What is a Hybrid Physical Therapy Program?
The Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum is delivered through an innovative, hybrid format—but what does that actually mean?
By definition, 'hybrid' is a blending of two or more elements to create something unique—and that is exactly what we offer at Baylor. As one of the earliest adopters of hybrid DPT education, our well-established and proven curriculum combines the strengths of multiple modalities to provide an exceptional educational experience.
The Baylor DPT curriculum is a blend of:
- Dynamic online learning: Students are at home, learning in a mindfully-curated virtual classroom
- Immersive in-person labs: Students are onsite, mastering the hands-on skills required to be a confident and competent physical therapist
- Collaborative clinical education: Students work and learn in diverse clinical settings across the United States, alongside a purposefully-selected Clinical Instructor
How does this hybrid structure benefit students?
- Students don't need to relocate to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. They can stay in their communities of support and complete the bulk of the program from wherever they call 'Home'.
- Baylor DPT students have considerable flexibility in creating their study schedules. Students are committed to a full-time course load, typically dedicating 45-55 hours per week to their studies. Additionally, there are mandatory synchronous class sessions, required periods of on-campus lab immersions in Waco, and 31 weeks of clinical education placements. However, there remains considerable amount of time around these requirements for students to build a daily schedule that supports effective learning while still making time for family, friends, and what matters most to them. Here are some examples of what a day in the life of a Baylor DPT student is like.
- Each component of Baylor DPT's hybrid curriculum is precisely planned and delivered with excellence. Our hybrid format lets our faculty take the best aspects of online learning and in-person training to create a high-quality experience that reflects Baylor University's tradition of academic excellence.
Our online learning activities are designed to engage and educate in a variety of ways. Students work independently and asynchronously through assignments each week to build knowledge ahead of the synchronous classroom sessions. Check out a sampling of our asynchronous online lectures, demonstrations, and activities:
- Human Physiology Lecture
- Musculoskeletal Lecture
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Demonstration
- Lower Extremity Examination Demonstration
- Anatomy Activity
- Physical Therapy Examination Activity
- ICD-10 and CPT Codes Demonstration
Live, synchronous classroom sessions take place on Zoom most weekdays. Here, DPT faculty bring the weekly curriculum to life and help students apply concepts through interactive activities and case studies.
Our lab immersions take place in our dynamic facilities that replicate real-life medical settings and have open space for movement and activities. Students are immersed in physical therapy training and receive intentional one-on-one instruction from expert faculty with academic and clinical experience. Here, students master the hands-on skills they will use to treat patients.
To help prospective students experience what our immersions are really like, we offer In-Person Lab Visits that provide an up‑close look at the immersive learning environment in action.
Everything we learn in lab is the hands-on application of what we have been learning during our courses. It’s our time to apply knowledge and even get some sets and reps at treating a real patient. Lab is our time to grow as practitioners and it’s our time to learn from some amazing and experienced faculty before clinical rotations. Not only will you have ample time to practice your hands-on skills, you have access to a wide array of associate faculty who work in a variety of clinical settings to give you invaluable perspectives.
—Andrew Lee, DPT Alumnus, Class of 2023
Students spend 31 weeks in the clinic and are exposed to a variety of physical therapy practice settings and a wide range of patient populations. Students continue to learn and grow in confidence under the direct supervision and guidance of experienced physical therapist clinicians.
The thing I enjoyed most from my clinical rotation was seeing the full picture come together. It felt like we were given pieces of a puzzle during the didactic portion of the program and being in the clinic put them together. I was finally seeing the diagnoses we had talked about in our courses and tried to mimic at lab but nothing compares to seeing a real patient.
—Nicole Pinkerton, DPT Alumna, Class of 2022
Common Misconceptions about Hybrid Education
Will I feel isolated in a hybrid DPT program?
No. Community and connection are intentionally built into the Baylor hybrid DPT program. While our cohorts are spread across the United States, our faculty, staff, and students proudly cultivate a culture of connection and maximize every opportunity to build valued relationships virtually and in-person.
“The thing I love most about Baylor DPT is the people! The professors and adjunct faculty make labs so fun and do their best to help you in any way needed. I loved my cohort and how close we all grew within such a short amount of time. They became like family, which made it such an amazing experience.” —Kyndall Ingram, DPT Alumna, Class of 2024
Will I be less prepared for patient care than traditional students?
No. Baylor’s hybrid DPT program meets—and exceeds—national standards for physical therapy education.
All Doctor of Physical Therapy programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
In 2024, Baylor’s DPT program earned the maximum 10-year accreditation, confirming our commitment to academic excellence and student outcomes. Beyond accreditation, Baylor Physical Therapy integrates current, practice-focused content to ensure graduates are confident, competent, and ready for clinical practice.
“Just as the program is accelerated, so is your growth. You will accomplish so much in such a short period of time because you'll be surrounded by like-minded people and learning from some of the most brilliant minds in physical therapy. Take time to enjoy the journey!” —Hannah Lavis, DPT Alumna, Class of 2022
