New York is home to some of the most prestigious colleges in the world, including some of the best schools for physical therapy.

While the profession of physical therapy has been around for over a century, the field didn't gain official recognition as its own profession until the 1960s.

Since then, the need for qualified physical therapists has grown, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 19% increase in jobs for the profession between 2020 and 2030.

With so many more patients in need of help, the need for quality physical therapy programs has grown as well.

Today, there are over 200 physical therapy programs in the United States, many of which are in highly selective schools.

These programs are often part of larger departments of exercise science or kinesiology, which gives students a more well-rounded education in the many things that go into a healthy lifestyle.

Along with the benefits of studying at a large university, students in these programs will get the hands-on training they need to become successful in their future careers.

With so many options, prospective physical therapists might feel overwhelmed with the process of choosing the right school.

Here, we've compiled a list of some of the best physical therapy programs in New York, based on their placement in the US News National Ranking of Best Undergraduate Schools.

As the only physical therapy program in all of the City University of New York, the Physical Therapy Department at CUNY Hunter College has a unique perspective on the profession.

That perspective is informed by the school's commitment to social justice and inclusivity.

Hunter College has a 3.1% acceptance rate, and the school expects candidates to have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0.

Prospective students will also need to take a math and a writing sample, as well as a sample of a physical therapy skills, such as balance or gait.

Students in the Hunter program learn under the guidance of experienced faculty, many of whom have made significant contributions to the field of physical therapy.

Professors such as Carol D. Shaffer, who was one of the first practitioners to integrate remedial exercise into her practice, and Alan J. Gelb, who developed a widely-used pain assessment tool, are among the leading experts in their field.

Professors at Hunter also work as clinicians, bringing their expertise to those in need. The school has a network of clinics and hospitals, including Hunter College Hospital, where students learn the ins and outs of patient care.

Physical therapy is a relatively new profession, having been officially recognized as a healthcare profession only in the 1960s.

But even before that, the principles that would drive the profession were being tested in the classroom.

At Ithaca College, students have been learning the principles of physical therapy since 1965, when the department was first formed.

Since then, the department has grown, with now over 1,000 alumni practicing physical therapy around the world.

Prospective students will want to know that Ithaca College offers a unique dual-degree option, allowing students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in physical therapy in just five years.

This option is ideal for those who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and are ready to jump right into a career in physical therapy.

The program also offers two unique minors, Physical Therapy and Exercise Science, to give students more flexibility in their course of study.

Physical therapy departments at other colleges often only offer one entry point into the field, usually as a bachelor's degree in physical therapy.

So the unique dual-degree and minor options at Ithaca College make it an exciting choice for those looking to start a career in physical therapy.

Physical therapy departments at other colleges often only offer one entry point into the field, usually as a bachelor's degree in physical therapy.

So the unique dual-degree and minor options at Ithaca College make it an exciting choice for those looking to start a career in physical therapy.

At Ithaca College, students will take courses in everything that physical therapists need to know, from the human body and its anatomy and physiology, to the different assessment and treatment techniques used in the field.

In their first semester, students will take courses in the human body and its systems, as well as foundational science courses.

They'll also get to learn the basics of physical therapy assessment and treatment, getting a first glimpse at the hands-on work that practitioners in the field do.

Later courses focus more on the specifics of working with individual patients, and how to tailor treatment plans to fit each person's needs.

Prospective students should also know that Ithaca College is located in Ithaca, New York, a small town known for its friendly atmosphere and safe environment.

Located in a small town but part of a large state, Ithaca College offers the small-school feel but with the resources of a large university.

It's a perfect environment for learning the trade of physical therapy, and then putting those skills to use in the real world.

The New York Institute of Technology is a private university with six campuses across the state. Its School of Health Professions and Nursing is one of the most respected in the country, with graduates going on to work at prestigious organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the American Red Cross.

The physical therapy program at NYIT gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting during their first two years. In their final two years, students dive deeper into the field, taking classes focused on research and advanced topics.

Students in the physical therapy program spend their first two years at the Manhasset, Brooklyn, or Old Westbury campuses, taking classes in anatomy, physiology, and other sciences. In their third and fourth years, students attend classes at the Old Westbury campus and complete a clinical rotation at an approved healthcare facility. At the conclusion of their two years, students are awarded a bachelor's degree in either physical therapy or health professions and nursing.

For those looking to earn a master's degree in physical therapy, NYIT has a program that can be completed entirely online. The 60-credit Master of Physical Therapy degree requires students to have a prior bachelor's degree in a non-healthcare field. They also must complete a series of clinical rotations and pass an exam administered by the American Physical Therapy Association.

LIU is a private university located in Brooklyn, New York. It has several schools, including those for health and nursing.

The LIU School of Health Professions offers the physical therapy program. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, which can last up to six months.

The program requires three years of study, including a year of pre-professional study and a post-baccalaureate certificate in physical therapy.

Students take courses in human anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and additional medical topics. They also learn about social issues in the health care field, including diversity and ethics.

LIU also offers a second option for those looking to get into the physical therapy program. The LIU Brooklyn campus has a two-year program that leads to an associate's degree in applied science.

This option is for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a different subject. They still have to complete the year of pre-professional study, but they don't get the certificate.

As its name suggests, the College of Staten Island is one of four colleges that make up the City University of New York system. But unlike its three siblings, CSI is not just any CUNY school. It is the fastest growing college in the entire CUNY system, with more than 15,000 students and a fantastic physical therapy program.

The physical therapy program at CSI is focused on hands-on experience, with a heavy emphasis on internships. Students spend around 400 hours working in hospitals and other facilities, gaining experience in various aspects of the profession.

This focus on internships makes the CSI program a great choice for anyone looking to enter the physical therapy field right away, without spending time in graduate programs.

For those looking to continue their education beyond the bachelor's level, CSI has a master's program in physical therapy. The 60-credit program requires students to already have a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, such as physical therapy or exercise science.