Many international physiotherapy students aspire to learn and work in the USA, a land of endless possibilities. If you are looking to pursue higher education abroad, you are probably confused as to which course to pursue. Hence, in this blog post let’s explore physiotherapy courses in the USA for international students. This blog post is your compass to understand the various courses available in the USA, specifically tailored for international graduates like you.
List of Physiotherapy courses in the USA for international students
Master’s of Science (MS):
- Exercise science/ exercise physiology
- Kinesiology
Transitional DPT or post-professional DPT
- Online
- Onsite/ Hybrid
MBA/MHA/ MPH
Disclaimer: The following are NOT course/ university recommendations. I do not have personal experience with any of the courses/universities listed here. Please make sure to do your own research before signing up for any of the courses.
MS in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology
An MS in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology might be your perfect fit if you are interested in learning how to improve, maintain, or abate declines in fitness and health in populations of various age groups. This program delves into the intricacies of exercise-related research, training techniques, and health outcomes. It prepares students to work in the sports industry, business, government, and education as practitioners on professional interdisciplinary teams. You will learn topics such as exercise assessment and prescription, rehabilitation strategies, research, health promotion, etc.
Course Duration: Typically 1.5 to 2 years.
Average Fees: Varies, ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 per year. (This changes depending on the university and course)
Universities:
Relevant Spotlights
Masters in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, USA | Mrunmayee Dixit
MS in Kinesiology
This program is designed to prepare professionals in the multi-faceted disciplines of athletic performance, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, allied health, fitness, and quality of life. This degree includes scientific study in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and the biophysics of human movement. Some universities offer thesis and non-thesis options.
Course Duration: Usually around 2 years.
Average Fees: Tuition can range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. (This changes depending on the university and course)
Universities:
Transitional DPT or Post-Professional DPT
Online Option
Throughout the online post-professional program you will gain advanced critical thinking, professional knowledge, and skills to apply the science of physiotherapy. These programs can be completed in India or anywhere in the world.
One of the important things to remember is that these programs do not grant student visas. If you want to come to the USA and experience student life here, these courses might not be an option for you.
Completion of the tDPT course doesn’t grant you a US PT license, you will still need to complete the credentialing process and pass the license exam. To learn more about US PT licensing read this article here.
Course Duration: Varies, but often around 1 year.
Average Fees: Costs can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
Universities:
Onsite and Hybrid Options
Seeking a hands-on experience? Some universities offer onsite or hybrid Transitional DPT programs, allowing you to combine classroom learning with practical application.
Course Duration: Generally 1 to 2 years.
Average Fees: Tuition can be approximately $30,000 to $50,000.
Universities:
MBA/MHA/MPH
If you are looking to broaden your career horizons beyond traditional physiotherapy, consider pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), or Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. These programs equip you with managerial and leadership skills crucial for healthcare administration roles. You will learn about healthcare management, policy, strategic planning, etc.
Course Duration: Typically 2 years.
Average Fees: Costs can vary widely, ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
Universities
Relevant Spotlights
Master’s in Health Administration, USA | Rajisha Shah
Regardless of the course, to be able to start working as a physical therapist in the USA you will need 2 important things:
- A valid visa that legally allows you to work in the USA
- US physical therapy license
Visa requirements:
(Disclaimer: I help you with the US licensing process. I am not an immigration expert/ lawyer. Please consult immigration experts/lawyers for the most updated and accurate information about US Visas.)
Please note that not all courses listed here offer STEM OPT extensions. Here is a quick note about STEM OPT:
STEM OPT (Optional practical training) is an extension available for F1 students who have completed a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field. It allows eligible students to work in the United States for up to 36 months after graduation, providing valuable practical experience in their chosen field. It is a good idea to ensure that the course you plan to enroll in is STEM-approved so that you can take advantage of 36 months of OPT extension period.
Lastly, if you wish to work in the USA for the longer term, that is beyond your CPT/ OPT period, you will need to look for an employer who will file for your H1b visa. That way you can legally continue to work in the USA on an H1b visa after your OPT extension period is over.
US PT licensing
To understand the US licensing process read my article here: Foreign Trained Physical Therapist In The USA: The Ultimate Guide
Conclusion
The USA presents a diverse array of Physiotherapy courses in the USA for international students. From specialized fields like exercise science and clinical practice to healthcare administration, these courses lay the foundation for your dreams. Before embarking on your journey, conduct thorough research, assess your interests, and connect with admissions offices for a well-informed decision.
Hello, My name is Tejashree Limaye. I am a physiotherapist with 10+ years of experience. I help you go from being stuck in your career to finding a job you love! I provide career guidance about clinical and non clinical PT career in India. I also help you with US PT licensing process. Welcome to my blog, I hope you find the exact guidance you have been looking for!