Barry PhilipsChoosing the right physical therapy school is an important step toward building a successful career in healthcare. Physical therapists help people recover from injuries, improve mobility, manage pain, regain strength, and restore independence after illness or surgery. For students interested in this rewarding profession, Missouri offers several universities with professional physical therapy programmes and opportunities for clinical training.
In the United States, aspiring physical therapists generally need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an appropriately accredited programme, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and satisfy the licensing requirements of the state where they intend to practise.
However, gaining admission to a DPT programme can be competitive. Prospective students must often complete prerequisite science courses, maintain a strong undergraduate GPA, submit supporting documents, and demonstrate a genuine interest in patient care.
This guide explores seven physical therapy schools in Missouri, their admission requirements, programme features, and the factors students should consider when choosing where to study.
Note: The schools featured below are presented as a practical shortlist rather than an official ranking. Programme availability, accreditation, tuition, and admission requirements may change. Applicants should confirm current information directly with each institution.
Top 7 Physical Therapy Schools in Missouri
1. Washington University in St. Louis — St. Louis, Missouri
Washington University in St. Louis is a leading institution to consider for students interested in research, rehabilitation science, and evidence-based physical therapy. Its Program in Physical Therapy operates within the university’s School of Medicine and combines scientific education with clinical preparation.
Students develop an understanding of human movement, physical impairments, rehabilitation techniques, and the assessment of patients with different health conditions. The university’s research environment may also appeal to students interested in advancing physical therapy practice.
Admission requirements
Applicants should generally prepare to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree before entering the professional programme.
- Take the required prerequisite courses in chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics.
- Meet the university’s academic standards for cumulative, science, and prerequisite GPAs.
- Submit academic transcripts and all required application materials.
- Complete any outstanding prerequisites within the university’s permitted timeframe.
The university specifies eight semester credits of chemistry with laboratories, eight credits of physics with laboratories, six credits of biology, and eight credits of anatomy and physiology coursework. Applicants may have up to five prerequisite courses outstanding when applying, subject to the university’s completion-plan requirements.
Why choose Washington University in St. Louis?
The university is worth considering if you value research opportunities, scientific approaches to rehabilitation, and clinical education in a major medical academic environment. Prospective students should compare tuition, living expenses, and admission competitiveness before applying.
2. University of Missouri — Columbia, Missouri
The University of Missouri, commonly known as Mizzou, offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy programme through its College of Health Sciences. The programme combines classroom instruction, practical laboratory work, and supervised clinical education.
Students study areas such as musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, and other aspects of physical function. Clinical experiences help students apply their knowledge to real patient-care situations.
Admission requirements
The university’s published admission information includes:
- A bachelor’s degree for applicants following the regular admission pathway.
- Eligibility for the early-admission option, which permits qualified students to enter the professional phase after completing at least 90 undergraduate semester credit hours.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in the relevant academic areas.
- Completion of the required prerequisite courses.
- Submission of academic transcripts and other application materials.
- At least 40 physical therapy observation hours across two or more settings.
- An interview as part of the admission process.
Students considering early admission should carefully review the additional eligibility and academic progression requirements. The professional DPT programme takes three academic years, including summer sessions.
Why choose the University of Missouri?
Mizzou is a strong option for students seeking an established professional programme, varied clinical education opportunities, and an early-admission route that may help them plan their education before completing a bachelor’s degree.
3. Missouri State University — Springfield, Missouri
Missouri State University offers a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy programme through its School of Health Care Professions. The curriculum combines foundational sciences, practical training, clinical education, and preparation for professional practice.
Students learn to evaluate movement difficulties, develop treatment plans, and help patients improve their physical function. The university also offers opportunities for additional development in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic manual therapy.
Admission requirements
Prospective applicants should prepare to:
- Complete the required undergraduate degree and prerequisite courses.
- Apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
- Submit academic transcripts and other required application documents.
- Meet the university’s current GPA and prerequisite standards.
- Fulfil any additional requirements concerning recommendations, clinical experience, or interviews.
