URI Physical Therapy program ranked among best values in the nation

Publication PTProgress ranks the URI PT program in the top 10 nationally

The University of Rhode Island Physical Therapy program is among the best values in the country, according to industry publication PT Progress, ranking in the top 10 nationally among schools with below-average tuition rates.

At no. 8, the URI program is the only one in the Northeast in the list. It ranks just ahead of Northern Arizona University and the University of Iowa, and just ahead of Eichita State University. PT Progress ranks Baylor University at no. 1, followed by Texas Women’s University, the University of Texas El Paso, East Carolina University, the University of Tennessee and Arkansas State University.

The publication assembled the list to give students options for an affordable education in a field that requires pricy advanced degrees. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is not often sufficient for a successful physical therapy career. A Doctorate of Physical Therapy is required for most positions, resulting in high tuition costs for students. As a result, 85 percent of physical therapy grads finish school with $116k of student debt, nearly four times the average student debt.

However, the URI Physical Therapy program offers better value to students. The publication notes: “What began as an agricultural school on farm-owned property in 1892 is now a major, multi-site research university and one of the most beautiful coastal colleges nationwide. URI’s DPT program includes three years of standard training as well as a unique opportunity to practice therapy in an underserved country. To top it off, URI offers three affordable tuition rates, including a regional discount for New England residents.  

Part of the College of Health Sciences, the URI Physical Therapy program is a fully accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program. Through an intensive three-year course of study, students learn about basic sciences, evaluative and treatment theories, intervention techniques, professional issues analysis, and skills development to allow autonomous practice. Available concentrations include:

  • Advanced Acute Care
  • Advanced Pediatrics
  • Advanced Neurorehabilitation
  • Advanced Orthopaedics
  • Sports PT
  • Gait Analysis
  • Advanced Therapeutic Exercise
  • Manual Therapy
  • Strength & Conditioning 

Visit the College’s Physical Therapy program website for more information and to apply.