Top 50 Physical Therapy Schools In Hawaii 2026 Requirements

If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist in Hawaii, choosing the right physical therapy school is one of the most important steps in your career journey. Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, improve mobility, and regain independence through exercise, rehabilitation, and other evidence-based treatments.

Hawaii offers a unique environment for students interested in healthcare. Its diverse population, community-based healthcare needs, and geographic location can provide valuable opportunities for learning and clinical experience.

However, students should understand an important point: Hawaii has a limited number of universities offering accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Therefore, a list of “physical therapy schools in Hawaii” may include institutions with health-science or pre-physical-therapy pathways as well as the schools directly associated with physical therapist education.

Below are some of the top options to consider when researching physical therapy education in Hawaii, followed by common admission requirements and a comparison table.

Top 50 Physical Therapy Schools In Hawaii And Requirements

1. University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is one of the most prominent higher-education institutions in Hawaii and an important option for students interested in physical therapy and rehabilitation-related careers.

Students interested in becoming physical therapists can use the university’s undergraduate programs and health-profession advising resources to complete prerequisite coursework before applying to a DPT program.

Common requirements may include:

Bachelor’s degree or completion of prerequisite coursework
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Anatomy and physiology
Psychology
Statistics
Competitive GPA
Clinical observation or healthcare experience
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement

2. Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University is a private university in Honolulu that offers a range of health-related academic programs.

Although students should verify the university’s current physical therapy offerings, HPU can be considered by students seeking undergraduate preparation for graduate-level physical therapy education.

Typical preparation includes:

Completion of undergraduate coursework
Biology and chemistry
Anatomy and physiology
Physics
Psychology
Statistics
Strong academic performance
Healthcare-related experience

3. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University is another major private university in Hawaii. Its health-science-oriented academic environment can provide students with a foundation for careers in healthcare.

Students planning to become physical therapists may use an appropriate bachelor’s degree program to complete prerequisites required by DPT schools.

Requirements generally include:

High school diploma for undergraduate admission
Appropriate undergraduate coursework
Science prerequisites
Minimum GPA requirements
Recommendation letters where applicable
Personal statement or essay
Clinical exposure

4. University of Hawaii at Hilo

The University of Hawaii at Hilo provides undergraduate education in several science and health-related areas.

For students from the Big Island, UH Hilo can be a convenient place to complete prerequisite courses before applying to physical therapy programs.

Potential prerequisite subjects include:

General biology
General chemistry
Anatomy
Physiology
Physics
Psychology
Statistics

Students should check the individual DPT program they intend to apply to because prerequisite requirements can vary.

5. Hawaii Community College

Hawaii Community College can be useful for students who need to complete introductory college-level science and general education coursework.

Community college coursework may help students build an academic foundation before transferring to a four-year university.

Students should confirm that courses taken at a community college will satisfy the prerequisites of their intended DPT programs.

6. Kapiolani Community College

Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu offers programs and courses that can support students pursuing healthcare careers.

Students interested in physical therapy can potentially use appropriate coursework to complete prerequisites before transferring to a four-year institution or applying to a professional program.

Important courses may include:

Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Psychology
Anatomy and physiology
General education courses

7. Kauai Community College

Kauai Community College provides affordable postsecondary education for students on Kauai.

For aspiring physical therapists, the institution may be useful for completing foundational courses before transferring to another institution.

Students should verify transferability and DPT prerequisite equivalencies before enrolling.

8. Leeward Community College

Leeward Community College is another Hawaii institution where students can complete college-level coursework.

Students who need to strengthen their academic preparation before applying to a DPT program may find community college coursework useful.

Recommended preparation can include:

Biology
Chemistry
Anatomy and physiology
Mathematics
Psychology
English composition

9. Windward Community College

Windward Community College provides another pathway for students completing foundational education in Hawaii.

Aspiring physical therapists can use appropriate science and general education courses as part of their preparation for transfer or graduate professional education.

10. Maui College

University of Hawaii Maui College serves students on Maui and provides opportunities for students to complete college coursework closer to home.

Students interested in physical therapy can investigate available science courses and transfer pathways.

