Is It Worth It to Become a Doctor of Physical Therapy? 

Learn what a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree means, the education required to become a physical therapist, and how the time and investment compare to career outcomes.  

A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a clinical doctorate that prepares students to become licensed physical therapists who help patients restore movement, manage pain, and improve overall function after injury or illness. The DPT is now the standard entry-level degree for physical therapists in the United States and combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience. This advanced education gives graduates the knowledge and skills to evaluate, diagnose, and create evidence-based treatment plans that enhance quality of life for people across all stages of recovery. 

The journey to becoming a physical therapist varies depending on the program, but it generally involves several years of academic study and clinical training. Most DPT programs require applicants to first complete a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes about four years, before advancing to the doctoral level. 

To be eligible for admission to a DPT program, applicants should have completed the relevant prerequisite courses. At Russell Sage College, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, a science course GPA of at least 3.0, and a transcript that includes the following: 

In addition to coursework requirements, DPT applicants should have documented observational hours under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  

A four-year undergraduate degree plus a three-year doctoral degree adds up to at least seven years of education for the typical completion of a DPT. These programs include clinical experiences that are built into the curriculum and do not typically add to the overall timeline.  

Notably, some DPT programs offer accelerated physical therapy programs. At Sage, both 3+3 and 4+3 accelerated programs are available. The 3+3 accelerated DPT program allows students to enter the track at the same time they enter Sage as undergraduates and complete both a BA or BS and a DPT in only six years. Students who are enrolled in this program are automatically granted access to the DPT program as long as their academic performance remains strong.  

A 4+3 accelerated program does not necessarily save students time, but it can eliminate the process of applying to the DPT program separately and ensure that all prerequisites are met before enrolling in the graduate program.  

For a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved in pursuing this career, explore our guide on how to become a doctor of physical therapy. 

To become a licensed physical therapist in the United States, students must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from an accredited institution. Our Physical Therapy Doctorate Program at Sage (DPT) curriculum places patient care at its core and prepares graduates to deliver compassionate, evidence-based treatment to individuals across a range of conditions. 

In addition to training in physical therapy interventions, candidates in DPT programs complete common foundational coursework in categories that include:  

Laboratory components are also an essential part of DPT coursework. In lab settings, students apply strategies and theories learned in the classroom under the close supervision of faculty and teaching assistants and in collaboration with their classmates. The Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences is committed to collaboration both within the DPT program and within the school as a whole. The Sage DPT program encourages DPT students to network and engage with students in occupational therapy, nursing, dietetics, and mental health tracks in preparation for roles on interprofessional health care teams. 

The terms “Doctor of Physical Therapy” and “physical therapist” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the same profession. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the degree earned through a graduate-level program, while a physical therapist is the licensed professional who practices after completing that degree and meeting all state licensing requirements. 

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in the U.S., all state licensure requires a DPT degree from a program that has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. In New York, physical therapists are licensed through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions.¹ In addition to completing a DPT program, applicants must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. Other requirements include being at least 21 years old, being of good moral character, and filing an application with the NYSED.  

Within the field of physical therapy, there are also licensed roles such as physical therapist assistants (PTAs). These professionals support patient care by helping implement treatment plans designed by physical therapists. However, they must work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and cannot independently evaluate, diagnose, or develop treatment programs. 

Any graduate program requires time, effort, and financial investment with no guarantees. However, solid evidence indicates that earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree can lead to career stability and long-term job satisfaction for those who enjoy this field. U.S. News & World Report² ranks physical therapy at #7 on its list of Best Healthcare Jobs and #21 on its list of 100 Best Jobs. As a career, physical therapy scores high in sustainable work-life balance, as well as overall employment and future prospects.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for physical therapists is expected to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average for all professions. The New York City metropolitan area, which includes Newark and Jersey City, has the highest employment rate for physical therapists in the country, ahead of Chicago and Los Angeles.  

The median annual income for a physical therapist is $101,020 per year, with the top 10% earning $132,500 per year. Notably, the DPT program at Sage is one of the most affordable in New York State. DPT students who are able to secure scholarships and graduate assistantships can complete their education with minimal debt and enjoy career stability as physical therapists.  

The School of Health Sciences at Russell Sage College offers a collaborative learning environment supported by exceptional faculty and advanced facilities. Each DPT student is paired with a dedicated faculty advisor who provides academic guidance and personalized support throughout the program. 

Sage’s faculty bring both teaching and clinical expertise to the classroom, with board certifications and/or other specialized expertise in areas such as orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy, exercise for aging adults, and strength and conditioning. 

Students gain hands-on experience in the new state-of-the-art Occupational and Physical Therapy Lab, which opened in 2024. The space features a pediatric lab, adult rehabilitation lab, upper extremity lab, and seminar rooms designed to promote interactive learning and skill development. 

Clinical education is a cornerstone of the Sage DPT program. With access to more than 350 partner sites, students train under licensed physical therapists in a variety of healthcare settings, preparing them for real-world patient care. 

Russell Sage College is deeply committed to student success from enrollment through graduation. Explore how our faculty, facilities, and clinical partnerships help DPT students build meaningful, successful careers in physical therapy. 

¹ https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physical-therapists/license-requirements 

² https://careers.usnews.com/best-jobs/physical-therapist 

³ https://timeline.apta.org/timeline/the-clinical-doctorate-or-dpt-becomes-the-only-degree-conferred-by-capte-accredited-educational-institutions/