Barry PhilipsTexas is home to a wide range of physical therapy schools offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. These programs prepare students for professional practice and eligibility for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), subject to applicable accreditation and licensing requirements.
Most DPT programs require applicants to complete undergraduate prerequisites in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and statistics. Many also require observation hours under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Here are 20 physical therapy schools and programs to consider in Texas.
Top PT Schools In Texas And Requirements
1. Baylor University – Waco
Baylor University offers a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The program combines online coursework, hands-on laboratory immersions and clinical education and can be completed in about 26 months.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Required prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, biology, statistics, psychology, abnormal or developmental psychology, and English composition or writing.
Two recommendation letters are required, including one from a licensed physical therapist. Observation hours are recommended rather than mandatory, and the GRE is optional. Applicants must also complete an admission interview and meet technical standards.
2. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas
UT Southwestern offers a full-time, post-baccalaureate Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Dallas. The program takes approximately 31 months and combines academic study with extensive clinical experiences.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution. The school recommends a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and requires 44 credit hours of prerequisite coursework with grades of C or better.
Applicants must submit a PTCAS application, recommendation letters and GRE scores. International applicants may also have additional English-language requirements.
3. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The UT Health San Antonio Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three-year professional program located in the South Texas Medical Center.
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree, an overall GPA of at least 3.2 and a math/science prerequisite GPA of at least 3.2. The program requires at least 50 hours of physical therapy observation under a licensed physical therapist.
Applicants also submit a PTCAS application, supplemental application, GRE scores, recommendation letters, personal statement and other supporting documents.
4. University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
The University of North Texas Health Science Center offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Fort Worth. The program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue professional physical therapy education.
UNTHSC offers both residential and hybrid DPT pathways. The DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and the residential program has been offered since 2013.
Applicants should expect to complete the required undergraduate prerequisites, submit the appropriate application materials and demonstrate preparation for graduate-level professional study.
5. Texas Woman’s University – Denton
Texas Woman’s University is one of the established physical therapy education providers in Texas. Its DPT program is offered through the School of Physical Therapy, with options associated with its Denton, Dallas and Houston locations.
Major prerequisites include Chemistry I and II with laboratories, Physics I and II, Anatomy and Physiology, algebra or higher mathematics, psychology and a second psychology course such as developmental or abnormal psychology.
TWU also requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum overall GPA above 3.0, a math and science prerequisite GPA above 3.0, GRE scores and at least 80 observation hours with two physical therapists in different practice settings.
6. Texas Woman’s University – Dallas Center
The TWU Dallas Center provides another location for students pursuing the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
The Dallas program follows the School of Physical Therapy’s admission requirements. Applicants should prepare for the same core academic prerequisites, including chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, mathematics and psychology.
Applicants also need observation experience and recommendations, including references from physical therapists. The Dallas Center is located near the Southwestern Medical District and provides access to a major healthcare environment.
7. Texas Woman’s University – Houston Center
TWU’s Houston Center is located in the Texas Medical Center and offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
The program’s requirements include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, GPA requirements, GRE scores, observation experience and letters of recommendation.
The Houston location can be particularly relevant to students interested in studying within one of the largest medical complexes in the United States.
8. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Lubbock
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers its DPT program through the School of Health Professions. The program operates across Amarillo, Lubbock and Odessa, although these locations are part of the same DPT educational experience.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPAs of 3.0. TTUHSC requires at least 50 hours of physical therapy observation supervised by a licensed physical therapist.
The program also requires the GRE, PTCAS application, supplemental application, two recommendation letters and prerequisite coursework.
9. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Amarillo
The Amarillo campus is one of the three locations associated with the TTUHSC DPT program.
Students admitted to the program participate in the same overall DPT curriculum, with students distributed among the three TTUHSC locations. All students spend the first summer session in Lubbock for gross anatomy before continuing at their assigned campus.
The basic admission requirements therefore include a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPAs, GRE scores, prerequisite courses, recommendation letters and at least 50 observation hours.
10. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Odessa
The Odessa campus is the third TTUHSC location for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Applicants follow the same central TTUHSC application process and admission standards. These include PTCAS, the supplemental application, bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA requirements, GRE scores, recommendation letters and physical therapy observation experience.
Applicants interested in West Texas healthcare may find the Odessa location particularly relevant because the program emphasizes service to West Texas communities.