Before taking prerequisite courses, students should compare course descriptions with the requirements of their preferred DPT programs.

11. University of Hawaii West Oahu

University of Hawaii–West Oahu offers undergraduate education in a variety of disciplines and may serve students interested in health-related careers.

Students can pursue an appropriate undergraduate pathway and complete prerequisite coursework before applying to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

12. Brigham Young University–Hawaii

Brigham Young University–Hawaii offers undergraduate education in a variety of academic areas.

Students interested in physical therapy can select an appropriate major while completing the science and general education prerequisites required by DPT programs.

Applicants should carefully research individual DPT admission requirements before selecting their undergraduate courses.

13. Hawaii Tokai International College

Hawaii Tokai International College is a small institution in Hawaii that provides undergraduate-level education.

While it is not primarily known as a DPT school, students may investigate whether relevant coursework can contribute toward their educational pathway.

Transfer students should confirm course equivalencies with their intended four-year or graduate institution.

14. Pacific Rim Christian University

Pacific Rim Christian University offers higher education in Hawaii and can be considered by students researching undergraduate opportunities.

Aspiring physical therapists should determine whether the institution’s available programs and courses fit the prerequisite requirements of their chosen DPT schools.

15. University of Hawaii Professional and Continuing Education

University of Hawaii’s continuing education resources can be useful for students and professionals seeking additional academic or professional development.

Students should distinguish between continuing education courses and courses that fulfill formal DPT prerequisites.

16. Hawaii Medical College

Hawaii Medical College focuses on healthcare-related education and workforce preparation.

Although it should not automatically be considered a Doctor of Physical Therapy school, students interested in healthcare may explore its programs as part of their broader career development.

17. Hawaii Technology Academy

Hawaii Technology Academy is primarily an educational institution rather than a physical therapy school, but students considering healthcare careers can use appropriate high-school preparation to build a foundation for college.

Students should prioritize science, mathematics, communication, and other courses needed for future undergraduate study.

18. University of Hawaii System Pathways

Rather than focusing on only one campus, students can also explore the University of Hawaii System as a whole.

The system provides multiple campuses and educational pathways, allowing students to complete different portions of their education in Hawaii.

For future physical therapists, an effective strategy can be to complete an undergraduate degree and required prerequisites in Hawaii before applying to accredited DPT programs.

19. Hawaii Health Workforce Programs

Students interested in physical therapy should also investigate healthcare workforce initiatives and educational opportunities throughout Hawaii.

Healthcare workforce programs can provide information about training, career development, scholarships, and opportunities within Hawaii’s healthcare sector.

20. Hawaii-Based Pre-Physical Therapy Pathways

Students who specifically want to remain in Hawaii for as much of their education as possible can consider a pre-physical therapy pathway.

A pre-physical therapy pathway is not itself a DPT degree. Instead, it prepares students academically for application to a professional physical therapy program.

Students should select their undergraduate major based on their strengths while ensuring that all required DPT prerequisites are completed.

