Barry PhilipsIf you are looking for the best physical therapy schools in Houston, you may be surprised to learn that the options are somewhat different from those in other major U.S. cities. Houston has a strong healthcare ecosystem and is home to world-class medical institutions, but the number of universities offering entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs within the city itself is limited.
For students who want to become licensed physical therapists, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is generally the standard educational pathway. Students interested in entering the rehabilitation field more quickly can also consider Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs.
This guide highlights the major physical therapy education options in Houston and nearby areas, explains their requirements, and provides alternatives for students who are willing to study elsewhere in Texas.
Top Physical Therapy Schools in Houston
1. Texas Woman’s University – Houston Center
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the leading choice for students specifically searching for a traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Houston.
Its Houston Center is located in the Texas Medical Center, giving students access to one of the largest concentrations of healthcare institutions in the world.
TWU’s entry-level DPT program is designed to prepare students for professional practice as physical therapists. The program takes approximately 33 months of full-time study.
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree and must complete the required prerequisite courses. TWU also requires applicants to meet GPA standards, complete physical therapy observation experiences, submit recommendations and take the GRE.
Important requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in any major
- Required prerequisite courses
- Overall GPA above 3.0
- Prerequisite math and science GPA above 3.0
- Last-60-credit-hour GPA above 3.0
- GRE
- At least 80 hours of PT observation
- Experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings
- Three recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
- CPR/BLS certification before enrollment
For students who want to study physical therapy in Houston itself, TWU should be one of the first programs they investigate.
2. University of Houston – Pre-Physical Therapy Preparation
The University of Houston (UH) does not currently operate its own entry-level DPT program, but it remains an important institution for students planning a career in physical therapy.
UH provides pre-professional advising to students interested in applying to physical therapy schools.
Students can complete an undergraduate degree at UH while taking the prerequisite courses required by their preferred DPT programs.
Possible undergraduate majors include areas such as:
- Exercise science
- Psychology
- Nutrition
- Biology
- Health sciences
One advantage of this pathway is that students can remain in Houston while completing their bachelor’s degree before applying to a DPT program elsewhere.
3. Houston City College – Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Students who want to enter the physical rehabilitation profession without spending several years completing a doctoral degree can consider the Houston City College Physical Therapist Assistant program.
The program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares graduates to work as PTAs under the supervision of physical therapists.
Admission is selective, and students must complete specific prerequisites before applying.
Requirements include:
- Minimum prerequisite GPA
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Psychology courses
- Human Growth and Development
- Required general education courses
- Entrance examination
- Physical therapy observation experience
- Interview
- Health and background requirements
The program is particularly suitable for students who want a shorter route into the rehabilitation field.
4. Sam Houston State University – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Students who are willing to consider the broader Houston metropolitan area should keep an eye on Sam Houston State University’s developing DPT program.
The program is associated with the university’s Conroe location, making it potentially attractive to students living in the greater Houston region.
The inaugural cohort is planned for Fall 2027.
Because the program is still developing, prospective students should carefully verify its accreditation status, admissions requirements, application timeline and enrollment details before making plans.
5. Texas State University – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Texas State University offers a DPT pathway outside Houston and can be considered by Houston-area students who are willing to relocate.
The program is designed to prepare students for professional physical therapy practice through academic coursework, laboratory instruction and clinical education.
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree and completion of prerequisite coursework.
Students should also expect requirements involving GPA, recommendations, observation experience and the centralized application process.
6. University of North Texas – Doctor of Physical Therapy
The University of North Texas is another Texas option for Houston students who are prepared to study outside the city.
Its DPT program combines scientific foundations with clinical education and patient-care preparation.
Prospective applicants should review the university’s current prerequisite requirements carefully because DPT programs can differ significantly in the courses they require.
A strong undergraduate academic record, relevant healthcare exposure and carefully prepared application can strengthen an applicant’s chances.
7. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – DPT
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center provides another option for students who want to pursue physical therapy in Texas.
Its location in Dallas means it is not a Houston school, but Houston residents seeking a highly established Texas healthcare institution may consider it.
Students should expect a rigorous curriculum covering areas such as:
- Human anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Exercise and movement
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
- Patient examination
- Therapeutic intervention
- Clinical practice
Admission is competitive, making strong academic preparation particularly important.
8. UT Health San Antonio – Doctor of Physical Therapy
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is another institution Houston students may consider.
The program provides professional preparation in physical therapy and includes academic, laboratory and clinical components.
Applicants typically need to complete an undergraduate degree and specific prerequisite coursework before entering the professional program.
Students should also investigate clinical requirements, application deadlines and current admissions policies before applying.
9. UTMB Health – Physical Therapy Education
The University of Texas Medical Branch is another important Texas healthcare institution for students considering a career in physical therapy.
Its Galveston location makes it considerably closer to Houston than many other Texas DPT programs.
This can make it an attractive alternative for Houston-area students who want to remain relatively close to home.
Applicants should review the program’s current prerequisites, GPA expectations, observation requirements and application procedures.
10. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – DPT
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers another option for students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in Texas.
Although Lubbock is far from Houston, students who are willing to relocate can consider the program as part of a broader Texas DPT search.
The program focuses on preparing students for professional practice through classroom education, laboratory learning and clinical experiences.
11. Angelo State University – Doctor of Physical Therapy
Angelo State University offers a DPT program for students interested in becoming professional physical therapists.
The university’s program provides education in the scientific and clinical principles needed for patient assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.
Students should review the latest admission requirements, prerequisite courses and application deadlines before applying.
12. University of the Incarnate Word – Doctor of Physical Therapy
The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio is another option for students searching for DPT programs in Texas.
The program combines foundational sciences with physical therapy coursework and clinical education.
