columbia university physical therapy ranking

Last Updated on December 27, 2022

Every patient wants her/his physical therapy needs to be taken care of in the best possible way. The choice and preference, however, depends greatly on the prospective student’s options and the kind of institution he or she attends. If you are seeking a physical therapist degree in the United States, finding out about some reputed universities can help you make the right choice.

It goes without saying that understanding your school’s standing internationally is imperative, such as the columbia university which is ranked amongst the best in the world. But exactly what are the ranking rankings?

The article below provides information on latest columbia university physical therapy ranking, top physical therapy schools, university of delaware physical therapy, university of pittsburgh physical therapy, best physical therapy schools in europe & best physical therapy schools in california.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Located in New York City, the Columbia University Medical Center provides a entry level, CPTE accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy. The curriculum focuses on clinical sciences, critical inquiry, scientific foundations, professional practices and clinical experiences. As an entry level degree, students may have 45 hours of prerequisites to complete; and, the school offers approximately 400 clinical sites throughout the country and abroad for internships and clinical experience.

Columbia University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, established in 1754 under royal charter by King George III; in 1928, the created the country’s first academic medical center in 1928. Columbia University is ranked #5 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report and #6 in its Best Value Schools. The DPT degree ranks #36 as Best Physical Therapy Programs.

Program Length: 36 Months
Estimated Tuition Cost: $93,520

Columbia University Physical Therapy Ranking

New York, NY

Doctor’s Degree

HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE

6th

MOST POPULAR IN NY

59

PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREES AWARDED

It’s hard to beat Columbia University in the City of New York if you wish to pursue a degree in physical therapy/therapist. Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Schools rank of #22 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 59 physical therapy/therapist students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

university of delaware physical therapy

Ranked #1 in the nation by US News and World Report, the University of Delaware’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program offers a 2.5-year DPT degree and post-graduate education, including six residency and fellowship programs and an interdisciplinary PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science. Renowned faculty prepare students to be entry level practitioners capable of pursuing a specialty area or transitioning into graduate studies within the research environment. The Department prepares a diverse workforce of physical therapists capable of top-of-license practice.

 

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to advance physical therapist practice by providing outstanding entry-level and post-graduate education, translating science to deliver quality clinical services, leading federally funded rehabilitation research, and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and leaders of our profession.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Enrollment per class:  60
Program begins:  Summer (late June)

Average Admission Scores (Most recently admitted class — as of 5/01/2021)

  • Average cumulative undergraduate GPA: 3.8
  • Average science prerequiste GPA: 3.75
  • Average GRE scores: 74th percentile (Verbal); 63rd percentile (Math)

Minimum Entrance Requirements

It is recommended that candidates review the technical standards found on pages 41-43 of the University of Delaware (UD) Department of Physical Therapy Program Policy Document. (See section “Manuals & Forms”)

NOTE: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Acceptance is based on academic excellence, GRE performance, evidence of physical therapy clinical experience, the required essays, interview (by invitation only), and letters of recommendation.

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be taken and scores forwarded to the University of Delaware (School Code 5811). GRE scores older than five years will not be accepted for admission.
  • Verification of 50 hours minimum observing a licensed physical therapist during patient care. A minimum of 25 hours is required at time of application. A minimum of 50 hours is required at time of matriculation.
    Update: Given restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, UDPT reduced the number of required observation hours to a total of 50 minimum for enrollment during the 2021-22 admissions cycle. It is preferred that applicants have at least 25 hours completed at time of application.
  • Three letters of recommendation — two from licensed physical therapists whom you have observed/interacted with during patient care (Letters from a family member or close friend will not fulfill this requirement); one from a professor of an upper-level course you took.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of C (2.0 minimum) or higher (see list that follows).
  • Completion of the PTCAS application. Please note that PTCAS applicant data of candidates who apply to UDPT will automatically transfer into the UD supplemental graduate application system. After the data transfer occurs, candidates will receive an email from the UD Graduate College to create a login, answer a couple of additional questions and pay a $35 supplemental application fee. DO NOT create a supplemental account or application prior to receiving the email from our Graduate Office. The supplemental application is due within one week of receiving the notice from the UD Graduate College. Candidates without a supplemental application on file will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed for an admissions interview.
  • Payment of UD supplemental fee $35.
  • By invitation, an interview with the admissions committee, which is required for admission.

