How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
APTA states that professional DPT programs typically last three years, and BLS says the same. Most DPT programs require a bachelor’s degree first, according to APTA. After graduation, the NPTE for physical therapists is given on four fixed test dates in FSBPT’s 2027 calendar.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Before the program
APTA’s Becoming a Physical Therapist page states: “Most DPT programs require applicants to earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission. Other programs offer a 3+3 curricular format in which three years of specific preprofessional (undergraduate/pre-PT) courses must be taken before the student can advance into a three-year professional DPT program.” It adds that a few programs offer freshman entry from high school, pending stated contingencies.
The program
APTA states: “The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.” It also states: “Approximately 77% of the DPT curriculum is classroom (didactic) and lab study and the remaining 23% is dedicated to clinical education. Physical therapy students spend on average 22 weeks in their final clinical experience.”
BLS’s physical therapists page states: “DPT programs typically last 3 years.” CAPTE’s public pages checked on November 10, 2026 did not state a program length. Confirm the program’s status on CAPTE’s accredited programs listing.
Exam: NPTE (PT level)
The NPTE is given on fixed dates. FSBPT’s Future Test Dates page, checked November 10, 2026, lists these 2027 dates for PTs (its Dates and Deadlines page has the current year):
| Test date | Registration & payment deadline | Jurisdiction approval deadline | Scores reported to jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26-27 | December 22 | January 5 | February 3 |
| April 27-28 | March 23 | March 30 | May 5 |
| July 27-28 | June 22 | June 29 | August 4 |
| October 26-27 | September 21 | September 28 | November 3 |
FSBPT describes the jurisdiction approval deadline as “the latest date that your state board can notify FSBPT that you are eligible for the examination,” and adds: “NOTE – Some states may have earlier application deadlines.” It also states: “Your jurisdiction cannot approve your registration for the NPTE and you will not receive an Authorization to Test until your registration AND payment are received by FSBPT.”
FSBPT’s Registration Process page says to follow a 5-step process before you schedule: find out what your jurisdiction requires, complete a state application form, register and pay for the NPTE, request testing accommodations if needed, and obtain jurisdiction approval. Its Schedule Exam page states: “You must sit for the exam on the date indicated on your ATT letter.” It also states: “Test sites fill up quickly and scheduling is done on a first come, first serve basis.”
On score reports, FSBPT states: “The free score report will remain viewable for thirty days.” FSBPT’s eligibility page also caps attempts at three consecutive and six lifetime per exam level. See NPTE.
License
Passing the NPTE is one part of licensure. How long a jurisdiction takes to issue a license is set by that board, and some jurisdictions also require a jurisprudence exam. This site does not list board processing times. Start from the state and territory directory.
Optional training after licensure
BLS states: “Physical therapists may apply to a clinical residency program after graduation. Residencies typically last about 1 year and provide additional training and experience in specialty areas of care.” Residency is optional; APTA states: “PTs are not required to be certified in order to practice in a specific area.” See specialties.