Physical Therapy Online Courses: Fees, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Jobs & Best Platforms
Physical Therapy Online CoursesPhysical therapy is an important area of healthcare all over the world, and its demand is growing due to the aging population, a sedentary lifestyle, and the rise in chronic illness. The World Health Organization estimates that musculoskeletal disorders affect 1 out of 3 adults in the world, and this means that physical therapists are sorely needed. The world physical therapy market is expected to hit $50 billion in 2030, having a CAGR of almost 5.5.
Physical Therapy Online Courses are also becoming popular among students, working professionals and healthcare practitioners in this context. These programs provide flexibility, low cost online physical therapy continuing education, and certifications. From online courses for becoming a physical therapist to online physical therapy courses specializing in geriatric care, learners can choose from a variety of modules depending on their career goals. The most popular platforms are Coursera, Udemy, edX, and MedBridge, where one could find free online physical therapy courses as well as high-level certifications.
These programs assist students in learning competitive skills such as rehabilitation methods, sport therapy, and orthopedic treatment. Furthermore, in contrast to the in-person programs, many students prefer to study online since it is more flexible and cheaper with online physical therapy courses. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional seeking top online physical therapy courses recommended by professionals, 2025 offers abundant opportunities.
Physical Therapy Online Courses: Quick Highlights
Here are the important details related to Physical Therapy Online Courses mentioned in the tabular format.
Particulars | Details |
Level of Courses | Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate & Continuing Education |
Duration | 4 weeks – 3 years |
Fee Range | Free – ₹1,50,000 |
Starting Salary | ₹3–5 LPA (entry-level) |
Job Roles | Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, Sports Therapist, Geriatric Care Specialist |
Top Recruiters | Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, AIIMS, Manipal Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Rehabilitation Centers |
Best Physical Therapy Online Courses
There are a number of AI learning platforms available in India that offer best online physical therapy courses. Below are four key platforms:
Udemy Physical Therapy Online Courses
Below are the courses offered by Udemy for Physical Therapy Online Courses.
Course Name | Instructor | Duration | Price (USD) | Rating |
Learn the Theory and Techniques of Physical Therapy | Dr. Conor Hogan Ph.D. | duration not specified | $17.99 (discounted from $59.99) | 4.2 |
Physiotherapy (Home Course) | Sophia Vandermeer | duration not specified | — | 4.5 |
Physiotherapy/Physiotherapy Assistants Online Course | Grace Chikelu-Amamilo | duration flexible | — | 4.5 |
PT Gait Analysis and Deviations | Will Crane | 1 hr 14 min | Free | 4.5 |
Initial Joint Assessments | Adam Son | 36 min | Free | 4.4 |
Kinesiotherapy Modul 2 – Regio Cervical Spine | — | 2.5 hrs | $19.99 | 4.9 |
Coursera (Physical therapy online courses Coursera)
Below are the courses offered by Coursera for Physical Therapy Online Courses.
Course Title | Provider / Institution | Duration | Fee Structure | Rating |
Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise | University of Toronto | 1–3 months | Free to enroll; certificate with upgrade | 4.7 |
Science of Exercise | University of Colorado Boulder | 1–4 weeks | Most likely via Coursera Plus or paid | 4.8 |
Fundamental Sports-related Musculoskeletal Anatomy | Chinese University of Hong Kong | 1–3 months | Likely paid (standard Coursera fee) | 4.4 |
edX Physical Therapy Online Courses
Below are the courses offered by edX for Physical Therapy Online Courses.
Offering Type | Institution / Platform | Duration / Structure | Fee & Notes |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (Hybrid DPT) | Arcadia University (via edX) | ~26 months (hybrid) | Tuition approx. USD 128,080 (excluding tech fees and on-campus costs) |
How to Become a Physical Therapist (Guide) | edX (informational page) | N/A (guide format) | Free informational resource |
How to Become a Sports Physical Therapist (Guide) | edX (informational page) | N/A (guide format) | Free guide |
Hybrid DPT/MSOT Programs (Announced) | Russell Sage College via edX | Launching in 2024–25 | Fee not specified |
MedBridge Physical Therapy Online Courses
Below are the courses offered by MedBridge for Physical Therapy Online Courses.