Full List

Rank	School / Institution	Location	Physical Therapy Pathway / Relevance	Typical Student Requirement
1	University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa	Honolulu	Pre-Physical Therapy; Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Sciences	Undergraduate admission + science prerequisites
2	Hawai‘i Pacific University	Honolulu	Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)	Bachelor’s/prerequisites, GPA, application requirements
3	Chaminade University of Honolulu	Honolulu	Undergraduate preparation for health professions	Undergraduate admission + relevant prerequisites
4	University of Hawai‘i at Hilo	Hilo	Undergraduate/pre-PT preparation	Undergraduate admission + science coursework
5	Hawai‘i Community College	Hilo	Prerequisite/transfer preparation	College admission + appropriate courses
6	Kapi‘olani Community College	Honolulu	Prerequisite/transfer preparation	College admission + transferable coursework
7	Kaua‘i Community College	Līhuʻe	Prerequisite/transfer preparation	College admission + relevant coursework
8	Leeward Community College	Pearl City	Prerequisite/transfer preparation	College admission + science courses
9	Windward Community College	Kāne‘ohe	Prerequisite/transfer preparation	College admission + relevant coursework
10	University of Hawai‘i Maui College	Kahului	Undergraduate/transfer preparation	College admission + prerequisite courses
11	University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu	Kapolei	Health professions/pre-PT preparation	Undergraduate admission + required courses
12	Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i	Laie	Undergraduate preparation	Undergraduate admission + science prerequisites
13	Hawaii Tokai International College	Kapolei	Undergraduate/transfer option	College admission + transferable coursework
14	Pacific Rim Christian University	Honolulu	Undergraduate preparation	Undergraduate admission + relevant coursework
15	University of Hawai‘i System	Statewide	Multi-campus pathway to pre-PT preparation	Campus-specific admission requirements
16	UH Mānoa Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Sciences	Honolulu	Related B.S. preparation for PT	Undergraduate admission + program requirements
17	UH West O‘ahu Health Professions Pre-PT Track	Kapolei	Health Professions Pre-PT	Bachelor’s-level coursework
18	Hawai‘i Pacific University Pre-Health Preparation	Honolulu	Undergraduate preparation for DPT	Undergraduate admission + prerequisites
19	Chaminade University Health Sciences Pathway	Honolulu	Health-related undergraduate preparation	University admission + program requirements
20	UH Hilo Biology Preparation	Hilo	Science foundation for DPT applications	Biology/science coursework
21	UH Mānoa Biology Preparation	Honolulu	Science prerequisites for DPT	Biology + chemistry + other prerequisites
22	UH Mānoa Psychology Preparation	Honolulu	Psychology prerequisite preparation	Psychology coursework + degree requirements
23	UH Mānoa Statistics Preparation	Honolulu	Statistics prerequisite preparation	Statistics course requirements
24	UH Mānoa Anatomy & Physiology Preparation	Honolulu	DPT prerequisite preparation	Appropriate anatomy/physiology courses
25	UH Mānoa Chemistry Preparation	Honolulu	DPT science prerequisite preparation	General chemistry courses
26	UH Mānoa Physics Preparation	Honolulu	DPT science prerequisite preparation	Physics coursework
27	Kapi‘olani Community College Science Pathway	Honolulu	Prerequisite preparation	College admission + science courses
28	Leeward Community College Science Pathway	Pearl City	Prerequisite preparation	College admission + transferable courses
29	Windward Community College Science Pathway	Kāne‘ohe	Prerequisite preparation	College admission + science courses
30	Hawai‘i Community College Science Pathway	Hilo	Prerequisite preparation	College admission + transferable coursework
31	Kaua‘i Community College Science Pathway	Līhu‘e	Prerequisite preparation	College admission + science courses
32	UH Maui College Science Pathway	Kahului	Prerequisite preparation	College admission + relevant courses
33	UH Mānoa Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center	Honolulu	Pre-PT advising and preparation	UHM student + prerequisite planning
34	UH Mānoa Pre-PT Application Preparation	Honolulu	DPT application preparation	Coursework + experience + application
35	UH Mānoa Physical Therapy Preferred Acceptance Pathway	Honolulu	Preferred pathway to RMUoHP DPT	Prerequisites + references + 100 PT observation hours
36	Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions DPT Pathway via UHM	Hawai‘i-linked pathway	DPT preferred acceptance option	UHM pathway requirements + DPT requirements
37	WICHE Physical Therapy Pathway for Hawai‘i Residents	Hawai‘i	Out-of-state professional-school option	WICHE/PSEP eligibility + school requirements
38	HPU Graduate College of Health Sciences	Honolulu	Graduate health-professions preparation	Graduate admission requirements
39	HPU Honolulu DPT	Honolulu	Doctor of Physical Therapy	DPT admission requirements
40	HPU Hybrid DPT Pathway	Honolulu	Hybrid professional DPT education	DPT admission requirements
41	HPU Clinical Education Pathway	Honolulu	DPT clinical education	DPT enrollment + clinical requirements
42	HPU Interprofessional Health Sciences Pathway	Honolulu	Health-professions education	Program-specific admission requirements
43	UH System Pre-Health Sciences Preparation	Statewide	Preparation for professional healthcare programs	Campus/program requirements
44	UH Community College Transfer Pathway	Statewide	Transfer toward bachelor’s/pre-PT preparation	Transfer and prerequisite requirements
45	UH Mānoa Health-Related Degree Pathway	Honolulu	Health-related undergraduate preparation	Undergraduate admission + major requirements
46	UH West O‘ahu Health Professions Pathway	Kapolei	Health-profession preparation	Undergraduate admission + required courses
47	Hawai‘i Undergraduate Pre-DPT Pathways	Statewide	Preparation for DPT applications	Bachelor’s + DPT prerequisites
48	Hawai‘i Community College Pre-Health Preparation	Hilo	Health/science foundation	College admission + relevant courses
49	O‘ahu Pre-Physical Therapy Preparation	O‘ahu	Undergraduate/pre-DPT preparation	Degree + prerequisite coursework
50	Hawai‘i Statewide Pre-PT Preparation Options	Statewide	Combined undergraduate and prerequisite pathways	School-specific requirements

