Interest in physical therapy careers remains strong, with the number of applicants to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs reaching a record high in the 2025–26 cycle.

Data from APTA's Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, or PTCAS, shows that 19,236 unique applicants completed the application process in the most recent cycle — the highest level recorded in the program's history.  Launched by APTA in 2008, PTCAS provides a centralized application process for the vast majority of DPT education programs in the United States, with more than 300 programs participating.