical education, professional conduct, and technical standards.
Required health documentation and background checks for clinical placements.

Because PTA programmes can have limited spaces and additional selection criteria, students should not assume that general college admission automatically guarantees admission to a professional programme.

Best for: Students seeking community-college healthcare education and investigating pathways into rehabilitation support services.

8. Lake Superior College – Duluth

Lake Superior College is a public technical and community college in Duluth. Students interested in rehabilitation careers can investigate the institution’s current healthcare programme offerings and determine whether a suitable physical therapist assistant pathway is available for their intended enrolment year.

A PTA education focuses on helping patients complete prescribed exercises, supporting therapeutic interventions, monitoring patient responses, and communicating progress to supervising physical therapists.

Admission requirements

If applying to an approved PTA programme, students should be prepared to review requirements such as:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of college admission procedures.
Official transcripts from previous educational institutions.
Any required prerequisite or general education courses.
Programme-specific application and selection requirements.
Compliance with technical standards and clinical placement expectations.
Completion of applicable health, immunisation, and background-check requirements.

Students should ask the college about programme accreditation, the qualification awarded, clinical placement arrangements, and graduate outcomes.

Best for: Students interested in practical healthcare training and rehabilitation-related career opportunities in northeastern Minnesota.

9. Northland Community & Technical College – East Grand Forks

Northland Community & Technical College serves students in northwestern Minnesota and offers career-focused technical and healthcare education. It is another institution to investigate when researching physical therapist assistant and rehabilitation-related study options.

Students should verify the availability of an approved PTA programme before treating the institution as a direct route to that qualification.

Admission requirements

For a PTA programme, where currently available, requirements may include:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
Official academic transcripts.
Completion of the college’s general admission process.
Required prerequisite courses and minimum grades.
Additional programme application materials.
Meeting professional and technical standards for clinical training.
Satisfying relevant health and background-check requirements.

Prospective students should also ask whether the programme is accepting a new cohort and whether there are additional requirements for transfer students.

Best for: Students exploring technical and community-college education in northwestern Minnesota.

10. Rasmussen University – Minnesota

Rasmussen University is a private educational institution with a presence in Minnesota. Students interested in healthcare careers may wish to investigate its current programme catalogue to determine whether an appropriate physical therapist assistant qualification is available at a campus or through an approved delivery arrangement.

It is important to verify the exact programme rather than assuming that every institution offering healthcare education also offers physical therapist assistant training.

Admission requirements

If an appropriate PTA programme is currently available, prospective students should confirm whether they need to provide:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
Official transcripts.
A completed institutional application.
Evidence of completing required prerequisite courses.
Additional programme-specific documentation.
Evidence that they can meet the academic, practical, and technical requirements of clinical education.
Health documentation and background checks where required.

Applicants should confirm the programme’s current accreditation, award type, campus availability, tuition, and eligibility for the relevant professional licensing process.

Best for: Students considering private healthcare education and comparing the availability of approved rehabilitation training programmes.

General Admission Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Minnesota

Although requirements vary between institutions, students applying to professional physical therapy programmes in Minnesota should understand several common admission criteria.

1. Educational Qualifications

Applicants to DPT programmes generally need a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution. The undergraduate degree does not always have to be in physical therapy or a closely related field.

Degrees in biology, kinesiology, exercise science, psychology, and other subjects may provide useful preparation. However, applicants must complete the prerequisite courses specified by their chosen programme.

Some institutions offer early-assurance pathways, which allow eligible students to plan their undergraduate education around later DPT admission. These pathways have their own eligibility and progression rules.

2. Prerequisite Courses

Most professional DPT programmes require foundational science and behavioural science coursework. Common subjects include:

Human anatomy and physiology.
Biology.
General chemistry.
Physics.
Psychology.
Statistics.
Medical terminology, where required.

Applicants should check whether courses must include laboratory work, whether online courses are accepted, and how long before application a prerequisite may have been completed.

3. Minimum Grade Point Average

Many DPT programmes establish a minimum cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some also calculate a separate GPA for prerequisite courses.

A minimum GPA is only an eligibility threshold, not a guarantee of admission. Competitive applicants should aim for strong grades in science courses and ensure that all required courses are completed by the applicable deadline.

