?? All Physical Therapy Programs Are DPT Programs, But Is This A Good Thing? ??

The shift to DPT programs has undoubtedly elevated our clinical skills and the quality of care we provide, but the current financial models for PTs are unsustainable. Many physical therapists are turning to cash-pay clinics, home health, and side hustles to try to make ends meet.

Here is a brief timeline of the transition:

But doctorates aren’t cheap.?

Since the transition to DPT programs started in the early 2000s, the average cost of programs has skyrocketed. Tuition and fees have more than quadrupled over the past 25 years, making it increasingly expensive to enter our profession.

Despite the rising costs of education, the average salaries for physical therapists haven’t kept pace. Although salaries have increased modestly, it is a minimal increase compared to the steep rise in educational expenses.?

The most concerning trend is the growing student debt-to-starting salary ratio for new PT graduates. Today's graduates are entering the workforce with levels of student loan debt which far exceed their starting salaries.?

The graph clearly shows a significant gap between the growth rate of tuition costs and the growth rate of starting salaries.

So was the transition to DPT programs worth it??

Given this reality, either tuition fees have to change or we need business model innovation that drives PT wages higher.?

Share your thoughts and experiences below. How can we work towards a more sustainable financial model for physical therapists?