Frequently Asked Questions 
Physical Therapy and the DPT Program at PCOM Georgia

A doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) opens the door to a wide range of career paths. You can work in hospitals, neuro rehab, pediatrics, home health, geriatrics, pelvic health, sports performance and more. Some physical therapists (PT) also explore travel physical therapy, taking short-term contracts across the country, or move into telehealth roles that involve virtual rehab or ergonomic consulting. Others go into teaching, research, leadership or even entrepreneurship. It's a versatile degree that adapts to your interests.

It varies, but most DPT graduates finish with $100,000-$150,000 in student loan debt. At PCOM, we encourage smart borrowing and attending financial literacy workshops as well as exploring scholarships, military programs and Public Service Loan Forgiveness for those entering nonprofit or government roles. PCOM's Office of Financial Aid offers many resources to students.

Tip: In Georgia, the cost of living is relatively lower than in other regions, which can help you stretch your budget during school and after graduation.

In Georgia, new graduates typically start with salaries between $70,000-$85,000 per year, depending on the setting (hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, etc.). With just a few years of experience, salaries often rise to $90,000-$100,000 or more.

In high-demand areas like California, Nevada and Alaska, starting pay can top $90,000-$100,000, though the cost of living is higher. Travel PTs may earn even more short-term, but benefits and consistency can vary. Learn more about how much PTs make.

Bottom line: Your income grows steadily with experience, specialization and setting, and some grads hit six figures within 5 years.

We do not recommend working during your first term—it's a big adjustment with a fast-paced schedule and heavy course load. That said, with good time management, many students successfully work part-time later in the program.

A great option is Federal Work-Study, which lets you earn money while working flexible, on-campus jobs that fit around your class schedule. It's a smart way to gain experience and ease financial pressure without overcommitting.

Inside the classroom and clinic, students are team players—they help each other study, practice hands-on skills and get through tough exams. Outside of class? Let's just say PT students can get pretty competitive on the basketball court. The vibe is high-energy, supportive and tight-knit—more like a team than a rivalry.

Our faculty consistently receive the highest ratings from students—they're approachable, experts in their fields and are invested in your success. Our location in Suwanee gives you access to a vibrant healthcare network while keeping you close to Atlanta. Students train in state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class anatomy lab with complete dissections by PT students. Additionally, students benefit from interprofessional experiences with other healthcare programs at PCOM. It's a hands-on, high-touch environment where you're known by name.

You don't need a science degree to apply to our DPT program, but you do need to complete the required science prerequisites before applying. Our students come from a wide range of majors—kinesiology, psychology, public health and even music. If you've taken the right courses and are passionate about movement and care, we'll help you build the rest. Learn more about the admissions requirements and application process.

You’ll be paired with a faculty advisor from day one, and all faculty are available when you need guidance. Each week, we offer study hall hours staffed by peer tutors—students who've been selected by faculty for their strengths in academics and communication. Our Student Affairs team includes specialists in study skills, and for personal support, we offer on-campus counselors as well as 24/7 access to Carebridge, our virtual counseling service. You won't face challenges alone here.

Today's PTs need more than clinical skills—they need to adapt to new technologies, collaborate across disciplines and navigate a healthcare system that's shifting toward preventive, patient-centered care. At PCOM, you’ll train alongside students in other health professions, gain experience in evidence-based practice, and explore how tools like wearable tech and data-driven care models are shaping the future of rehab. We prepare you to lead, not just follow, in a changing field.