A master’s in physiotherapy in the USA offers rewarding job opportunities as the country is witnessing a high demand for skilled physiotherapists. Physical therapy or physiotherapy is one of the fastest-growing medicinal branches in the country.
Program Highlights: MS in Physiotherapy in USA in 2024
Program
Physical Therapy (MS post-professional) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)/Dual DPT-PhD
Course Duration
1 year to 2.8 years
Approximate Fee
$40,000 (for one academic year)
Eligibility
Application at PTCAS, UG degree, English Language Requirement (Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS scores), at least 3.0 GPA, GRE Scores (may be needed), Clinical Experience (may be needed), 2 LORs, Completion of certain prerequisite courses.
Core Areas of Study
Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Integumentary
Cardiopulmonary, Geriatrics, Paediatrics
Learning Mode
Residential or Hybrid
Primary Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Masters in Physiotherapy in USA – Reasons for Studying
There are many reasons for choosing to study physiotherapy in the USA. They include:
● A physiotherapist job in the USA is highly lucrative, with attractive median salaries.
● Demand has gone up for trained and skilled physiotherapists and professionals in the rehabilitation, mental wellness, and therapy sectors.
● Studying here means getting access to the best colleges for masters in physiotherapy in the USA, many of which are globally acclaimed.
● A Forbes report has also identified how physiotherapists in the USA experience some of the highest job satisfaction rates.
● Innovative and the latest curriculum, with excellent research opportunities.
With a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students fees being on the reasonable side, several institutions are worth considering. Here’s a list of the best colleges for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA:
The core curriculum components may include Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Integumentary, Cardiopulmonary, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and others.
The program also requires studying Healthcare Systems, Exercise Prescription, Pain Science, and Physical Therapy for Older Adults.
Admissions Cycle: Intakes and Deadlines
The program enrollments are for Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes.
Applications for the fall semester usually open in mid-June, and the final deadline falls in the first week of October.
The classes for the Fall intake begin in September of the following year.
The Summer semester begins in July.
Some universities also operate under a rolling admissions process. This means they review applications when intakes open while aspirants can continue applying throughout the year.
Cost of MS in Physiotherapy in USA:
It is hard to estimate the exact cost, but you should budget roughly US$40,000 for your tuition fees per academic year at leading universities. Airfare costs are around $700 while living costs are roughly US$15,000.
Pre-Arrival Cost for MS in Physiotherapy in USA
The pre-arrival cost from India to the US will vary between USD 1,500-1,600. This includes standardized exam application fees, airfare, university application fee, visa and SEVIS fee, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Admission Requirements:
The admission requirements generally include the following:
The US offers great employment prospects for those graduating in physiotherapy. Completing an MS in physiotherapy can open up several opportunities across government and private organizations, wellness centers, educational institutions, and private practice.
Some graduates specialize in pediatric physiotherapy or even neurological physiotherapy, depending upon their choices. Entry-level physiotherapist jobs pay roughly $56,200 annually in the US, while senior physiotherapists may earn up to a staggering $113,340 per year.
Here are some of the top job prospects after a master's in physiotherapy in the USA:
F-1 student visas are given to those pursuing part-time or full-time courses in the USA, having validity for the entire study period. The procedure encompasses the following steps:
Applying to an institution with SEVP approval.
Paying the SEVIS charge of USD 350.
Completing and submitting the student visa application with all necessary documentation.
Paying the visa application charge of USD 185.
Scheduling the visa interview and attending the same.
While numerous scholarships may cover MS in physiotherapy in the USA, some offer total funding, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Program. This scholarship, for example, is applicable for students in all masters and Ph.D. courses. It is also open to applicants from 155 global nations and gives students a chance to enroll at leading USA universities without worrying about their educational costs.
Here are a few scholarships that aspirants can apply to study the course in the US
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students and young professionals from abroad to research and study in the United States for a year or longer at US universities or other suitable institutions.
Award: Fully-funded
Eligibility: Strong academic profile
Deadline: Same as the course application deadline
Quad Fellowship
A first-of-its-kind scholarship program that will sponsor 100 exceptional American, Japanese, Australian, and Indian masters and doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to study in the United States.
Award: One-time award of $50,000 for academic expenses and $25,000 to cover costs related to completing graduate-level studies
Eligibility: Have a demonstrated record of superior academic achievement at the undergraduate level
The average duration of a professional DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program in the USA is 2.5 to 3 years. The MS in Physiotherapy course will require around two years. There are several other types of programs with diverse timelines. A DPT course is necessary to practice as a physical therapist in the country. Passing the state license examination is also a must to practice in the USA.
Is physiotherapy a good career option?
Physiotherapy is perceived as a fulfilling and lucrative global career option in the USA. Physiotherapy graduates earn handsomely, which only goes up with time and seniority. There is abundant job satisfaction, while demand has steadily increased for qualified, skilled, and experienced physiotherapists. Hence, physiotherapy is a great career option, while it can spawn other fields like neurological or pediatric physiotherapy in the USA, depending on the aptitude and interests of students.
Which field (specialization) of master’s of physiotherapy is the best?
Orthopaedics is considered the best specialization for a master’s of physiotherapy. Other sought-after specializations are Community Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports, Community Rehabilitation, Neurological & Psychosomatic Disorder, and others.
Is GRE required for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA?
GRE is an admission requirement for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA in some colleges like Duke University, University of Delaware, University of Pittsburgh, and others. However, some universities don’t need it for admissions.
After physiotherapy, which is a better option?
After physiotherapy, you can explore the profession of a sports coach, health counselor, physical trainer, and others. You can also opt to study MPT or Ph.D.
What is the procedure and requirement to apply for DPT or MPT outside India after completing a BPT from India itself?
To apply for DPT or MPT outside India, you need to first submit your college application through Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Also, submit your transcripts via the platform. GRE scores are also required for admission.
Which university is the best for MPT in the USA?
The University of Pittsburgh, University of Iowa, Duke University, and Washington University in St. Louis are some of the best US universities for MPT.
Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!
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