What Degree Do You Need to Become a Physical Therapist in Hawaii?

To practice as a physical therapist, students generally need to complete a professional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an appropriately accredited program.

The typical pathway is:

Complete high school.
Earn an undergraduate degree or complete the required undergraduate preparation.
Complete DPT prerequisite courses.
Gain physical therapy observation or clinical experience.
Apply to an accredited DPT program.
Complete the DPT program.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
Meet Hawaii’s state licensing requirements.

Because admission requirements vary between schools, students should always check the current requirements of the specific DPT programs they plan to apply to.

Physical Therapy School Requirements in Hawaii

Bachelor’s Degree

Many DPT programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree before enrollment.

The undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy. Students commonly major in biology, exercise science, kinesiology, health science, psychology, or another related field.

Prerequisite Courses

DPT programs commonly require several science and general education courses.

These may include:

Anatomy
Physiology
Biology
General chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Statistics
English composition

The exact number of credits and required courses varies by institution.

Minimum GPA

Applicants generally need to meet a minimum GPA requirement.

However, meeting the minimum does not necessarily make an applicant competitive. Because DPT programs can be selective, students should aim for strong grades, particularly in science courses.

GRE Requirements

Some DPT programs may require or recommend the Graduate Record Examination, while others do not.

Students should check the current admission requirements for every program before spending money or time preparing for the GRE.

Clinical Observation Experience

Physical therapy programs may expect applicants to demonstrate that they understand the profession.

Observation hours can help students learn about:

Patient assessment
Therapeutic exercise
Rehabilitation
Mobility training
Patient communication
Clinical documentation
Healthcare teamwork

Experience in different physical therapy settings can make an application stronger.

Letters of Recommendation

DPT programs may require recommendation letters from professors, physical therapists, employers, or other professionals.

Strong recommendations should provide evidence of an applicant’s academic ability, professionalism, communication skills, work ethic, and suitability for healthcare.

Personal Statement

Applicants may be required to submit a personal statement explaining why they want to become physical therapists.

A strong statement should demonstrate genuine motivation and an understanding of the profession rather than simply stating that physical therapy is a rewarding career.

Application Through PTCAS

Many physical therapy programs participate in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, commonly known as PTCAS.

Using a centralized application can make it easier for students to apply to multiple participating DPT programs.

However, individual schools may have additional application requirements beyond the centralized application.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist in Hawaii?

The timeline can vary, but students should generally expect several years of education.

A common pathway includes approximately four years of undergraduate education followed by about three years of professional DPT education.

Students may also need additional time for prerequisite coursework, application preparation, clinical education, licensing, or other requirements.

How Much Does Physical Therapy School Cost in Hawaii?

The cost of becoming a physical therapist depends heavily on the institution, residency status, program length, tuition, fees, housing, transportation, books, and clinical education expenses.

Hawaii can have relatively high living costs, particularly in Honolulu. Students should therefore calculate both tuition and living expenses when comparing programs.

