Accidents and injuries are inevitable in the World. Some people tend to recover so fast, while some still need an extra push to recover from such trauma. This is when Physical Therapy comes in handy.
Hence, you can choose any of these Best Accredited Schools for Physical Therapy in California and become a professional Physical Therapy Graduate and Assistant.
California is one of the states with Physical Therapy schools that offer certificates and undergraduate and graduate degrees.
199 colleges and universities nationwide support 212 accredited schools’ professional physical therapist education programs.
Out of this, 96% of schools in California now offer the Doctor of Physical Therapist, and the remaining are planning to startup.
Hence, we will give you a comprehensive list of the Top and Best Physical Therapy Schools in both Southern and Northern California.
We are equally certain that their Physical therapy programs will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Physical therapy assistant.
Not only that they offer a variety of programs, but also their graduates stand out on the National Licensing Exams.
Table of contents
- What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
- How Do I Become a Physical Therapist in California?
- How Long Does it Take to Become a Physical Therapist in California?
- What are the Education Requirements for Physical Therapists in California
- Can You Get a Physical Therapy Degree Online?
- Is Becoming a Physical Therapist Worth the Cost?
- List of 13 Best Physical Therapy Schools in California in 2024
- Physical Therapy Schools in California FAQs
- References
- EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical Therapy is one field of study that many prominent and accredited California schools offer.
However, people with serious injuries or illnesses often face difficulty controlling pain and movement. They depend on physical therapists to help them recover.
Through specific exercise programs and individual attention, these professionals help patients regain their range of motion, develop strength, increase flexibility, and control pain while recovering.
Physical Therapists often work in private offices, clinics, hospitals, or nursing homes. Physical therapist positions are generally full-time, although some therapists work fewer hours or more than a part-time position.
Also, most physical therapists have to work during normal hours but can be scheduled for evenings or weekends, depending on the environment.
Physiotherapists/Physical therapists often work as part of a rehabilitation team to provide practical Therapy, exercises, and stretching exercises to patients.
Especially those with chronic diseases or serious injuries, to relieve pain and promote health and well-being.
Other health care team members may include physical therapist assistants, doctors, and surgeons.
Read Also: Apply Now to One of These Best 15 Ph.D. Scholarships in Physical Therapy 2023
How Do I Become a Physical Therapist in California?
Becoming a Physical therapist in California requires a year of education and training in areas such as Anatomy, Kinesiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical fitness.
Meanwhile, many Physical Therapists in California also receive extensive training in inpatient psychology.
To come to terms with and better understand how to help patients cope with the emotional challenges that come with a physical ailment.
Hence, to become a physical therapist, either as a practitioner or Physical Therapy Assistant in California, students must complete a graduate program in Physical Therapy.
Especially in one of the best physical therapy schools in California,s well as pass the national/regional licensure exams. Most times, licensure is fully maintained through continuing education.
The physical Therapytherapy field encompasses other professions that do not require a graduate degree. For example, an associate’s degree is a minimum qualification for physical therapist assistants, especially in California.
Check Out These 21 Best Masters Degree Scholarships for Physical Therapy Students
How Long Does it Take to Become a Physical Therapist in California?
Just as you know, to work as a physical therapist, students must at least earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and pass a licensing examination.
Most of the programs that schools of Physical Therapy in California offer are for aspiring physical therapy students who want to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
This requires about four years, in particular, to complete and with less than 150 hours of volunteer in a physical therapy setting or hospital.
So, in addition to the four years you spend on completing an undergraduate degree, you’ll also spend about three years in a DPT program. Hence, making it a total of 7 years of education to become a physical therapist.
Meanwhile, some DPT programs are in a six-year format in which students take preprofessional courses for the first three years. And then start with the DPT courses for the program’s second half.
Yes, becoming a physical therapist is indeed long, but the truth remains that it is worth it.