Missouri State reports that it admits up to 40 students annually. The university has also stated that the GRE requirement was waived as of 2026. Applicants should confirm the latest requirements for their intended admission cycle.
Why choose Missouri State University?
Missouri State is worth considering if you prefer a structured three-year DPT programme with hands-on training and opportunities to develop additional expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
4. Rockhurst University — Kansas City, Missouri
Rockhurst University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy programme featuring classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, patient experiences, service projects, and supervised clinical placements.
The university is particularly worth investigating because it offers different educational routes, including traditional graduate entry and a direct-entry pathway for eligible students planning their education from high school.
Admission requirements for traditional entry
Applicants generally need to:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a discipline other than physical therapy.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Achieve minimum GPAs of 3.2 in prerequisite and science prerequisite coursework.
- Complete the required courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, psychology, statistics, and exercise physiology.
- Submit three professional references.
- Provide a personal essay and complete the required application.
- Participate in an interview if required by the admissions process.
Prerequisite courses generally require a grade of C or better. Observation in at least two physical therapy settings is strongly encouraged.
Students considering Rockhurst’s direct-entry pathway should review its separate admission and progression requirements.
Why choose Rockhurst University?
Rockhurst may appeal to students seeking a private university environment, structured clinical preparation, and multiple entry pathways into professional physical therapy education.
5. Maryville University — Town and Country, Missouri
Maryville University offers an integrated educational pathway for eligible students who want to begin planning their physical therapy careers as undergraduates. Its freshman direct-entry option combines undergraduate preparation with doctoral-level professional education.
The curriculum addresses rehabilitation needs involving orthopaedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and other conditions. Maryville reports 40 weeks of clinical education and partnerships with more than 220 clinical sites.
Admission requirements
Applicants interested in the direct-entry pathway should:
- Meet the university’s undergraduate admission requirements.
- Apply to the designated physical therapy programme.
- Complete the prescribed undergraduate curriculum.
- Maintain the academic performance required for progression.
- Satisfy the professional programme’s additional academic and clinical requirements.
Maryville describes its integrated pathway as taking approximately six and a half years. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree should ask about the appropriate graduate-entry application process.
Why choose Maryville University?
Maryville may be suitable for high school students who want an integrated undergraduate-to-doctoral pathway and the opportunity to plan their professional education early.
6. Southwest Baptist University — Bolivar, Missouri
Southwest Baptist University is an option for students seeking physical therapy education in a Christian university environment. Its Doctor of Physical Therapy programme prepares students to assess patients, develop rehabilitation plans, communicate with healthcare professionals, and deliver appropriate physical therapy services.
The university also provides an early-acceptance opportunity for eligible high school students, subject to its published academic and progression criteria.
Admission requirements
Prospective applicants should expect to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree for the standard graduate-entry pathway.
- Fulfil the required science and other prerequisite courses.
- Submit the appropriate application through PTCAS.
- Provide academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Meet current academic and clinical-experience requirements.
- Complete any additional assessments specified by the programme.
The university identifies its DPT programme as CAPTE-accredited. Applicants should verify the latest admission criteria, application deadlines, and early-acceptance requirements before applying.
Why choose Southwest Baptist University?
Southwest Baptist may appeal to students who want to combine professional healthcare education with a Christian educational environment. Compare its tuition, clinical placements, curriculum, and available financial aid with those of other institutions.
7. Saint Louis University — St. Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis University (SLU) is another institution to consider when researching physical therapy education in Missouri. Its physical therapy programme offers educational pathways for eligible undergraduate students and applicants who have already completed their bachelor’s degrees.
Students pursuing a DPT education develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to help patients improve movement, recover physical function, and participate more fully in daily life.
Admission requirements
Requirements depend on the applicant’s chosen pathway. Prospective students should generally prepare to:
- Complete the necessary undergraduate degree requirements for the selected route.
- Fulfil the required prerequisite courses.
- Apply through PTCAS when required.
- Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Meet the programme’s current academic eligibility standards.
