Barry PhilipsIf you are planning to become a physical therapist in Texas, choosing the right physical therapy school in Dallas can make a major difference in your education, clinical experience, and career prospects. Dallas is home to several universities and institutions offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, while the wider Dallas–Fort Worth area provides additional options for students who are willing to commute.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is the standard professional degree required to become a licensed physical therapist in the United States. Most programs require applicants to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework, earn a bachelor’s degree, submit transcripts, obtain clinical or observation experience, and meet other admission requirements.
In this guide, we explore the top physical therapy schools in Dallas and nearby areas, their major requirements, program characteristics, and what prospective students should know before applying.
Top 20 Physical Therapy Schools in Dallas
1. UT Southwestern Medical Center
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is one of the most prominent institutions for health sciences education in Dallas. Its physical therapy education is closely connected with a major academic medical center, giving students access to a strong healthcare environment.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preparation
- Completion of required prerequisite courses
- Competitive undergraduate GPA
- Prerequisite science coursework
- Application through the appropriate centralized application system
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Relevant healthcare or physical therapy observation experience
- Interview, where applicable
The program is particularly attractive to students interested in evidence-based practice, research, and clinical healthcare.
2. Texas Woman’s University – Dallas Center
Texas Woman’s University has a major presence in the Dallas area and is well known for health-related academic programs.
Its physical therapy program provides students with professional preparation in movement science, rehabilitation, patient care, and clinical practice.
Common admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Anatomy and physiology coursework
- Chemistry and physics prerequisites
- Application materials
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Physical therapy observation or healthcare experience
Students should carefully review the current prerequisite list because individual course requirements can change.
3. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Dallas
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences operates a Dallas-area campus and specializes in graduate education for health professionals.
Its DPT program is designed for students who want intensive preparation in physical therapy practice.
Major requirements may include:
- Bachelor’s degree or required undergraduate preparation
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Science prerequisites
- Application through the appropriate application system
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview or other admissions assessment
The institution is particularly focused on health sciences and physical therapy education.
4. Baylor University – Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
Baylor University is a respected Texas university with a strong health sciences profile. Its physical therapy education is based in Waco rather than central Dallas, but it is an important Texas option for students considering DPT education.
Applicants generally need:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite coursework
- Competitive GPA
- Biology and chemistry coursework
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology or related prerequisites
- Application through the required system
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
Students interested in a university environment with strong academic and research opportunities may consider Baylor.
5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers professional health education in Texas and is another option for students considering a Doctor of Physical Therapy career.
Although its physical therapy program is not located in central Dallas, it can be considered by Texas students who are open to studying outside the Dallas area.
Applicants typically need:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Competitive GPA
- Science coursework
- Clinical observation experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Application through the appropriate centralized system
6. University of North Texas Health Science Center
The University of North Texas Health Science Center is located in Fort Worth, making it one of the closest major health sciences institutions to Dallas.
Its location within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area makes it relevant to students searching for physical therapy schools near Dallas.
Potential requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Required science courses
- Minimum GPA
- Observation or clinical experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Application materials
- Interview, where required
Its proximity to Dallas makes it particularly useful for students who want to remain within the Metroplex.
7. Texas Health School
Texas Health School is located in the Houston area and is not a traditional Dallas DPT institution. However, students researching Texas physical therapy education may encounter it when comparing healthcare training options.
It is important to distinguish between physical therapist education and physical therapist assistant education when researching programs.
8. Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College is located in the Dallas–Fort Worth region and provides allied health education.
Students should carefully check the institution’s current physical therapy-related offerings because an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant studies is different from a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
PTA programs generally prepare graduates to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
9. Collin College
Collin College serves communities north of Dallas and provides healthcare and allied health education.
For students interested in physical rehabilitation careers, community colleges can provide pathways into physical therapist assistant education or prerequisite coursework.
Admission requirements depend on the specific program and may include:
- High school completion
- College prerequisites
- Placement requirements
- Science courses
- Background checks
- Health documentation
- Clinical eligibility requirements
10. Dallas College
Dallas College is another major public institution serving the Dallas area.
Students considering physical therapy can use community-college education to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses before applying to a DPT program.