Required Courses

  • Introductory or General Psychology (3 credits/1 semester): A foundation course in the application of the scientific method to problems of human behavior and experience.
  • Introductory or General Statistics (3 credits/1 semester): Probability; estimation; classical statistical inference; modern decision theory.
  • Introductory or General Biology w/labs (8 credits/2 semesters): Biology of the cell both structure and function. Perpetuation of life cell division, genetics and development. Origin of life and diversity of life. Material also included is the physiology of multi-cellular organisms: fungi, plants, and animals. The biology of populations, including behavior, evolution and ecology. (An Anatomy and/or Physiology course may NOT be used to fulfill this requirement).
  • Introductory or General Chemistry w/labs (8 credits/2 semesters): Matter, the changes that matter undergoes, and the laws governing these changes, with greater emphasis on atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, equilibria and energy relationships. Includes one three hour lab per week.
  • Introductory or General Physics w/labs (8 credits/2 semesters): Fundamentals of physics, classical and modern; includes mathematics and problem solving. Calculus or Trigonometry based Physics will fulfill this requirement.
  • Human or Mammalian Anatomy* w/lab (4 credits/1 semester)
  • Human or Mammalian Physiology* w/lab (4 credits/1 semester): Principle underlying function of organisms at the organ system level; ionic composition and regulation, respiration, circulation, nutritive metabolism, excretion and neuromuscular activity. (Exercise Physiology may NOT be used to fulfill this requirement)

*May substitute two-course sequence of anatomy and physiology.

university of pittsburgh physical therapy

TRANSFORMING PHYSICAL THERAPIST EDUCATION.

What does it take to be consistently ranked the best physical therapy program in the nation in a highly competitive field?

It takes a legacy of excellence, spanning more than 90 years. It takes the best and brightest students willing to tackle any challenge. It takes faculty who are mentors, clinical specialists, NIH-funded investigators and Catherine Worthingham Fellows of the APTA. And it takes clinical placements that allow students hands-on experience in renowned medical and rehabilitation centers, such as University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its Centers for Rehab Services.

The success of Pitt’s PT program is fueled by a passion for moving the field forward, advancing research and creating evidence-based practice.

About

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest physical therapy educational programs in the United States. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Therapy is a highly respected physical therapy program which educates practitioners who lead the way in helping people of all ages and stages of life to overcome movement, function, and mobility challenges. Their mission is to advance the profession of physical therapy through education, scholarly activity and professional service.

Mission Statement

Their mission is to provide an unparalleled supportive environment, free of barriers and disparities that will:

  1. Develop diverse entry-level and post-professional physical therapists who achieve excellent and equitable clinical outcomes through exceptional training. Our graduates will integrate the current best evidence with sound scientific and clinical reasoning principles to inform screening, examination, classification/diagnosis, and intervention approaches that also consider the impact of the social determinants of health in the care of clients/patients.
  2. Encourage a high degree of professionalism and ethical behavior. We do this by teaching and modeling:
    • the APTA Code of Ethics, Core Values, Code of Professional Conduct, and diversity, equity and inclusion;
    • professionalism in all interactions with patients/clients and families, professional peers, other health care and academic colleagues, and members of their community;
    • principles of life-long learning and professional development to ensure ongoing improvement and adherence to the principles of evidence-based and biologically plausible physical therapy practice.
  3. Advance the scientific knowledge in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. We do this by:
    • participating in basic science, clinical and health services research;
    • collaborating with investigators in other University departments, national and international partners outside the University, and key stakeholders in the community;
    • disseminating our research and scholarly activities through publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at regional, national and international scientific conferences. 
  4. ​Promote engagement in advocacy of patients/clients, communities and the physical therapy profession. We carry out this part of our mission by encouraging, training and supporting our faculty and students to
    • be consultants to and partners with other professional, academic and community groups;
    • advocate for all patients to third party payers, researchers and health policy makers;
    • advocate for the profession to third party payers, researchers and health policy makers.


