This article reviews the best physical therapy schools in Houston, Texas. If you want to study in this city, you can enroll in one of these institutions.
Physical therapy is an excellent occupation for those interested in helping people improve their overall well-being.
The field is a branch of medicine that uses mechanical force and movement to promote mobility and function.
This is achievable through exercise therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapy.
To become a physical therapist, you must obtain a doctorate. There are several schools you can attend to receive extensive training.
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Learning Outcome
One factor to consider when choosing a physical therapy school in Houston is the learning outcome. Knowing what you’ll learn beforehand will help you choose the right institution.
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of many aspects by studying in Houston’s physical therapy schools. These include the history and theory of the field and why many people take this career path.
You’ll also study the science and techniques of physical therapy.
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Curriculum and Structure
The course content for this program in Houston is robust. It integrates classroom instruction and practical experience.
Some topics you’ll cover during your studies include orthopedic rehabilitation, physical therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, and aquatic therapy.
Others include neuromuscular techniques, physical therapy modalities, manual traction, manual therapy, and more.
6 Best Physical Therapy Programs in Houston
Houston is home to several schools where you can complete your studies in physical therapy.
These institutions are fully certified by relevant organizations and will provide you with quality training to become an expert in the field. Below are a few schools you can choose from.
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Lone Star College
You can be sure to gain a quality education at this school. They offer the Montgomery Physical Therapy Assistant program, which can be completed within two years.
The course curriculum covers kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, and more.
In addition to these subjects, you’ll also be engaged in clinical rotations to gain real-world experience. After your studies, you’ll be ready to take the professional exams to join the workforce.
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Texas State University
Texas State University is the best choice for those interested in becoming physical therapy doctors. It offers excellent opportunities for students to pursue physical therapy studies.
The school’s program is fully certified by CAPTE, among other accrediting bodies.
During your study period, you will understand physical therapy’s ethical and legal aspects.
You will also sharpen your ability to make informed patient care decisions, embrace strategies to promote overall well-being, and gain in-depth knowledge of various body systems and their functions.
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UT Southwestern
UT Southwestern University is renowned for offering a full-time, post-baccalaureate program.
The course features an intensive curriculum with a 31-month completion time. Within this period, students will receive classroom instruction and extensive clinical practice.
The physical therapy program at UT Southwestern also emphasizes clinical mentorship and skill development to prepare students for a wide range of healthcare roles.
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Pima Medical Institute
Consider this school to obtain an Associate of Science in physical therapy.
They offer a 75-week course that equips students with theoretical and practical experience in physical therapy intervention, data collection, and administrative duties.
The practical experience is obtained through the practical module. Additionally, the school provides support services like access to financial aid options.
This is to help you cover the cost of your training if you’re financially unable to do so. You’ll be prepared to take the national exams after completing your program.
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Houston Community College
Feel free to enroll in your physical therapy studies at Houston Community College. They offer an associate of applied science in the field, which can be completed in under five semesters.
During this period, students will receive comprehensive classroom teaching and be engaged
in clinical practice. You’ll learn how to provide safe, effective, and ethical patient care using evidence-based practice. The program aims to produce students capable of obtaining licenses and employment.
The school has excellent faculty who model professionalism through career growth, contemporary practice, and engagement in the field.
After your studies, you’ll exhibit professional behavior, lifelong learning, and cultural competence.
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San Jacinto Community College (SJCC)
SJCC can provide the quality training needed to join the healthcare team.
For interested students, they offer an Associate of Science in physical therapy. The program features 72 credits, including a capstone experience.
You’ll cover topics like functional anatomy, pathophysiology, neurological disorders, and rehabilitation techniques during your studies.
The program can be completed within two years of full-time commitment. After finishing your studies, you can be sure to pass the licensing exam.
To be eligible for this program, you must provide three reference letters, pass a criminal background check and drug test, and complete 40 observation hours.
Tuition costs around $1,872 for in-district residents, $3,240 for TX residents, and $5,040 for out-of-state students.
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Texas Woman’s University
Those interested in becoming a doctor of physical therapy should enroll in your studies at Texas Woman’s University.
It’s a co-ed school in Houston that offers an entry-level doctor of physical therapy program. The course takes around 33 months to finish.
During this period, you’ll cover courses such as physiology, medical terminology, physics, math, health promotion, therapeutic exercise, kinesiology, and more.
Students must also finish several clinical practices and internships while earning the needed credits.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any field to qualify for this program. Applicants with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical therapy can assess a transitional DPT program.
Other requirements include GRE scores, reference letters, a resume, a PT interest letter, work experience, and more.
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University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
UTMB is another school renowned for providing quality education for Galveston residents.
It offers both an entry-level and an online post-professional DPT degree. Obtaining a doctorate in physical therapy takes around three years.
During your study term, you’ll cover neuromuscular diagnosis, pain management, anatomy, imaging, advanced orthotics, and more.
After completing your coursework, you may be required to engage in clinical practice to acquire relevant experience in the field.
Admission conditions for this program include a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or another field, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and 80 hours of physical therapy work or volunteer experience.
There are several schools in Houston where you can complete your studies in physical therapy. The ones we’ve mentioned are few but renowned for offering high-quality education and training.
While some schools offer associate and bachelor’s degrees, others offer doctoral degrees. You can pick anyone who meets your career expectations.