Are You a U.S. and Canadian Citizen? Don’t Miss Out From This Arctic Physical Therapy Scholarship – U.S. and Canadian College Students
What are the Education Requirements for Physical Therapists in California
Generally, the basic education a Physical therapist in California requires is to complete a master’s degree in Physical Therapy.
That is after they must have completed their undergraduate studies in a science-related field of study, such as Physiology, Kinesiology, Chemistry, Biology, etc.
Very few undergraduate programs are specific to physiotherapy. Many university students who aspire to become physiotherapists must choose a program related to science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, or biology as a specialty.
Many Physical Therapists in California are becoming doctorates in physiotherapy (DTP). And it takes three years to complete them after completing undergraduate studies.
There are still Master’s programs in physiotherapy at the Master’s level, but several programs plan to move to the DTP level.
Furthermore, you have to pass the California state licensing exam to practice in the state. Because to become a physical therapist in California, you must apply for your license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
If you recently graduated from the Registered Physical Therapy Program and have the California Certificate and Physiotherapist Certificate in a sealed envelope.
The next step for you is that you must take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and the California Law Exam (CLE). It will only take you one hour to complete the multiple-choice CLE exam.
However, if you purchased your Physical Therapy license from another state, you can apply for a license in California by transferring your NPTE scores with an endorsement. You will still have always to take and pass the CLE.
A fee of $125 is required to process the application. You must also pay $100 if this is your first license. For non-California residents, you must present the fingerprint card and pay $51 for your processing fee.
Can You Get a Physical Therapy Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a lot of physical therapy degrees online. Especially the accredited schools in California give provision for students who desire to get a graduate degree in Physical Therapy.
In truth, at the Master’s degree level, very few schools offer an online graduate degree in Physical Therapy. However, some colleges and universities in California offer online Doctorates in Physical Therapy.
There are ways that students can prepare for doctoral programs and position themselves for better study without going to the school of their choice.
The available opportunities for online Doctor of Physical Therapy Schools in California include direct entry and transitional programs.
While some schools offer a fully online physical therapy degree, others use hybrid content delivery. Thereby blending in-person experience with online instruction.
The virtual classroom may be suitable for topics such as medical terminology or physiology, which require in-depth study and memorization.
Questionnaires and web-based exercises can help students assess their knowledge, and the provision of electronic content allows them to repeat modules as necessary to reinforce their understanding of the subject.
As a U.S. Student, You Can Now Apply For AMBUCS Scholarships for Therapy Students in 2020
Is Becoming a Physical Therapist Worth the Cost?
Regardless of your position in the debate about whether becoming a physical therapist is worth the cost, one thing remains constant, overall physical therapists in California continue to report high levels of job satisfaction.
The survey results revealed that, for the most part, Physical therapists appreciate their work and find it very rewarding.
However, many respondents also expressed concern about the direction of the profession and the health sector in general.
This should not be a surprise. After all, it has always been challenging to be a Physical Therapist in terms of availability and overall demand.
Between the aging population and the rising cost of health care on the consumer side, patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders are looking for effective, sustainable, and less risky alternatives to surgery and other invasive treatments.
But, we are not saying that a career in physical therapy is 100% worth the financial investments.
According to the study, with the average report by recent US DPT graduates, physical Therapy’s present net value ($86,563) is higher than that of occupational therapy, optometry, veterinary medicine, and chiropractic.
But slightly lower than those of dentistry, pharmacy, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, and all medical specialties. But in all, they all have a much higher expected starting salary.
In fact, according to our survey, nearly 75% of students expect to earn between $60,001 and $80,000 in their first P.T. job after graduation. Which is also consistent with the current salary averages industry.
To put this into perspective, the amount of debt incurred by medical students throughout their studies is often comparable to or slightly higher than that of physical therapy students.
