Physical Therapy Schools in San Antonio with Degree Summaries
Research physical therapy degrees in San Antonio, which currently has 3 schools offering programs. Read an overview of degree programs, admission info and program requirements for these San Antonio schools and decide which program is right for you.
Comparison of San Antonio Physical Therapy Schools
Students interested in physical therapy schools can choose from a few options in the San Antonio area. St. Philip's College is a 2-year school located near downtown San Antonio. It offers an Associate of Applied Science program to students who'd like to pursue careers in physical therapist assisting. Students interested in training to become physical therapists might want to consider the entry-level doctoral program at Texas State University - San Marcos. This large university is located about an hour outside of San Antonio. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio also offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Program options are available to students with or without an undergraduate degree in physical therapy.
| St. Philip's College | Texas State University - San Marcos | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy Degree Programs Offered | Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science | Doctor of Physical Therapy | Doctor of Physical Therapy, Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| Related Programs Offered | Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science, Radiography Technologist Associate of Applied Science | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy | Master of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care |
| School Type | Public, 2-year | Public, 4-year | Public, 4-year |
| Total Enrollment (Fall 2011) | 10,710* | 34,087* | 3,234* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Distant town | Large city |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2011-2012) | In-district: $1,952 In-state: $3,632 Out-of-state: $6,992* | In-state: $7,264 Out-of-state: $15,402* | In-state: $6,944 Out-of-state: $17,273* |
| % of Undergraduate Students Receiving Grant or Scholarship Aid (2010-2011) | 49%* | 49%* | 65%* |
| Undergraduate Acceptance Rate (2011) | N/A - Open admissions | 77%* | 25%* |
| Retention Rate (2011) | 41% for full-time students, 30% for part-time students* | 79% for full-time students, 69% for part-time students* | N/A |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (2011) | 5% (22% transfer-out rate)* | 56%* | N/A |
| Relevant Facilities and Resources | N/A | On-campus physical therapy clinic | N/A |
| Noteworthy | In 2011, 100% of graduates passed the state licensing exam and found jobs within 6 months of graduation** | 96% first-time pass rate on the licensure exam, 100% ultimate pass rate as of 2013*** | 99% overall licensure exam pass rate as of 2013**** |
| Distance from Downtown (Driving Time) | 2.8 miles (9 minutes) | 51.1 miles (52 minutes) | 11.2 miles (20 minutes) |
Source: *NCES College Navigator, **St. Philip's College, ***Texas State University - San Marcos, ****The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Degrees at St. Philip's College
This school's physical therapist assistant program is offered by the Allied Health Department. Through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences, students prepare to work alongside physical therapists and help patients recover from injuries that hinder or limit their movement.
Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science
This 2-year program requires students to maintain full-time enrollment status and complete coursework in the correct sequence. Students begin with introductory courses in physiology and anatomy before moving on to examine topics in patient care and exercise techniques. After completing clinical experiences in the summer, they take classes in rehabilitation and neurological disorders. The final semester largely consists of additional clinical education. Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners licensing exam for physical therapist assistants.
Degrees at Texas State University - San Marcos
The College of Health Professions at Texas State University - San Marcos offers 3 graduate programs, 1 of which is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). The university transitioned its Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) into a doctoral program 2008.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
This is a full-time 9-semester program available to applicants who hold a bachelor's degree. About 40 students are admitted into each year's cohort. Their first-year coursework covers topics in physical therapy research, anatomy, neuroscience and patient care techniques. In their second year, students take on clinical experiences as well as advanced classes on the cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems. A third year of clinical education and coursework rounds out program requirements. Once they've completed the entire curriculum, students must take a comprehensive exam to receive their degree.
Degrees at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The DPT is the only doctoral program offered by the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Its Department of Physical Therapy offers a couple of program options to students with varying education and experience.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
This program allows students to apply after completing just 3 years of undergraduate prerequisite coursework. Students who already have a bachelor's degree can also apply to this 3-year, 8-semester program. First-year courses cover topics in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, while second-year courses focus on treatment modalities for musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary conditions. Students begin clinical experiences in the summer and must work under a licensed physical therapist at 3 different sites for a total of 30 weeks. A clinical internship is also required after completing third-year coursework in such topics as patient management and physical therapy administration.
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
This program is intended for students who've already earned a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy. Students with a master's degree must complete 8 courses in 4 semesters. Ethics, decision-making, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging and business issues are some of the topics covered. Students with only a bachelor's degree must complete 2 additional physical therapy research courses.
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