Financial aid options can include:

Scholarships
Grants
Federal student aid
Institutional scholarships
Work-study opportunities
Healthcare workforce scholarships
Student loans

Career Opportunities for Physical Therapists in Hawaii

Physical therapists can work in a variety of healthcare environments.

Potential workplaces include:

Hospitals
Outpatient rehabilitation clinics
Sports medicine facilities
Nursing facilities
Home healthcare
Pediatric rehabilitation centers
Orthopedic clinics
Community health organizations
Private practices

Hawaii’s population includes people from diverse cultural backgrounds, making communication, cultural competence, and patient-centered care especially valuable skills.

How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School

Check Accreditation

Accreditation should be one of the first things prospective students investigate.

A professional DPT program should meet the appropriate accreditation standards for physical therapist education.

Compare Prerequisites

Do not assume that every DPT school has identical prerequisites.

Create a spreadsheet comparing:

Biology requirements
Chemistry requirements
Physics requirements
Psychology requirements
Statistics requirements
GPA requirements
Observation hours
Application deadlines

Consider Total Cost

Compare the complete cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.

Include housing, food, transportation, textbooks, health insurance, fees, and other expenses.

Evaluate Clinical Education

Clinical education is a major component of physical therapist training.

Students should investigate the types of clinical placements available and the variety of patient populations they may encounter.

Consider Location

For Hawaii students, location can significantly affect the overall cost of education.

Students living on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island should consider transportation and housing costs when choosing a program.

Physical Therapy Schools in Hawaii Comparison Table

School/Institution	Type	Potential Pathway	Key Preparation/Requirements
University of Hawaii at Manoa	Public University	Undergraduate/pre-PT preparation	Science prerequisites, strong GPA
Hawaii Pacific University	Private University	Health/undergraduate preparation	Science courses, GPA, experience
Chaminade University	Private University	Undergraduate preparation	Prerequisites, academic performance
University of Hawaii at Hilo	Public University	Undergraduate preparation	Biology, chemistry, physics
Hawaii Community College	Community College	Prerequisite preparation	Transferable science courses
Kapiolani Community College	Community College	Prerequisite preparation	Science and general education
Kauai Community College	Community College	Transfer preparation	Appropriate prerequisite courses
Leeward Community College	Community College	Prerequisite preparation	Biology, chemistry, anatomy
Windward Community College	Community College	Transfer preparation	Science/general education
UH Maui College	Public College	Undergraduate/transfer preparation	Appropriate prerequisite coursework
UH West Oahu	Public University	Undergraduate preparation	Degree and DPT prerequisites
BYU–Hawaii	Private University	Undergraduate preparation	Science and general education
Hawaii Tokai International College	Private College	Undergraduate/transfer option	Transferable coursework
Pacific Rim Christian University	Private University	Undergraduate option	Appropriate academic preparation
UH Professional & Continuing Education	Continuing Education	Additional coursework	Course-specific requirements
Hawaii Medical College	Healthcare College	Healthcare preparation	Program-specific requirements
Hawaii Technology Academy	School	Secondary preparation	Science and mathematics
University of Hawaii System	Public System	Multi-campus pathway	Program-specific prerequisites
Hawaii Health Workforce Programs	Workforce programs	Career development	Program-specific eligibility
Hawaii Pre-PT Pathways	Various institutions	Pre-DPT preparation	Prerequisites, GPA, experience

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Conclusion

Choosing among physical therapy schools in Hawaii requires careful research because the state’s higher-education landscape includes relatively few institutions directly offering professional physical therapist education. Many Hawaii colleges can instead serve as undergraduate or prerequisite pathways for students who ultimately apply to accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and other University of Hawaii campuses can be valuable starting points for students building their academic preparation.

Before enrolling, prospective students should identify the DPT programs they intend to apply to and work backward from their admission requirements. Pay particular attention to prerequisite courses, GPA, clinical observation experience, recommendation letters, application deadlines, accreditation, and total cost.

For students committed to becoming physical therapists, the most important goal is not simply choosing a school in Hawaii but building an academic and clinical profile that meets the requirements of an accredited DPT program and ultimately qualifies them for physical therapist licensure.