All About Hybrid DPT Programs

In recent years, hybrid PT programs have gotten increasingly popular. Compared to a traditional, residential three-year doctor of physical therapy program, hybrid programs, also called blended, flex, or nonresidential programs, include both online and in-person learning.

Some are accelerated, allowing you to earn your DPT in only two years, while others take up to four years. Most let you attend a program without relocating, instead holding in person labs, or “immersions,” at intervals ranging from monthly to once or twice a semester. Much of the rest of learning includes studying on your own time and attending both live, synchronous and prerecorded, asynchronous virtual lectures.

For this reason, many blended programs have supplemental essay questions asking about your intentions to attend a hybrid included as part of the PTCAS application. These can include asking why you want to attend such a program and inquiring about your previous online learning experiences – which most applicants now have due to COVID.

There doesn’t seem to be a complete list of hybrid DPT programs anywhere, so I’ve tried my best to compile one. Some current hybrid DPT programs include: Allen College, Arcadia University, Augustana University, Baylor University, Bowling Green State University, College of Saint Mary, Franklin Pierce University, Graceland University, Hanover College, Hawai’i Pacific University, Kean University, Nova Southeastern University, South College, Tufts University, Spalding University, University of Colorado, University of the Cumberlands, University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), University of Southern California (USC), University of St. Augustine, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and University of Utah. Let me know if I’m missing any!

A few pros to attending a hybrid PT program include:

• Potentially not having to relocate (which can save money)
• The ability to continue working while in school
• The possibility of graduating in only two years

Some cons are:

• Fewer hands-on learning opportunities
• Frequent travel to and from campus, which can include pricy flights and hotel stays
• Less personal interaction with faculty and classmates
• Clinical rotation sites may be limited to certain geographical areas (maybe not where you live)

Many of these programs are new or still going through the accreditation process. While this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, many students express frustration with new programs (traditional and hybrid) still figuring out the kinks, and there is always a (slight) risk that goes along with the accreditation process. On the other hand, new and developing programs may also be easier to get into.

Many blended programs exist at schools that also have traditional, non-hybrid programs. With these programs, double check that the NPTE pass and graduation rate stats listed are for the hybrid program alone, rather than both combined, since these may differ between program types. Essentially, you want to make sure that the hybrid’s graduates are both passing the boards and graduating at high rates. (Although new and developing programs may not have this information yet).

Hybrid students must possess the ability to be self-motivated and great at managing their own time. These programs can be amazing opportunities for some future physical therapists, but more challenging for others. Since these programs are newer, there isn’t much long-term data on how hybrid DPT graduates compare to physical therapists from more traditional programs.

I hear a bit of chatter from current physical therapists wondering how the dense DPT curriculum could possibly be condensed into only two years, or how hybrid students can possibly learn a very hands-on profession in a mostly virtual manner. So, it’s possible hybrid graduates may face some hurdles when applying for jobs. Although, at the end of the day, they still complete clinicals and pass the NPTE just like any other new grad physical therapist.

If you think a hybrid PT program is for you, do your research!