Masters (MS) in Physiotherapy in USA for Indian Students in 2024

When I first heard about physiotherapy as a career choice, I wondered if pursuing a Master’s in Physiotherapy was any good. On researching its scope, I was startled to find that the salary of a physiotherapist can be as high as $119,199 (per Glassdoor, July 2024), nearly INR 99 lakhs. 

Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 15% growth in employment in this field between 2022 and 2032. It is safe to say that pursuing an MS in Physiotherapy in the USA provides students with an advanced learning experience in physical therapy, preparing them for a variety of clinical and research-based roles. 

In this article, I have mentioned important details to help you understand the scope and requirements of a Master’s in Physiotherapy in the USA. Read on to learn about the top universities, admission requirements, course curriculum, job prospects, and more.

Program Highlights: MS in Physiotherapy in USA in 2024

Program	Physical Therapy (MS post-professional) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)/Dual DPT-PhD
Course Duration	1 year to 2.8 years
Approximate Fee	$22,000-$85,000 per year
Eligibility	Application at PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service), UG degree, English Language Requirement (Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS scores), at least 3.0 GPA.
Core Areas of Study	Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Integumentary Cardiopulmonary, Geriatrics, Paediatrics
Learning Mode	Residential or Hybrid
Primary Accreditation	Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Masters in Physiotherapy in USA: Reasons for Studying

For most MS in Physiotherapy programs in the USA, the curriculum includes biomechanics, neuroanatomy, and extensive clinical training hours. This immersive master's program ensures graduates can address the most complex patient concerns with confidence and will contribute to knowledge in their field. 

Competition for admission to the physiotherapy program is fierce, so students must showcase academic accomplishments, clinical skills, and dedication to the program. But the question arises, why choose the USA to study for a Master’s in Physiotherapy?

There are many reasons for choosing to study physiotherapy in the USA. These include: 

• A physiotherapist job in the USA is highly lucrative, with attractive median salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates it at $99,710 per year (May 2023). 

• Demand has gone up for trained and skilled physiotherapists and professionals in the rehabilitation, mental wellness, and therapy sectors. In fact, the BLS predicts 15% growth in employment between 2022 and 2032. 

• Studying here means getting access to the best colleges for master’s in physiotherapy in the USA, like the University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, and University of Southern California, to name a few. 

• Innovative and the latest curriculum, with excellent research opportunities. From anatomy and physiology to kinesiology, biomechanics, and more, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics, which equips students for their future careers seamlessly.

Recommended Read: Why study in USA

Top Universities for MS in Physiotherapy in USA

With the master’s in physiotherapy fees in the USA for Indian students being on the reasonable side, you can consider several institutions for your career path. 

Here’s a list of the best colleges for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA:

University	QS University Rankings 2025	Program	Average Fees
University of Delaware	#=506	DPT	$1,069 per credit hour
University of Pittsburgh	#=275	DPT/MS/DPT-PhD	$103,600 for the full program
Washington University in St. Louis	#=176	DPT/DPT-PhD	$13,281 per quarter
Northwestern University	#=50	DPT/DPT-MPH/DPT-PhD	$18,240 per semester
The University of Iowa	#=596	DPT	$16,608 for 9+ hours
University of Southern California	#125	DPT	$84,023 per year
Duke University	#61	DPT	$41,000 per year
Emory University	#196	DPT/DPT-MBA/DPT-MPH/DPT-PhD	$13,800 per semester
Creighton University	NA	DPT	$37,008 per year for first year (9 months) and $55,512 for remaining years (for 12 months)

Source: official university websites, QS World University Rankings 2025

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Course Curriculum: MS in Physiotherapy in USA

The core curriculum components may include:

1. Exercise Physiology and Wellness
2. Behavioral and Social Science
3. Anatomy
4. Collaborative Care
5. Movement Science
6. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
7. Neuroscience
8. Patient Management
9. Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
10. Motor Control and Motor Learning
11. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
12. Pharmacotherapeutics
13. Physical Therapy Management Systems
14. Pain 
15. Medical Imaging: Clinical Correlates for the Physical Therapist
16. Clinical Electrophysiology
17. Amputations and Prosthetics

Please note these are just some basic topics and not a comprehensive list. Also, the syllabus for each university may vary per their guidelines and standards.

Admissions Cycle: Intakes and Deadlines

The program enrollments are usually open for the Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes. 

• Applications for the Fall semester usually open in mid-June, and the final deadline falls in the first week of October. 
• The classes for the Fall intake begin in September of the following year. 
• The Summer semester begins in July. 
• Some universities also operate under a rolling admissions process. This means they review applications when intakes open while aspirants can continue applying throughout the year. A few examples include the New York Institute of Technology, Husson University, and others.  