Depending on the specific pathway, students may study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
Students should verify whether a particular program leads to PTA certification or simply provides prerequisites for future DPT study.
11. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is one of Texas’s largest public universities and offers extensive health and science education.
For prospective physical therapists, undergraduate study at Texas A&M can provide preparation for applying to a DPT program.
Students can build a competitive application by completing required prerequisites and gaining healthcare-related experience.
Typical preparation includes:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong science GPA
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Clinical observation
12. Texas State University
Texas State University offers strong science and health-related academic opportunities and can serve as an undergraduate preparation route for students interested in physical therapy.
Students can complete their bachelor’s degree and prerequisite courses before applying to a professional DPT program.
A strong application should generally demonstrate:
- Good academic performance
- Strong science grades
- Completion of prerequisites
- Healthcare exposure
- Understanding of the physical therapy profession
- Strong references
- Well-written application essays
13. University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and is an attractive option for students seeking health-related education.
UTA can also be considered by students completing undergraduate coursework before applying to a DPT program.
Students should distinguish between an undergraduate degree and a professional DPT degree when evaluating physical therapy schools.
14. University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas offers strong programs in science, neuroscience, psychology, and related fields.
Although prospective physical therapists should verify the institution’s current professional physical therapy offerings, UTD can provide useful undergraduate preparation for students planning to apply to DPT programs elsewhere.
Relevant courses can include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Statistics
- Physics
15. Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University is located in University Park, immediately adjacent to Dallas.
SMU provides a strong academic environment for undergraduate students interested in preparing for healthcare graduate programs.
Students can use relevant undergraduate coursework to satisfy DPT prerequisites before applying to a professional physical therapy program.
16. Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University in Fort Worth is another Dallas–Fort Worth institution worth considering for students planning a career in physical therapy.
Students can complete undergraduate science and health-related coursework before pursuing a DPT.
Strong preparation generally includes:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
17. University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler is another Texas university students may consider when searching for physical therapy education.
While it is outside the immediate Dallas area, students who are flexible about location may find Texas-based options useful when comparing DPT programs.
18. Texas Woman’s University – Denton
In addition to its Dallas presence, Texas Woman’s University has its primary campus in Denton.
Denton is within the broader North Texas region and is relatively accessible to students living in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Students considering TWU should carefully review the current DPT admission requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA standards, and application deadlines.
19. University of Texas Medical Branch
The University of Texas Medical Branch is another Texas health sciences institution with physical therapy education opportunities.
It is outside Dallas, but it can be relevant to students who want to compare professional health programs across Texas.
Applicants should expect a competitive graduate-level admission process involving academic prerequisites and professional preparation.
20. Texas Physical Therapy Schools and DPT Options Across the State
Students should not limit their search exclusively to Dallas city limits. Texas has several universities and health sciences institutions offering physical therapy education.
Expanding the search to Fort Worth, Denton, Waco, Tyler, Houston, San Antonio, and other cities can significantly increase the number of available DPT options.
This is especially useful for applicants who have strong academic qualifications but do not receive admission to their first-choice Dallas-area school.
General Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Dallas
Although admission requirements differ between institutions, most DPT programs have several requirements in common.
Bachelor’s Degree
Most professional DPT programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree before beginning the program.
Your undergraduate major does not always have to be exercise science or kinesiology. However, you must complete the prerequisite courses specified by your chosen DPT program.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites commonly include:
- General biology
- General chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Statistics
- English or writing
- Social sciences
Some schools require additional courses, so applicants should check each school’s current requirements.
GPA
DPT programs are competitive, making academic performance important.
Many programs establish minimum GPA requirements, while competitive applicants may have GPAs significantly above the minimum.
A strong science GPA can also strengthen an application.
GRE
Some physical therapy schools require or accept the Graduate Record Examination, while others have removed it from their admissions process.
Because policies vary, applicants should check the current requirements of each program before registering for the examination.
Observation Experience
Physical therapy observation is often valuable because it demonstrates that an applicant understands the profession.
Students can gain experience by observing licensed physical therapists in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
- Outpatient clinics
- Sports facilities
- Pediatric clinics
- Nursing facilities
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants may need recommendations from professors, physical therapists, employers, or other professionals who can discuss their academic ability, professionalism, communication skills, and suitability for the profession.