PTA programmes may have different admission and selection criteria.

4. Physical Therapy Observation Experience

Observation or work experience helps applicants understand what physical therapists do in actual clinical settings. Depending on the programme, applicants may need to complete a specified number of observation hours or provide evidence of relevant experience.

Useful settings can include outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and other approved clinical environments.

Students should keep a record of their hours and obtain verification from the relevant supervising professional. They should also confirm whether observation must cover more than one clinical setting.

5. Application Documents

DPT applicants commonly need official transcripts, recommendation letters, and a completed application. Many professional programmes use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

Other possible requirements include personal statements, essays, interviews, GRE scores where applicable, and English-language proficiency evidence for international applicants.

The exact combination varies by institution and admission year. Applicants should use the current programme checklist rather than relying on older admission information.

6. Clinical Placement and Technical Requirements

Physical therapy education involves practical training with patients. Students may therefore need to meet requirements relating to health documentation, immunisation, background checks, professional conduct, and the ability to perform essential programme activities.

These requirements can affect clinical placement eligibility even after a student has been admitted.

How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School in Minnesota

Consider Your Career Goals

Start by deciding whether you want to become a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant.

A DPT programme prepares graduates for the professional physical therapist licensing pathway. A PTA programme prepares graduates for a supervised assistant role. The two qualifications are not interchangeable.

Compare Tuition and Living Expenses

Compare tuition, mandatory fees, books, accommodation, transportation, health insurance, and clinical education expenses. Public universities, private universities, and community colleges may have different cost structures.

International students should also consider visa-related expenses, proof-of-funding requirements, and the availability of financial assistance for their student category.

Evaluate Clinical Training Opportunities

Clinical education is an important part of physical therapy training. Investigate the variety of clinical placements, faculty expertise, access to rehabilitation facilities, and opportunities to work with different patient populations.

A programme with a strong clinical education structure can help students develop the practical skills needed for professional practice.

Check Accreditation and Graduate Outcomes

Before enrolling, verify the programme’s accreditation status and confirm that it meets the requirements relevant to your intended licensing pathway.

You can also compare graduation rates, licensing examination results, employment outcomes, and student support services. Where possible, use comparable data from the same reporting period rather than relying on promotional claims.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in Minnesota

Institution	Location	Pathway to investigate	Qualification
University of Minnesota	Twin Cities	Professional physical therapy	DPT
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences	Rochester	Professional physical therapy	DPT
St. Catherine University	Minneapolis–Saint Paul area	Professional physical therapy	DPT
Concordia University, St. Paul	St. Paul	Professional physical therapy	DPT
The College of St. Scholastica	Duluth	Professional physical therapy	DPT
St. Catherine University	Minneapolis–Saint Paul area	Physical therapist assistant	Verify current offering
Anoka-Ramsey Community College	Coon Rapids	PTA or related pathway	Verify current offering
Lake Superior College	Duluth	PTA or related pathway	Verify current offering
Northland Community & Technical College	East Grand Forks	PTA or related pathway	Verify current offering
Rasmussen University	Minnesota campus availability varies	PTA or related pathway	Verify current offering

Important: The first five institutions are presented as DPT options to investigate. The remaining entries are exploratory options for assistant-level or related education; their current PTA programme availability and accreditation must be confirmed before applying. This is not a ranking of 10 equivalent accredited physical therapy programmes.

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Conclusion

Minnesota offers several educational opportunities for students interested in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and related healthcare careers. The University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, St. Catherine University, Concordia University, St. Paul, and The College of St. Scholastica are useful starting points for researching professional Doctor of Physical Therapy education.

Students seeking a physical therapist assistant qualification should investigate approved PTA programmes separately because the admission requirements, study duration, and professional responsibilities differ from those of a DPT programme.

Before applying, compare prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, clinical observation expectations, tuition, accreditation, and application deadlines. International applicants should also investigate credential evaluation, English-language requirements, and eligibility to study and complete clinical placements in the United States.

By carefully comparing your options and preparing your application early, you can identify a suitable educational pathway toward a career helping people recover mobility, improve physical function, and enjoy a better quality of life.