Cost of MS in Physiotherapy in USA

While the exact cost would vary per your chosen university, you should budget roughly $41,000-$85,000 annually for tuition fees. 

The annual living costs for international students in the USA are around $31,000-$42,000 and upwards including rent. The living cost also depends on one’s preferences and lifestyle. 

Recommended Read: Masters in USA Costs

Pre-Arrival Cost for MS in Physiotherapy in USA

The pre-arrival cost from India to the USA varies between $3,500 and $3,700 based on several factors. This includes standardized exam application fees, airfare, university application fee, visa and SEVIS fee, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Admission Requirements for Master’s in Physiotherapy in USA

The admission requirements for an MPA degree in the USA generally include the following: 

• First professional degree in physical therapy.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale.
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores of at least overall 6.5 Band/110 respectively). 
• Essays and letters of recommendation may be required. 
• Academic transcripts. 

Employment Scope After MS in Physiotherapy in USA

The USA offers great employment prospects for those graduating in physiotherapy. Completing an MS in physiotherapy can open up several opportunities across government and private organizations, wellness centers, educational institutions, and private practice. 

Some graduates specialize in pediatric physiotherapy or even neurological physiotherapy, depending upon their choices. Entry-level physiotherapist jobs pay roughly$54,179 annually in the USA, while senior physiotherapists may earn up to a staggering$95,837 per year according to Indeed July 2024 data. 

Salary After MS in Physiotherapy in USA and Top Recruiters

Here is a list of the top 10 recruiters you can work with after an MS in Physiotherapy:

1. Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
2. Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy 
3. SportsMed Physical Therapy
4. Therapy 2000
5. ProActive Physical Therapy (AZ) 
6. Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness
7. CoreMedical Group
8. WSi Healthcare Personnel
9. RiverKids Pediatric Home Health
10. Movement For Life

Let us now look at the top job roles with their average salaries you can pursue after completing a master's in physiotherapy in the USA: 

Job Role	Average Annual Salary Range
Physical Therapist	$82K-$106K
Physical Therapist Assistant	$57K-$79K
PT Technician	$38K-$55K
Clinic Director/Physical Therapist	$78K-$107K
Certified Athletic Trainer	$48K-$66K
Occupational Therapist	$$81K-$108K

Source: Glassdoor, July 2024

Related Reads: Salary After MS in USA

USA Student Visa Process

F-1 student visas are given to those pursuing part-time or full-time courses in the USA, having validity for the entire study period. 

The procedure encompasses the following steps: 

• Applying to an institution with SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program which maintains and analyzes data to help foreign students gain entry into the country) approval. 
• Paying the SEVIS charge of USD $350. 
• Completing and submitting the student visa application with all necessary documentation. 
• Paying the visa application charge of $185. 
• Scheduling the visa interview and attending the same.

Source: US Immigration & Custom Enforcement

Post Study Work Visa in USA

After completing studies in the United States, international students often seek ways to gain work experience through post-study work visas. International students on the F-1 visa can take up practical training either during their degree or afterwards. 

The latter is known as OPT (optional practical training) and can be done for 12-24 months, depending on their course and field of work. 

Available Scholarships

While numerous scholarships may cover MS in physiotherapy in the USA, some offer total funding, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Program. This scholarship, for example, is applicable for students in all masters and PhD courses. 

It is also open to applicants from 155 global nations and gives students a chance to enroll at leading USA universities without worrying about their educational costs.

Here are a few scholarships aspirants can apply to study the course in the USA:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students and young professionals from abroad to research and study in the United States for a year or longer at US universities or other recognized institutions.

• Award: Fully-funded
• Eligibility: Strong academic profile
• Deadline:  Same as the course application deadline

Quad Fellowship

It is a first-of-its-kind scholarship program that sponsor 100 exceptional American, Japanese, Australian, and Indian master’s and doctoral students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to study in the United States.

• Award: One-time award of $50,000 for academic expenses and $25,000 to cover costs related to completing graduate-level studies
• Eligibility: Have a demonstrated record of superior academic achievement at the undergraduate level
• Deadline:  Same as the course application deadline

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Conclusion

So, if you have been wondering if a career in physiotherapy can set you up for success in the USA, you surely must have got your answer by now. As can be seen, doing an MS in Physiotherapy in the USA will boost your career prospects considerably while providing cutting-edge global knowledge and skills. 

Use this information to research and plan your admissions accordingly to embark on a rewarding academic and professional journey ahead.