11. Texas State University – Round Rock
Texas State University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Department of Physical Therapy at the Round Rock campus.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours, a minimum 3.0 GPA in science courses and a minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA.
Prerequisites include general psychology, abnormal or developmental psychology, statistics, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry and physics. A competitive GRE score is also listed among the admission requirements.
12. Hardin-Simmons University – Abilene
Hardin-Simmons University offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Abilene.
Applicants apply through PTCAS, and personal interviews are required. The admissions committee considers factors such as cumulative GPA, prerequisite science GPA, recommendation letters, observation hours, service activities and leadership experience.
For the 2026–2027 application cycle, HSU states that the application opens June 16, 2026, with a December 15, 2026 deadline for the cohort beginning in fall 2027.
13. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and uses a rolling admissions process.
The university has encouraged applicants to submit applications by its priority deadline, with later applications considered depending on available spaces. Applicants with degrees from institutions within the Texas A&M University System who meet minimum eligibility requirements may receive an automatic interview.
Prospective students should complete the required undergraduate prerequisites and submit their application through the appropriate centralized application process.
14. Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program focused particularly on rural and underserved healthcare.
The program began admitting students for fall 2026 and is designed to prepare physical therapists to serve communities across the region.
Applicants should expect to meet graduate admission standards and complete the program’s prerequisite coursework and application requirements. Because this is a newer DPT program, prospective applicants should carefully review the current admission cycle requirements before applying.
15. University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston
The University of Texas Medical Branch offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Galveston.
UTMB offers traditional and hybrid educational options, with the hybrid track combining online coursework with required on-campus immersion experiences. Students also complete substantial clinical education.
The DPT program is accredited by CAPTE, and graduates of accredited physical therapist education programs can pursue eligibility for the national licensing examination.
16. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a three-year, nine-semester entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0. Prerequisite courses must generally be completed with grades of C or better and within 10 years of the application deadline.
The program requires at least 50 observation hours across at least two physical therapy practice settings and three recommendation letters, including two from licensed physical therapists.
UTRGV’s DPT program currently holds Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE, rather than full accreditation. Applicants should consider this distinction when evaluating the program and its progression toward initial accreditation.
17. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Austin
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has an Austin campus offering Doctor of Physical Therapy education.
USAHS provides different DPT formats, including residential and Flex options. The Austin campus offers residential and Flex pathways, allowing students to select a format that fits their circumstances.
Applicants generally need undergraduate preparation in subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy and physiology, psychology and human development. Program-specific GPA and prerequisite requirements should be checked for the particular pathway selected.
18. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Dallas
USAHS also operates a DPT program at its Dallas-area campus in Irving, Texas.
The Dallas campus offers the residential DPT program and a Hybrid Immersion DPT option. The residential program combines classroom and laboratory instruction with clinical education, while the hybrid option incorporates online learning and campus-based immersion experiences.
Applicants should review the current USAHS admission requirements, including prerequisite coursework, GPA standards and application requirements. The Dallas DPT program holds CAPTE accreditation.
19. Sam Houston State University – Conroe
Sam Houston State University is developing a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with its inaugural cohort scheduled for fall 2027.
The program will be housed in the university’s new Health Professions Building in Conroe and is designed to combine academic preparation with hands-on clinical education.
Because the program is new, applicants should verify the latest admission criteria, prerequisite courses, application deadlines and accreditation status before applying.
20. U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program – Fort Sam Houston
The U.S. Army-Baylor University DPT program is a specialized physical therapy education pathway associated with the Army Medical Department Center and School at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
Unlike conventional civilian DPT programs, this program is connected to military service and is designed to prepare physical therapists for military healthcare practice.
The program has historically been structured as a 30-month DPT program. Admission requirements and eligibility are different from civilian programs because applicants must meet applicable military commissioning and service requirements in addition to academic requirements.
Common Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Texas
Although admission requirements differ, most Texas DPT programs have several requirements in common.
Bachelor’s Degree
Most entry-level DPT programs require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree before beginning professional physical therapy education. The undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy, kinesiology or exercise science.
Students can often major in biology, psychology, exercise science, health science or another discipline while completing the required prerequisites.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites are among the most important parts of a DPT application.
Common courses include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Developmental or abnormal psychology
- Statistics
- Exercise physiology
- Medical terminology
- English or writing
However, the exact courses and credit hours vary considerably between schools.
GPA
Texas DPT programs commonly establish minimum GPA requirements around 3.0, although some schools require higher minimums.