Personal Statement
A personal statement allows applicants to explain why they want to become physical therapists.
A strong statement should demonstrate genuine motivation, understanding of the profession, relevant experiences, and long-term career goals.
Interview
Some DPT programs interview applicants before making final admission decisions.
Candidates should be prepared to discuss:
- Why they want to become physical therapists
- Their healthcare experience
- Ethical situations
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Academic preparation
- Career objectives
How Long Does Physical Therapy School Take?
A typical path involves completing an undergraduate degree followed by a professional DPT program.
The bachelor’s degree generally takes about four years for a full-time student, while a DPT program commonly takes approximately three years.
Therefore, students should expect roughly seven years of higher education after high school, although accelerated or individual pathways can alter the timeline.
How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost in Dallas?
The cost varies substantially according to the institution.
Public universities may offer lower tuition for Texas residents, while private institutions can be considerably more expensive.
Students should budget for:
- Tuition
- University fees
- Books
- Laboratory expenses
- Housing
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Clinical education expenses
- Licensing and examination fees
Scholarships, grants, assistantships, and federal student aid may help reduce the financial burden.
Career Opportunities After Physical Therapy School
Graduates can work in numerous healthcare environments.
Common career settings include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
- Sports medicine centres
- Nursing homes
- Schools
- Pediatric facilities
- Home healthcare
- Veterans’ healthcare
- Private practices
- Community rehabilitation centres
Physical therapists can also specialize in areas such as orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, geriatrics, and cardiopulmonary therapy.
Comparison Table: Top Physical Therapy Schools and Options Near Dallas
| Rank | School/Institution | Location | Physical Therapy Pathway | Major Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UT Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas | DPT/physical therapy education | Degree, prerequisites, GPA, application, recommendations |
| 2 | Texas Woman’s University | Dallas | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GPA, application, recommendations |
| 3 | University of St. Augustine | Dallas area | DPT | Degree, prerequisites, GPA, application |
| 4 | Baylor University | Waco | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GPA, recommendations |
| 5 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Texas | DPT | Degree, prerequisites, GPA, observation |
| 6 | UNT Health Science Center | Fort Worth | DPT/health sciences | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GPA, application |
| 7 | Texas Health School | Texas | Allied health | Program-specific requirements |
| 8 | Tarrant County College | Fort Worth area | PTA/allied health pathway | Prerequisites, health documentation |
| 9 | Collin College | North Texas | Allied health/PTA pathway | Program prerequisites |
| 10 | Dallas College | Dallas | Prerequisite/allied health options | Course-specific requirements |
| 11 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Pre-DPT preparation | Bachelor’s, prerequisite courses |
| 12 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Pre-DPT preparation | Degree and prerequisites |
| 13 | UT Arlington | Arlington | Pre-DPT preparation | Degree and science prerequisites |
| 14 | UT Dallas | Richardson | Pre-DPT preparation | Science coursework and degree |
| 15 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | Pre-DPT preparation | Undergraduate degree and prerequisites |
| 16 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Pre-DPT preparation | Degree and prerequisite courses |
| 17 | UT Tyler | Tyler | Physical therapy preparation | Degree and prerequisites |
| 18 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites |
| 19 | UT Medical Branch | Galveston | DPT/health sciences | Degree and prerequisites |
| 20 | Texas DPT Programs | Various cities | DPT pathways | Varies by institution |
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Conclusion
Choosing among the top physical therapy schools in Dallas requires more than looking at a school’s name. Prospective students should compare accreditation, curriculum, clinical education opportunities, tuition, admission requirements, location, faculty expertise, and graduate outcomes.
For students specifically seeking a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Dallas, institutions such as UT Southwestern, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of St. Augustine deserve close consideration. Students willing to study elsewhere in the Dallas–Fort Worth area can also explore institutions in Fort Worth, Denton, Arlington, and other North Texas communities.
Before applying, always confirm the latest prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, application deadlines, observation-hour policies, testing requirements, and tuition directly with each institution. Requirements can change from one admission cycle to another.
Ultimately, the best physical therapy school is the one that fits your academic profile, financial situation, career goals, and preferred clinical environment. A well-planned application strategy can increase your chances of gaining admission and beginning a successful career as a licensed physical therapist.