Offering Type | Highlights & Accessibility | Annual Fee (Individual) |
Advanced Certification Prep Programs | Self-guided prep for specialist certifications (e.g., OCS, SCS), including video CEUs, case studies, and hundreds of practice questions. 93% pass rate among subscribers | Included within standard subscription |
Telehealth: Comprehensive Virtual Care | Certificate-style program featuring - 4 CEU hours, video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on packets—all accessible via subscription | Included in subscription |
General CE Courses (PT-specific) | Access to thousands of accredited on-demand CE courses led by industry experts, including hands-on demonstrations and evidence-based practices | Included in subscription |
Subscription Plans | Various tiers: Student, Education, Premium - each offering different access levels to CEUs, content libraries, and patient engagement tools | Student: $100/year- Education: $275/year- Premium: $325/year |
Top Indian Colleges Providing Physical Therapy Online Courses
Many reputed Indian universities and institutions also provide online physical therapy courses with certification.
Course Name | University/Institution | Duration | Fee |
Online Certificate in Physical Therapy | 6 months | ₹25,000 | |
Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy | 1 year | ₹40,000 | |
Sports and Physical Therapy | 6 months | ₹30,000 | |
Diploma in Physical Therapy | 1 year | ₹15,000 |
Physical Therapy Online Free with Certificate
Some of the online platforms offer free online physical therapy programs that have certification after completion. This is particularly helpful when you are a beginner and you are learning the fundamentals.
Course Name | Duration | Description |
Introduction to Physical Therapy | 4 weeks | Free course covering basics of rehabilitation and therapy |
Physical Therapy Basics | 6 weeks | Great Learning program offering foundational knowledge |
Exercise for Health and Rehabilitation | 5 weeks | Covers therapeutic exercise techniques with free certification |
Eligibility Criteria for Physical Therapy Online Courses
- For online physical therapy courses for beginners, no prior experience is needed.
- For online courses for becoming a physical therapist, candidates usually need a 10+2 science background.
- To pursue postgraduate or continuing education, the candidate must have a bachelor degree in the field of physiotherapy or any other related area.
Why is it Important to Learn Physical Therapy in 2025?
- The number of people contracting chronic diseases is on the rise, which puts more pressure on physical therapy practitioners.
- The increasing number of elderly people requires advanced geriatric services.
- Certified online physical therapy courses offer remote and convenient ways of learning to students and working professionals.
- The comparison of online physical therapy certifications shows that online formats are more affordable and scalable than traditional programs.
- As medical care becomes increasingly digitized, there is a high need among professionals for new therapy skills.
What Job Opportunities are Available After Completing Physical Therapy Online Courses?
Once they have finished the best online physical therapy programs suggested by the experts, they can be employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabs, and sport academies. The minimum salary in India is ₹3 - 5 LPA and can increase to ₹10 - ₹15 LPA with the experience. Physical therapists have an average of 85,000 a year throughout the world.
Job Role | Average Salary in India (per annum) | Average Global Salary (per annum) |
Physical Therapist | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA | $55,000 – $75,000 |
Sports Rehabilitation Expert | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA | $60,000 – $80,000 |
Geriatric Care Specialist | ₹3.5 – ₹6.5 LPA | $55,000 – $70,000 |
Orthopedic Therapist | ₹4 – ₹8 LPA | $65,000 – $85,000 |
Physical Therapy Online Courses: FAQs
Ques. Which are the best online physical therapy courses for beginners?
Ans. Udemy and Coursera offer some of the best online physical therapy courses for beginners.
Ques. Are online physical therapy courses accredited?
Ans. Yes, many universities and platforms provide accredited online physical therapy courses with certification.
Ques. How much do online physical therapy courses cost?
Ans. They are free, to 1.5 lakh according to the provider and level.
Ques. What is the difference in online physical therapy courses vs. in-person programs?
Ans. Online courses are more adaptable and cheaper compared to face-to-face programs which offer practical training.
Ques. Can I pursue online physical therapy courses specialising in geriatric care?
Ans. EdX and MedBridge, yes, do offer specialisations in geriatric physical therapy.