If you are a prospective student who desires to study physical therapy in Texas but you are yet to choose the school that will be suitable for your study, then we are here for you.
In this article, we will be concentrating on the best physical therapy schools in Texas to help you in your school of choice decision. Let’s get started!
Overview
The physical therapy field is on pathway to be one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States, and colleges and universities across the country are ready to prepare the next generation of care providers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of physical therapy jobs in the country is expected to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2030, which amounts to more than 49,000 new positions.
Luckily for students interested in that career, Texas is home to several outstanding doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) programs.
According to rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report and published in 2021, prospective students can find top DPT programs in nearly every part of the country.
The publication based the rankings on peer assessment surveys sent to school officials, and it only ranked fully accredited programs in good standing.
All of the top-ranked schools provide their DPT students with a blend of in-classroom work and clinical experience, often with chances to go abroad or join research projects to enhance their studies.
While DPT programs can be pricey, many schools have scholarships and other financial aid opportunities available. And the cost seems to be worth it in the end.
The median annual pay for physical therapists in 2020 was $91,010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See Best Esthetician and Cosmetology Schools in the US.
Here are the best physical therapy schools in Texas as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
- Baylor University
- Texas Woman’s University
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- University of North Texas Health Science Center
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Hardin-Simmons University
- University of Texas at El Paso
1. Baylor University
Baylor prepares students with the necessary skills to meet the demands of practicing physical therapy.
The accelerated PT program is unique in the field, allowing students to complete the curriculum in just two years.
Using a blended learning approach, professors teach students through online interactions, hands-on laboratory sessions, and clinical education.
The highly-ranked PT program at Baylor also recruits students to become officers through the Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program. Check if Baylor University is ivy league.
Along with basic officer initial entry training, students receive their degree in physical therapy. Graduates are prepared to serve as active-duty officers and as military physical therapists.
Both Baylor physical therapy programs offer plenty of opportunities for student research through collaboration in faculty-directed research projects.
Using state-of-the-art facilities, the Baylor community focuses on optimizing the prevention and treatment of diseases like neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
2. Texas Woman’s University
At Texas Woman’s University, physical therapy students learn from leaders in PT education and research.
As one of the top schools nationwide, faculty members have spent many hours practicing, researching, and educating.
Professors are active in state and national Physical Therapy Associations to advocate for the profession. Furthermore, several have received awards for their commitment to the industry.
Clinical education at Texas Woman’s University allows students to practice what they learned in a clinical environment.
The school has approximately 400 sites across the nation for the clinical education of PT students. With many choices of clinical sites, students can pursue their professional interests.
Texas Woman’s University alumni use their expertise to promote health and wellness for patients. The program’s reputation and stellar professors ensure they have the technical knowledge to practice PT.
Using her Texas Woman’s University physical therapy education, Patsy Shropshire created a program to bring fitness to local communities.
3. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers plenty of programs for students to utilize their classroom knowledge in a hands-on setting.
The Student Physical Therapy Association, an educational organization, volunteers in the community to represent the PT profession. Students provide necessary care while continuing their education outside of the classroom.
For students looking to apply their skills globally, mission trips are offered throughout the academic year. See the University of Texas Acceptance Rate.
Students participate in service and volunteer-based learning in various locations, including Peru, Haiti, and Guatemala.
The Clinic Saint-Esprit in Haiti serves over 200 patients each day, providing outpatient rehabilitation therapy for community members.
Third-year PT students at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston are required to complete capstone projects based on a real-life patient case from their clinical rotation.
They present their work to peers and faculty during Research Day. Their work helps students develop the necessary skills used in their future careers.
4. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Located in Dallas, UT Southwestern Medical Center offers plenty of exciting opportunities for physical therapy students.
The dynamic city is a center for business, healthcare innovation, and the arts. Students can take advantage of the outstanding facilities on campus from the Parkland Memorial Hospital to the Aston Ambulatory Care Center.
UT Southwestern PT students have the opportunity to volunteer at Camp John Marc during their second summer semester.
During the summer, PT students practice essential rehabilitation skills and care for campers with neuromuscular diseases. This unique experience shows students the challenges that families and patients face in daily life.
Even after graduation, UT Southwestern students can continue to expand their expertise in health care. The school houses five residency programs that can develop clinical skills from neurological PT to prosthetics-orthotics programs.
5. Texas State University
At Texas State University, physical therapy students have the opportunity to learn from faculty members who have made contributions to academics and the profession. Professors work to prioritize students by offering support and care.
The Barbara Melzer Endowed Professorship was created to recognize faculty members who further the family culture of the program.
The Community-Access Physical Therapy Clinic at TSU is a student-run clinic offering pro bono services. See Texas State University Acceptance Rate.
Located in Round Rock, the staff practices evidence-based physical therapy. Along with PT, the clinic provides orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation services.
Physical therapy students will have access to many resources through the program’s industry partners.
These benefactors offer time, money, equipment, and support to the Texas State University physical therapy program, including 3M, Central Texas Medical Center, DARCO Medical Technologies, and Wake Pharma US.
Conclusion
All you need to know about the best physical therapy schools in Texas have been highlighted and discussed in this article, we believe you found it useful.
Last Updated on June 25, 2023 by Admin