Vision Statement

The vision for the Department of Physical Therapy is to drive transformational change in the field of physical therapy by developing a diverse, competent, compassionate and ethical workforce through equitable and inclusive physical therapy education, research and community service.


Values Statement

While pursuing their Mission and Vision, the Program will act in accordance with its stated values. Their values are adopted from the APTA Core Values and those of our clinical partner, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

Accountability: Active acceptance of responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist including self-regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient/client outcomes, the profession and the health needs of society.

Altruism: The primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients/clients, thus assuming the fiduciary responsibility of placing the needs of the patient/client ahead of the physical therapist’s self-interest. 

Compassion and Caring: Compassion is the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience; a precursor to caring. Caring is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others.

Dignity and Respect: We treat all individuals with dignity and respect

Excellence: Excellence is physical therapy practice that consistently uses current knowledge and theory while understanding personal limits, integrates judgment and the patient/client perspective, challenges mediocrity, and works toward development of new knowledge. 

Innovation: We think creatively and build excellence into everything we do. 

Integrity: Steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or professional standards; truthfulness, fairness, doing what you say you will do, and “speaking forth” about why you do what you do. 

Quality and Safety: We create a safe environment where quality is our guiding principle

Professional Duty: The commitment to meeting one’s obligations to provide effective physical therapy services to individual patients/clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society.

Social Responsibility: The promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness.

top physical therapy schools

Quite a number of schools around the world offer various physical therapy programs that you would need to consider. These are the top physical therapy schools in the world. Most of them are found in the United States. Take your time and read through.

  • University of Delaware
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Southern California
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Emory University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Iowa
  • MGH Institute of Health Professions
  • U.S. Army-Baylor University
  • Duke University

University of Delaware

Number of Programs: 8

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 94.34%

University of Delaware has been ranked Number 1 in the list of best physical therapy schools.

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to advance physical therapist practice by providing outstanding entry-level and post-graduate education, translating science to deliver quality clinical services, leading federally funded rehabilitation research, and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and leaders of our profession.

University of Pittsburgh

Number of Programs: 11

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 82%

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) at the University of Pittsburg is among the best physical therapy schools in the world. The school is known for its excellence in academic and clinical education, and high-impact, multidisciplinary research.

The school has been leading the way to help people of all ages and stages of life to overcome movement, function and mobility challenges.

The University of Pittsburg School of Health and Rehabilitation has been listed as the second-best accredited physical therapy schools.

University of Southern California

Number of Programs: 10

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Graduation Rate: 92%

University of Southern California has been ranked as the 3rd best physical therapist school in the world. Their three degree programs allow graduates to choose an educational path to help them reach their goals and become leaders in the field.

The majority of the students are enrolled in our pioneering, three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), which is delivered in both hybrid and residential formats. The school also offer one of the top programs in kinesiology — the study of the biological bases of movement, with a master’s degree and a PhD.

The University is leading residency programs preparing advanced practitioners in the following areas: neurological, orthopedic, pediatric and sports physical therapy.

Washington University in St. Louis

Number of Programs: 9

Acceptance Rate: 15%

Graduation Rate: 94%

The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy is leading in advancing human health through movement, integrating interdisciplinary research, outstanding clinical care, and education of tomorrow’s leaders to drive optimization of function across the lifespan.

The Program in Physical Therapy has pioneered a unique, movement-based approach to physical therapy. 

The Washington University physical therapy has been ranked as the fourth best PTschools.

Emory University

Number of Programs: 7

Acceptance Rate: 19%

Graduation Rate: 91%

The Department of Physical Therapy has been a destination of choice for many prospective physical therapy students. There is something about the program that fosters exceptional skills, creativity, reflectivity, and humanity while instilling self-confidence as students transform into outstanding professionals.

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to cultivate the well-being of individuals and global communities through exemplary leadership in physical therapy education, discovery, and service.

The school is the fifth-best school for physical therapy.

Northwestern University

Number of Programs: 9

Accceptance Rate: 8%

Graduation Rate: 94%

The Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University maintains the richest possible educational environment for students to acquire training in physical therapy.

Northwestern is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.

Northwestern University is the sixth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

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