For example, UT Health San Antonio requires at least a 3.2 overall GPA and 3.2 math/science prerequisite GPA, while TTUHSC requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA.
Meeting the minimum GPA does not necessarily guarantee admission because many programs use holistic admission processes.
Physical Therapy Observation Hours
Observation experience helps applicants understand the profession before entering a demanding DPT curriculum.
Many Texas programs require approximately 50 hours or more. Some programs require observation across multiple practice environments.
For example, UTRGV requires at least 50 hours in two types of physical therapy settings, while TWU requires 80 hours involving two physical therapists and different practice environments.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are common requirements.
Depending on the school, applicants may need two or three letters. Some schools specifically require recommendations from licensed physical therapists.
Applicants should therefore develop professional relationships with physical therapists, professors, supervisors and other individuals who can provide meaningful recommendations.
GRE
The GRE requirement varies significantly.
Some Texas DPT programs still require GRE scores. TTUHSC, UT Health San Antonio, TWU and UT Southwestern list GRE requirements. Baylor, on the other hand, states that the GRE is optional.
Applicants should check the current requirements before spending time and money preparing for the examination.
PTCAS Application
Many physical therapy schools use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, commonly called PTCAS.
Instead of submitting entirely separate applications from scratch, applicants can use PTCAS to submit information to participating programs and then complete additional school-specific requirements.
Interview
Several DPT programs use interviews as part of the admissions process.
Interviews allow schools to assess communication skills, professionalism, understanding of physical therapy and readiness for graduate-level clinical education.
International Students
International applicants may have additional requirements.
These can include credential evaluations for foreign academic transcripts and English-language testing such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. UT Health San Antonio, for example, lists English proficiency requirements for certain international applicants.
Comparison Table of Physical Therapy Schools in Texas
| School/Program | Location | Degree | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | Waco | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, prerequisites, 2 recommendations |
| UT Southwestern | Dallas | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 recommended GPA, 44 prerequisite credits, GRE |
| UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.2 GPA, 50 observation hours, GRE |
| UNT Health | Fort Worth | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, PTCAS |
| TWU | Denton | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0+ GPA, prerequisites, GRE, 80 observation hours |
| TWU | Dallas | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GRE, observation experience |
| TWU | Houston | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GRE, observation experience |
| TTUHSC | Lubbock | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, GRE, 50 observation hours |
| TTUHSC | Amarillo | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, GRE, 50 observation hours |
| TTUHSC | Odessa | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, GRE, 50 observation hours |
| Texas State | Round Rock | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPAs, prerequisites, GRE |
| Hardin-Simmons | Abilene | DPT | PTCAS, prerequisites, interview, recommendations |
| Tarleton State | Texas | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, PTCAS |
| Texas A&M-Texarkana | Texarkana | DPT | Graduate admission and prerequisites |
| UTMB | Galveston | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, application requirements |
| UTRGV | Rio Grande Valley | DPT | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, 50 observation hours, 3 recommendations |
| USAHS | Austin | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GPA requirements |
| USAHS | Dallas/Irving | DPT | Bachelor’s, prerequisites, GPA requirements |
| Sam Houston State | Conroe | DPT | New program; requirements subject to current cycle |
| U.S. Army-Baylor | Fort Sam Houston | DPT | Academic and military eligibility requirements |
How to Choose a Physical Therapy School in Texas
When comparing DPT programs, do not look at the school name alone. Examine the program’s admission requirements, curriculum structure, clinical education opportunities, location, cost, length and accreditation status.
Students should also determine whether they prefer a traditional classroom-based program, hybrid education or a program with a stronger focus on a particular population or geographic area.
Most importantly, verify the latest admission information directly with the program before applying. Requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, particularly deadlines, GRE policies, prerequisite courses and observation-hour requirements.
Related
Conclusion
Texas provides numerous opportunities for students interested in becoming physical therapists. The state’s DPT programs include established public universities, private universities, health science centers, hybrid programs and newer programs serving growing communities.
Applicants should begin by completing the required undergraduate science courses, gaining meaningful physical therapy observation experience, maintaining a competitive GPA and preparing strong recommendation letters. It is also important to understand whether a program requires the GRE and whether it has additional application requirements.
Before submitting an application, carefully compare each program’s prerequisites, application deadline, tuition, curriculum format, clinical opportunities and accreditation status. With proper preparation, students can build a strong application for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Texas.