The decision of choosing the best physical therapy college Where to study and earn an academic degree in physical therapy is one of the initial decisions when starting a career as PT. The state of Colorado, where cutting-edge medical science goes hand-in-hand with an active, healthy lifestyle, is considered among the nation’s leaders in physical therapy (PT) education. Whether you want to earn a DPT degree or an undergraduate pre-PT program, Colorado provides top-notch education, great faculty members with diverse backgrounds and excellent clinical experiences.
This article includes the top physical therapy schools in Colorado with fees, eligibility, admission process, specializations & career scope this will assist you to take decision.
Why to Study Physical Therapy in Colorado?
Unique Environment for PT Students in Colorado: Why?
1. Strong Healthcare Ecosystem
We have world-renowned healthcare organizations here in Colorado, including UCHealth, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Centura Health. This means PT students have the opportunity to gain high-quality clinical experience in the top hospital and rehabilitation facilities across the country.
2. High Demand for Physical Therapists
With Colorado’s active clientele population and elder demographic, the need for highly trained physical therapists is climbing. National job stats has projected that PT jobs will ultimately increase 15–20% over the next decade.
3. Excellent Educational Institutions
Get PT education in CO Colorado’s universities feature state-of-the-art PT curriculums that bring together labs, simulation centers and clinical rotations to prepare students with the professional skills they need.
Best Physical Therapy Schools in Colorado
Following are well-known schools that offer physical therapy programs which are accredited:
1. University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus
Program Name: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Duration: 3 years
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $65,000–$75,000
- Out-of-state: Approx. $120,000+
Highlights:
- CAPTE-accredited program
- Strong clinical partnerships
- Research-driven curriculum
- State-of-the-art labs and anatomy centers
2. Regis University – School of Physical Therapy
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Duration: 3 years
Tuition Fees: Approx. $120,000–$130,000 total
Highlights:
- Private Jesuit institution
- Leadership and patient-centered care are high priority areas
- Hybrid learning and hands-on experience
- High licensure exam pass rate
3. Pre-PT Track at Colorado State University – Pueblo
Though CSU-Pueblo doesn’t have a DPT program, the campus does offer an excellent pre-physical therapy undergraduate program.
Studies: Biology, Exercise Science, Health Science
Annual Fees: Approx. $10,000–$20,000 (in-state)
Highlights:
- Affordable education
- Excellent foundation for DPT programs
- Active research and campus facilities
4. Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD)# Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)
Program: Exercise Science (Pre-PT Preparation)
Annual Fees: Approx. $9,000–$15,000
Highlights:
- Affordable bachelor’s programs
- Ideal pre-requisites for DPT admission
- Industry-relevant curriculum
University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
Major: Sport & Exercise Science (Pre-PT Pathway)
Annual Fees: $8,000–$15,000
Highlights:
- Solid footing for grad PT programs
- Well-equipped exercise physiology labs
- Faculty with clinical experience
Qualification Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Colorado
Undergraduate and Graduate Program Admission Requirements Admissions requirements vary between the Bachelor’s (Pre-PT) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.
Admission to Bachelor of / Pre-PT programs
- 10+2 or equivalent with Biology/Science
- Minimum GPA: 2.5–3.0
- English language competency (for students from outside Canada)
- Scores on the SAT or ACT tests (optional in many colleges)
Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
In order to be eligible to take admission in DPT schools of Colorado an aspirant needs to have:
Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates can have any science-related degree, like:
- Biology
- Exercise Science
- Kinesiology
- Health Sciences
Required Prerequisite Courses
Most colleges require:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics or Math
Minimum GPA
Many also request at least a 3.0 GPA.
GRE Score
Some (such as UC Anschutz) will want your GREs, unless waived.
Clinical Experience
A minimum of documented observation hours working with a licensed PT are recommended.
English Language Requirements (international students )
TOEFL/IELTS as per the university norms.
How to Get Into Physical Therapy Schools Admission Process for Physical Therapy Colleges
Step 1: Select the Type of Program
- Bachelor’s/Pre-PT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Apply Through the University or PTCAS
The majority of DPT programs use the PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service) for applications.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- GRE scores (if needed)
- Clinical experience log
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Step 4: Attend Interview
Most colleges require in-person or virtual interviews to assess communication and motivation.
Step 5: Application and Enrolment on a Definite Basis
Upon selection, students take further action for fee submission, orientation and course registration.
Cost of DPT Schools in Colorado
| College / University | Approx. Fees (Total Program) |
|---|
| University of Colorado | $65,000–$120,000 |
| Regis University | $120,000–$130,000 |
| Pre-PT Colleges | $8,000–$20,000 per year |
Note: Tuition and other fees are subject to change for the next academic year and will be updated annually.
Career opportunities Once You complete Your Physical Therapy Schooling in Colorado
Physical therapy is one of the fastest growing professions in healthcare in America and this trend is apparent here at home where Colorado graduates post robust job placement numbers and among the highest starting salaries.
High-Demand Job Roles
Graduates can work as:
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Sports Rehabilitation Specialist
- Pediatric Physical Therapist
- Orthopedic PT
- Geriatric PT
- Neurological Rehabilitation Therapist
- Home Health Physical Therapist
- Fitness & Wellness Consultant
- Clinical Research Professional
- PT Educator or Faculty Member
Average Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado
- Entry-Level Salary: $70,000–$85,000 per year
- Experienced PTs: $90,000–$110,000+
- Specialized PTs: $120,000+
Colorado’s salaries are considerably higher as reflected by the always above-the-average of salaries; with availability and advancement into exceptional medical systems.
Work Settings for PT Professionals
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Rehabilitation clinics
- Sports medicine centers
- Private PT practices
- Home health agencies
- Nursing homes
- Schools and universities
- Fitness centers
Future Growth & Opportunities
Physical Therapy: As more attention is put on fitness, injury prevention and rehabilitation, the need for exceptional physical therapists in Colorado will continue to grow. Additionally:
- Aging baby-boomer population
- Rise in sports injuries
- Robotics rehab, along with tele-PT as technological advances
- Expansion of home healthcare services
These factors provide greater job security and career advancement for PT graduates.
Conclusion
When it comes to physical therapy education, Colorado is home to some of the best PT education opportunities in the nation– great academics, strong clin ed opportunities and optimal employment prospects. If a DPT or a pre-PT bachelor’s program are your goals, the state has everything you need to start a career in physical therapy with strong footing – and low startup costs. With competitive pay, increasing demand and specializations to choose from, PT students in Colorado can expect a promising career ahead.
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