See Also: Best Physical Therapy Schools in the World
List of 13 Best Physical Therapy Schools in California in 2024
#1. The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Address: 1500 Owens Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94158
Brief Description
The Doctorate in Physical Therapy is a joint degree offered by UCSF and SFSU. The TDP is a continuous 36-month program that begins in June and includes 34 weeks of full-time clinical affiliations.
Also, it is designed to integrate physicians into the practice of physical Therapy with a combination of didactic and clinic-centered courses. And the clinical locations spaced during the three years of the program.
Meanwhile, the program admits 50 students per year in a program based on a cohort model. This program is designed to prepare academic clinicians, educators, collaborative clinical researchers, administrative managers, and community leaders.
However, the program has an extremely high approval rate in licensing, employment, and graduation exams.
Graduates stand out on the national licensing exam and are considered the best candidates for physiotherapist positions.
The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, also offers a Ph.D. program in Rehabilitation Sciences, which is not subject to CAPTE accreditation.
Above all, the UCSF/SFSU Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at the University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE.
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 2: 1
- Tuition: $30,938/$43,549 (Annual)
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 95%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
USCF Physical Therapy Scholarships
- AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists – Up to $6,000
- American Academy of Physical Therapy – Up to $2,500
- APTA Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award – Up to $1,000
- Daughters of the American Revolution Physical/Occupational Therapy Scholarship – Up to $2,000
- Mary McMillan Scholarship Award – Up to $5,000
Visit the School Physical Therapy Program
Address: 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, HSS Building, Room 118
#2. San Francisco State University
Brief Description
The three-year Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy (DPT) is offered jointly with the University of California, San Francisco.
However, their three-year and 36-month program begins in June and includes 34 weeks of full-time clinical experience.
Hence, the DPT program is designed to prepare academic clinicians, educators, collaborative clinical researchers, administrative managers, and community leaders. The program accepts 50 students every year.
In addition, the program has a solid theoretical basis in basic, medical, and applied sciences. Meanwhile, critical thinking and clinical reasoning are developed as part of an integrated program that prepares students to work collaboratively. Especially with patients throughout life to improve health and wellness, address disability challenges, and optimize functions.
Above all, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC accredited the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and San Francisco State University (SFSU)). In addition, the Accreditation Commission in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredits the joint doctoral program in physiotherapy between UCSF and SFSU.
Students in the state of San Francisco have more than 700 scholarship opportunities and external campuses. We encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Each scholarship has its own criteria, annual amount, and application deadline.
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 28: 1
- Tuition: $1,114/$1,510 per unit
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 93.33%
- Employment Rate: 66%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
SFSU Physical Therapy Scholarships
Visit the Physical Therapy Program
#3. California State University, Fresno
Address: 5315 Campus Drive M/S PT29 Fresno, CA 93740
Brief Description
Specifically, the Department of Physical Therapy offers an entry-level Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Here, the student completes three years of study to complete the DPT Diploma, which includes clinical experiences throughout the program.
The DPT program has been approved by the university and the regional accreditation body, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
In addition, the doctoral program in Physical Therapy for beginners is a full-time three-year program (eight semesters). While the completion of a graduate program leads to the granting of the DPT degree. This new standard of physical therapy training prepares graduates for independent practice for direct access.
DPT is the degree required to become a registered physical therapist as of 2015.
First and foremost, all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and meet all the prerequisites before beginning the professional program. After successfully completing the professional program, the student receives the DPT diploma.
Meanwhile, a postgraduate internship is required to obtain a license to practice physical Therapy in the state of California.
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA is also required for all undergraduate courses.
Above all, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at California State University, Fresno, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 27: 1
- Tuition: $9,236.50/Semester
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
CSU Fresno Physical Therapy Scholarships
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#4. California State University, Long Beach
Address: 401 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802
Brief Description
Basically, the Postgraduate Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) is awarded upon successful completion of a three-year doctorate. Meanwhile, graduates become registered physical therapists after passing a national license exam and meeting the state’s practice requirements.
