Top 25 Physical Therapy Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas is home to a robust and highly regarded network of physical therapy schools, offering programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation. According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, Texas Woman’s University holds the #2 spot in the state and is tied for #25 nationally, placing it in the top 10% of all physical therapy programs in the country.

The state’s DPT programs are rigorous, typically spanning three years, and are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which is essential for licensure. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, clinical education, and diverse patient populations, Texas PT schools prepare graduates for successful careers in a field projected to grow significantly.

Top 25 Physical Therapy Schools In Texas

1. Texas Woman’s University (Houston, Dallas, Denton)

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is home to the #1 ranked physical therapy program in Texas, holding the #2 spot in the state and tying for #25 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report’ rankings . The School of Physical Therapy offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at its three campuses in Houston, Dallas, and Denton, with the Houston campus located in the prestigious Texas Medical Center.

The program features an incredibly high employment rate of 100% within the first 12 months of graduation for its Dallas and Houston campuses. TWU also offers the only PhD in Physical Therapy in Texas, making it a leader in both clinical and research education .

2. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (Austin and Dallas)

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) operates physical therapy schools in both Austin and Dallas, providing students with a robust and comprehensive Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. The program is available in three distinct formats to accommodate a wide range of student lifestyles and needs.

The Residential DPT format combines online coursework with weekday in-person labs, while the Hybrid Immersion format allows students to complete most coursework online with periodic intensive on-campus lab sessions at the Dallas campus. The Flex DPT format offers weekend on-campus labs, making it an excellent option for students balancing work, family, or other commitments and is available at the Austin campus only.

3. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB)

UTMB is home to the oldest physical therapy program in Texas, with the first training program having begun in 1943. The department offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a strong reputation for clinical excellence . UTMB offers two entry-level DPT tracks: a traditional Residential program and a Hybrid program, the first of its kind at a public institution in Texas.

The Hybrid track allows students to complete coursework remotely with periodic on-campus immersions, providing flexibility for students who cannot relocate. UTMB’s location on a health campus provides students with access to outstanding faculty and resources from the Health Professions, Nursing, Public Health, and Medical Schools.

4. Texas State University (Round Rock)

Texas State University’s DPT program, located on the Round Rock campus, is a 3-year, full-time program that admits approximately 46 students per year into a cohort-based structure. Established in 1984, the program is designed to educate competent entry-level generalist physical therapists. The curriculum totals 99 credit hours and prepares students for the national licensure examination . Student outcomes are strong, with recent cohorts achieving a 97.6% first-time NPTE pass rate and a 100% ultimate pass rate.

5. UT Health San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its School of Health Professions. The program has an application deadline of October 1, with interviews beginning in late October. UT Health San Antonio is a major health science center in South Texas, providing students with comprehensive clinical training opportunities within its extensive healthcare network. It is a key provider of physical therapy education in the region.

6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg)

UTRGV offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program serving the Rio Grande Valley, one of the most medically underserved regions in the country . The program requires the GRE and a minimum of 50 observation hours in at least two different physical therapy settings . As a public university, UTRGV plays a critical role in training physical therapists to address the healthcare needs of South Texas communities.

7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program serving West Texas. The program is a key provider of PT education for the region and is known for its commitment to serving rural and underserved communities. Students benefit from clinical training opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings across the region.

8. University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Fort Worth. The program is part of a comprehensive health science center and serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. UNT Health Science Center provides students with access to a wide range of clinical training opportunities and interprofessional education experiences.

9. Baylor University (Waco)

Baylor University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. As a private Christian university, Baylor provides a faith-based educational environment that integrates professional training with the university’s mission of service and ethical leadership. The program prepares students for careers in a variety of physical therapy settings.

10. Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene)

Hardin-Simmons University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Abilene. As a private Christian university, HSU provides a values-based education that integrates faith with professional practice. The program serves the West Texas region and prepares students for careers in physical therapy.

11. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

UTEP offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its College of Health Sciences. Located in the border region of West Texas, UTEP provides unique educational opportunities that address the healthcare needs of a binational community. The program is committed to preparing physical therapists to serve diverse populations in the region.

12. Angelo State University (San Angelo)

Angelo State University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program serving the West Texas region. The program provides students with comprehensive training in physical therapy and is known for its commitment to accessible education. Angelo State serves as a key provider of PT education in the San Angelo area.

13. Abilene Christian University (Abilene)

Abilene Christian University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Abilene. As a private Christian university, ACU provides a faith-based educational environment that integrates professional training with Christian values. The program prepares students for careers in physical therapy with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care.

14. University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio)

The University of the Incarnate Word offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in San Antonio. As a private Catholic university, UIW provides a faith-based educational environment that integrates professional training with the university’s mission of service and ethical leadership. The program serves the South Texas region.

15. Southwestern University (Georgetown)

Southwestern University offers a pre-physical therapy advising track for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process for professional PT schools.

16. Austin College (Sherman)

Austin College offers a pre-physical therapy advising track for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides comprehensive advising and prerequisite coursework for students planning to pursue a professional PT degree.

17. St. Edward’s University (Austin)

St. Edward’s University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process for professional PT schools.

18. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Waxahachie)

Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the application process for professional PT schools.

19. Texas Lutheran University (Seguin)

Texas Lutheran University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on completing prerequisite coursework and building a competitive application for professional PT schools.

20. Schreiner University (Kerrville)

Schreiner University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process for professional PT schools.

21. McMurry University (Abilene)

McMurry University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the application process for professional PT schools.

22. LeTourneau University (Longview)

LeTourneau University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on completing prerequisite coursework and building a competitive application for professional PT schools.

23. East Texas Baptist University (Marshall)

East Texas Baptist University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process for professional PT schools.

24. Howard Payne University (Brownwood)

Howard Payne University offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on prerequisite coursework and the application process for professional PT schools.

25. University of Dallas (Irving)

The University of Dallas offers pre-physical therapy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to DPT programs. The university provides guidance on completing prerequisite coursework and building a competitive application for professional PT schools.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a PT School

Start by researching each program’s accreditation status, as graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program is required for licensure and practice as a physical therapist.

Consider the program format and your current life commitments; UTMB offers both Residential and Hybrid DPT tracks, while USAHS offers three formats including Hybrid Immersion and Flex options designed for working professionals.

For the highest-ranked program in the state, Texas Woman’s University holds the #1 spot in Texas and offers three campus locations, providing flexibility across the state.

Check each program’s NPTE pass rates; Texas State reports a 97.6% first-time pass rate, while UTMB boasts a 100% licensure pass rate for its graduates.

Evaluate clinical education opportunities, as programs with strong healthcare partnerships provide valuable hands-on experience in diverse settings.

Finally, consider your career goals and preferred patient population; some schools have a strong focus on serving underserved communities, such as UTRGV’s mission in the Rio Grande Valley, while others emphasize research and academic careers, like TWU’s PhD in PT.

Closing

Texas offers a comprehensive and highly competitive selection of physical therapy schools, anchored by the top-ranked program at Texas Woman’s University and a growing number of institutions offering the doctoral degree.

With a range of program formats from traditional residential to innovative hybrid and Flex options, students can find a pathway that fits their learning style and life commitments. Whether you are seeking a faith-based education at Baylor or ACU, a border-focused program at UTEP or UTRGV, or an innovative hybrid model at UTMB or USAHS, Texas PT schools provide diverse pathways to a rewarding career.

Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official resources like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).