- Complete any additional requirements for interviews or early-assurance admission.
SLU’s early-assurance options have separate eligibility and academic progression rules. Applicants should verify the current application process and determine which pathway best matches their educational background.
Why choose Saint Louis University?
SLU is worth investigating if you want to explore physical therapy education in a metropolitan healthcare environment and compare different routes into professional training.
General Admission Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Missouri
Although each university has its own admission policies, several requirements are common to professional DPT programmes.
1. A Bachelor’s Degree or an Approved Early-Entry Pathway
Most traditional DPT programmes require a bachelor’s degree before students begin professional training. Your undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy, provided you complete the required prerequisite courses.
Eligible high school students may be able to apply through direct-entry or early-assurance programmes. These options often require students to maintain specific GPAs and fulfil other academic conditions to progress into the professional phase.
2. Science Prerequisite Courses
Physical therapy education requires a strong understanding of the human body and how it moves. Common prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics.
Some universities also require exercise physiology or other health-related courses. Laboratory work, minimum grades, and credit-hour requirements may differ, so check the programme’s official prerequisite list before registering for classes.
3. Minimum GPA Requirements
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is a common baseline at several of the universities discussed in this guide. However, some institutions require higher grades in prerequisite or science courses.
Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. Universities may also consider academic improvement, clinical exposure, recommendations, communication skills, and interview performance.
4. Physical Therapy Observation Experience
Observation experience helps prospective students understand the responsibilities of physical therapists and the realities of patient care.
Depending on the programme, applicants may be expected to observe practitioners in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centres, sports medicine facilities, or other approved settings.
For example, the University of Missouri requires at least 40 observation hours across two or more physical therapy settings. Applicants should confirm whether other universities require specific hours or simply recommend prior exposure.
5. Application Documents and Interviews
Most applicants need academic transcripts and supporting application documents. Depending on the university, these may include personal essays, letters of recommendation, records of observation experience, and an interview.
Many professional DPT programmes use PTCAS, although some undergraduate direct-entry pathways have separate application procedures.
International applicants should also check English-language proficiency requirements, credential evaluation procedures, visa requirements, and eligibility for financial aid.
6. Accreditation and Professional Licensing
Before accepting an admission offer, verify the programme’s current accreditation status through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Graduating from an appropriately accredited programme is an important step toward eligibility for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Applicants must also satisfy the licensing requirements of the state in which they plan to practise.
Comparison Table: Top Physical Therapy Schools in Missouri
| School | Location | Main admission pathway | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis | Graduate-entry DPT | Research-oriented physical therapy education |
| University of Missouri | Columbia | Regular and early admission | Established clinical training |
| Missouri State University | Springfield | Three-year DPT | Practical education and musculoskeletal development |
| Rockhurst University | Kansas City | Traditional and direct entry | Multiple entry pathways |
| Maryville University | Town and Country | Freshman direct-entry DPT | Integrated undergraduate and doctoral education |
| Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar | Graduate entry and early acceptance | Christian university environment |
| Saint Louis University | St. Louis | Post-baccalaureate and early-assurance routes | Multiple educational pathways |
This comparison is intended as a starting point for research, not an official ranking. Confirm each programme’s current availability, admission requirements, accreditation, tuition, and application deadlines before making a decision.
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Conclusion
Missouri offers several universities for students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri are useful starting points for applicants interested in research and comprehensive clinical education. Missouri State University and Rockhurst University offer structured professional training, while Maryville University provides an integrated educational pathway for eligible students who want to plan their studies early. Southwest Baptist University and Saint Louis University are additional options worth investigating.
The best school for you will depend on your academic qualifications, budget, preferred learning environment, and long-term career goals. Before applying, compare prerequisite requirements, tuition, financial aid, programme duration, clinical placements, and graduate outcomes.
Most importantly, verify the current accreditation status of the exact programme you intend to attend. With thorough research and careful academic preparation, you can choose a Missouri physical therapy programme that supports your goal of becoming a qualified healthcare professional.