However, the DPT is a practice-oriented doctorate, similar to a doctorate in medicine (M.D.) or a doctorate in dental sciences (DDS), unlike a doctorate in research-oriented or post-professional philosophy. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While the CSU DPT training programs are aligned with the professional education mission of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Furthermore, the CSU DPT program varies, but generally, the programs last three years and require 110 to 120 units for eight to nine semesters, including summers. DPT requires a minimum of 30 weeks of clinical placement within the three-year program. The university schedules internships and internships in various contexts.
Hence, to be eligible for a doctorate in Physical Therapy, the candidate must have completed a study program that includes an aptitude assessment. A GPA of 3.00 (score B on a scale of 4.00) must have been obtained or better in the courses taken to meet the degree requirements.
Above all, the Accreditation Commission for Therapeutic Physical Education (CAPTE) is the accreditation body for TPD programs.
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 27: 1
- Tuition: $347 per unit
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 91%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
CSU Long Beach Physical Therapy Scholarships
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#5. University of Southern California
Address: 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155 Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006
Brief Description
The Physical Therapy (DPT) Ph.D. program at the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy has long exceeded the minimum preparation required to pursue a professional career as a physical therapist. As the first school to offer a master’s degree and a doctorate in Physical Therapy, USC has also been a leader in graduating from the first DPT promotion in the United States.
The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physiotherapy is located on the USC Campus of Health Sciences, northeast of Los Angeles. As a student in our residential DPT program, you will take courses on campus and have the opportunity to do clinical rotations throughout the country.
The USC residential DPT program has always been recognized for its strength in education, research integration, and focus on clinical practice.
USC’s first division of kinesiology and physiotherapy offers a doctorate in physiotherapy in an innovative hybrid format. As a student of the DPS Hybrid Program, you will attend classes and access courses through our online campus and classrooms.
- Number of Programs: 2
- Students Teacher Ratio: 16: 1
- Tuition: $69,748 for years 1&2
- Graduation Rate
- 95%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 95%
- Employment Rate: 86%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
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#6. California State University, Northridge
Address: 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330
Brief Description
The Department of Physiotherapy at California State University in Northridge offers an undergraduate doctorate in physiotherapy. The physiotherapy program at CSUN prides itself on its forty-five years of excellent physiotherapist degrees serving the public in California and the United States. The CSUN PT program has maintained accreditation throughout its history.
Our three-year full-time program begins in the fall (end of August) of each year; We only accept students in the fall. Acceptance into the DPT program requires a bachelor’s degree before beginning the first semester of classes.
The bachelor’s degree can be in any field (except physiotherapy) and in any accredited college or university, provided that the other conditions of admission to the CSUN are met. Students must choose and complete a specialty in which they have an interest and in which they can also progress to complete previous courses in physiotherapy. A master’s degree is not required to apply.
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They only accept students once a year during the fall semester (in August). A bachelor’s degree is required before the start of the program (any specialty is accepted). A master’s degree is not required to apply.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at California State University, Northridge is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 32: 1
- Tuition: $9,744 per semester
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 98%
- Employment, Rate:100% of our graduates are employed as physical therapists within six months of graduation!
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
CSU Physical Therapy Scholarships
Campanella/Dodger Dream Foundation Scholarships
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#7. Samuel Merritt University
Address: 3100 Telegraph Ave Oakland, California 94609
Brief Description
The Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy is designed to ensure that graduates provide services to patients and clients as general physical therapists capable of transforming various communities’ health and care experiences.
Its basic level program combines basic, applied, and social science programs to promote a holistic approach to care. Also, their program is uniquely designed so you can apply new knowledge and skills by working in real-time with community members during classes on campus.
Basically, SMU is committed to improving equity in medical care. As a DPT student, you will train and make a difference in various communities through practice opportunities integrated into campus courses and extensive clinical experiences.