Applicants should prepare for a competitive admissions process and make sure that their undergraduate coursework satisfies all prerequisite requirements.
13. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor – Physical Therapy
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is another Texas institution worth considering when expanding your physical therapy school search beyond Houston.
The university provides a pathway toward professional physical therapy education and offers students opportunities to develop clinical knowledge and practical skills.
Students interested in applying should compare tuition, program length, prerequisites and clinical opportunities with other Texas programs.
14. Hardin-Simmons University – Physical Therapy
Hardin-Simmons University provides another DPT option for students willing to relocate within Texas.
Its physical therapy education combines academic preparation with clinical learning.
Prospective students should pay particular attention to prerequisite science courses and the program’s application requirements.
15. University of Texas at El Paso – Doctor of Physical Therapy
The University of Texas at El Paso offers a DPT program for students interested in pursuing professional physical therapy education.
Its location near the U.S.-Mexico border also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in a diverse healthcare environment.
For Houston students, the major consideration is distance, but the program can be included when comparing Texas DPT schools.
Important Requirements for Houston DPT Applicants
Bachelor’s Degree
Most entry-level DPT programs require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree before beginning professional study.
The undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy.
Common majors include:
- Biology
- Kinesiology
- Exercise science
- Psychology
- Health sciences
- Nutrition
The more important consideration is whether the student completes the required prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites are among the most important parts of a DPT application.
Depending on the school, students may need courses such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Medical terminology
Students should create a prerequisite checklist for every DPT program they intend to apply to because requirements are not identical.
GPA Requirements
A competitive GPA can significantly strengthen a physical therapy application.
For example, TWU requires applicants to meet a 3.0 minimum standard in several GPA categories.
However, students should not assume that a 3.0 GPA automatically makes them competitive.
Because DPT admissions can be selective, students should aim for the strongest academic record possible, particularly in science and prerequisite courses.
Observation and Clinical Experience
Physical therapy observation is valuable for two reasons.
First, some programs require a specific number of observation hours. Second, observing practicing physical therapists allows prospective students to understand what the profession actually involves.
Applicants should try to gain exposure to different environments, such as:
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Orthopedic facilities
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Sports rehabilitation
Keeping accurate documentation of observation hours is essential.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation allow admissions committees to learn more about an applicant’s academic ability, professionalism and potential.
Strong recommenders may include:
- Physical therapists
- Professors
- Academic advisers
- Employers
- Supervisors
Applicants should choose people who know their work well rather than simply selecting individuals with impressive job titles.
How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy School in Houston
Choosing the right program requires more than looking at rankings.
Consider the following factors:
Accreditation: Make sure the program has the appropriate accreditation for professional physical therapy education.
Cost: Compare tuition, fees, housing, transportation and other expenses.
Clinical education: Investigate where students complete their clinical experiences.
Admission requirements: Make sure you can satisfy the prerequisite courses and GPA requirements.
Program length: Compare the total time required to earn the degree.
Location: Consider whether you want to remain in Houston or are willing to relocate.
Outcomes: Look at graduation, licensure and employment outcomes when available.
Financial aid: Research scholarships, grants and other funding opportunities.
Physical Therapy School vs Physical Therapist Assistant School
It is important not to confuse a physical therapist with a physical therapist assistant.
A physical therapist generally completes a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and meets state licensing requirements.
A physical therapist assistant usually completes an accredited associate-level PTA program and works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
If your goal is to become a licensed physical therapist, you should focus primarily on DPT programs.
If your goal is to begin working in physical rehabilitation sooner, a PTA program may be worth considering.
Comparison Table: Physical Therapy Schools and Programs in Houston
| School/Institution | Location | Program | Degree/Pathway | Major Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Woman’s University | Houston | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GPA, GRE, observation, recommendations | Students seeking a DPT in Houston |
| University of Houston | Houston | Pre-PT Preparation | Undergraduate pathway | Bachelor’s coursework and PT prerequisites | Students preparing for DPT admission |
| Houston City College | Houston | Physical Therapist Assistant | AAS | Prerequisites, GPA, entrance test, observation, interview | Students seeking PTA careers |
| Sam Houston State University | Conroe | Physical Therapy | DPT | Program-specific requirements | Greater Houston-area applicants |
| Texas State University | Round Rock | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students willing to relocate |
| University of North Texas | Denton/Fort Worth area | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Texas DPT applicants |
| UT Southwestern | Dallas | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students seeking a major medical center |
| UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students willing to study in San Antonio |
| UTMB Health | Galveston | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Houston-area students wanting a nearby option |
| Texas Tech University HSC | Lubbock | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students willing to relocate |
| Angelo State University | San Angelo | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students seeking another Texas option |
| University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students considering private universities |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students seeking Texas alternatives |
| Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students willing to study outside Houston |
| UT El Paso | El Paso | Physical Therapy | DPT | Bachelor’s and prerequisites | Students seeking a Texas DPT |
Related
Conclusion
Finding the best physical therapy school in Houston requires understanding the difference between programs located directly in Houston and DPT programs available elsewhere in Texas.
For students specifically seeking an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy in Houston, Texas Woman’s University is the key program to investigate. Its Houston Center places students in the Texas Medical Center and offers a professional DPT pathway.
Students who are not yet ready for a DPT can consider completing undergraduate preparation at the University of Houston, while those interested in becoming physical therapist assistants can explore Houston City College’s PTA program.
Students willing to travel outside Houston have considerably more choices, including programs at Texas State University, UT Southwestern, UT Health San Antonio, UTMB, Texas Tech and other Texas institutions.
Before applying, carefully compare DPT prerequisites, GPA requirements, observation hours, GRE policies, tuition, accreditation, clinical opportunities and application deadlines. The requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, so prospective students should always verify the current requirements of each program before submitting an application.