Above all, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Number of Programs: 3
- Students Teacher Ratio: 9: 1
- Tuition: $52,217 Annually
- Graduation Rate: 99%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 96.9%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
USCF Physical Therapy Scholarships
Most importantly, the physical therapy program offers scholarships and a variety of resources for funding opportunities outside the program. Most scholarships are awarded based on financial need. A limited number of awards are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for physical therapy students include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heyman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
- David and Oolah Evans Scholarship
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#8. California State University, Sacramento
Address: J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Brief Description
Sacramento State continues to redefine what is possible with its three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program, which prepares professional physical therapists with the necessary skills to provide adequate rehabilitation to patients in different settings.
Specifically, the curriculum for this program is designed to integrate real-life situations into learning. It requires students to complete 36-week internships in different practice contexts.
Above all, the university has provided high-quality simulation laboratories that allow students to learn directly how to care for their patients in emergency situations.
Human anatomy, human physiology, psychology, statistics, chemistry, kinesiology, and exercise physiology are among the previous courses necessary for students to be admitted to this program. California State University Sacramento is accreditated by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Also, the Doctor of Physical Therapy is also individually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 1:9
- Tuition: $9,411.00
- Graduation Rate: 95.3%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
CSU Sacramento Physical Therapy Scholarships
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#9. Chapman University
Address: 9401 Jeronimo Road Irvine, CA 92618
Brief Description
Continuously accredited since 1928, Chapman’s Department of Physiotherapy is the oldest physiotherapy educational program in the United States.
This program offers an entry-level doctorate in physiotherapy (DPT) and a Ph.D. in the transition of physiotherapy (post-professional) (post-professional). At this school, one in 12 students provides personalized education, 24-hour access, 7 days a week, the Rinker campus and laboratory facilities, as well as clinical experience in Costa Rica.
While the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (tDPT) is a post-professional diploma designed to provide additional educational materials to improve the preparation of existing professional physical therapists.
Its objective is to complete the bachelor’s or Master’s degree prepared as a registered physiotherapist to match the requirements of the physiotherapy doctor’s degree.
- Number of Programs: 3
- Students Teacher Ratio: 14: 1
- Tuition: $15,658/$440 per unit
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Chapman University Physical Therapy Scholarships
- Mary McMillan Scholarship Award
- Minority Scholarship Award
- BMS Practice Solution’s Scholarship
- Outstanding P.T. Student and PTA Student Awards
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#10. Saint Mary’s College of California
Address: 10 Chester Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Brief Description
Mount Saint Mary’s University offers doctoral training to a diverse group of students and leads physical therapists with strong clinical reasoning in a variety of contexts. To those who are committed to professional and personal development, social citizenship, and ethical, compassionate care.
Specifically, to be acceptable, grades of C or more are required. All prerequisite courses must be followed by levels. There are a limited number of scholarships available for Ph.D. students in the DPT program.
Saint Mary’s College also offers a preprofessional physical therapy course for students who wish to pursue a career in the field with powerful Catholic backgrounds.
This program is a specialization in Physical Therapy that will help students to enroll in other physical therapy programs at the masters and doctoral levels.
The program includes courses in general chemistry, general biology, and general physics and complementary courses in human anatomy, statistics, human physiology, and psychology.
Above all, Saint Mary’s College, California, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
While the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Mount Saint Mary’s University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Number of Programs: 2
- Students Teacher Ratio: 14: 1
- Tuition: $997/unit
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 94.53%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
MSMU Physical Therapy Scholarships
- Ida Mave and Enoch Carlson Endowed Physical Therapy Scholarship (a minimum of $1,000 will be awarded from this scholarship per year)
- The Belief Foundation Leadership in Physical Therapy Endowed Scholarship Fund
- Coleman Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Physical Therapy
- Cindy Moore Scholarship for Clinical Excellence in Physical Therapy
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#11. Azusa Pacific University
Address: 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa, CA 91702
Brief Description
The Doctoral Program in Physiotherapy (DPT) is a 36-month basic professional program (including summer). It focuses on the scientific foundations of human structure and movement, as well as the spiritual foundation of human value and the integration of these fundamental principles components of a comprehensive and problem-based approach. Based on evidence and consensus, for intelligent evaluation and skillful processing.
Furthermore, their Graduates have a strong general perspective of patient care in a variety of professional treatment settings. And also with a solid foundation for post-professional specialization and lifelong learning.
Above all, the Department of Physical Therapy at Azusa Pacific University is contributing to the sector’s growth by offering programs to prepare mature, self-sufficient,, patient-centered professionals who want to work closely with doctors, nurses, counselors, occupational therapists,, and speech therapists.
Most importantly, the APU Doctoral Program in Physiotherapy (DPT) graduates acquire advanced clinical skills for optimal patient care.
Above all, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of six regional organizations in the U.S., accredits Azusa Pacific University.
In addition, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),
- Number of Programs: 4
- Students Teacher Ratio: 14: 1
- Tuition: $822 per unit
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
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#12. University of the Pacific
Address: 3601 Pacific Avenue Stockton, California 95211
Brief Description
Doctor of Physical Therapy of the Pacific (DPT), proposed by Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is an accredited organization.
Their graduate-level cohort program is designed to produce high-caliber physical therapists ready to practice.
Moreover, their students work with faculty members trained in Ph.D. who have fundamental clinical and scientific experience in the four key areas of practice:
- musculoskeletal/orthopedic
- neuromuscular
- cardiopulmonary
- Integumentary
Hence, with their 36 small classes, students benefit from the personal guidance of teachers to succeed in their studies.
Most students obtain their national physical therapy license exam at 26 months, and their students get 100% employment.
Meanwhile, Doctoral students in the Pacific Physical Therapy Program acquire the skills and techniques necessary to examine and evaluate patients with health problems. In addition to the impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities, determine the diagnosis towards which the physical therapy intervention will be directed.
Most importantly, students must complete a minimum of 99 credits with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.
Above all, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of the Pacific is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Number of Programs: 1
- Students Teacher Ratio: 12: 1
- Tuition: $1520/unit plus applicable fees
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
USCF Physical Therapy Scholarships
- Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Outstanding P.T. & PTA Student Awards
- Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy Student Award for Research
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SEE ALSO: 25 Cheapest Ph.D. Programs in USA 2024
#13. Western University of Health Sciences
Address: 450 E. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766
Brief Description
As interesting as it may sound, the truth remains that the Western University of Health Sciences, DPTE offers the opportunity to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to two groups of students.
Firstly, their professional program is open to qualified candidates who wish to obtain their first professional degree in Physical Therapy.
Secondly, they also offer post-professional DPT to students who are registered and licensed physical therapists and have a bachelor’s degree, certificate, or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Moreover, these candidates enter the DPT program as students with advanced qualifications.
Furthermore, students in both programs use a variety of teaching methods, including presentations and classroom discussions, laboratory experiments, and Web-based online education.
In addition, the professional program also includes scattered clinical training experiences throughout the three-year program and culminates in 24 weeks of clinical training experiences.
Indeed, its post-professional DPT program offers courses that are not part of the certificate, license, or Master’s program.
Hence, to meet the busy schedules of working therapists, they offer web-based courses complemented by intensive weekend seminars that require you to be on campus two or three times per semester.
Above all, the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Number of Programs: 2
- Students Teacher Ratio: 14: 1
- Tuition: $42,670.00 Annually
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- National Licensing Exam Pass Rate: 100%
- Employment Rate: 100%
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
USCF Physical Therapy Scholarships
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Physical Therapy Schools in California FAQs
Physical Therapy includes the following:
1. Examining and evaluating patients with health-related conditions, impairments, functional limitations, and disability in order to determine diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention;
2. Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions;
3. Preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability while promoting and maintaining fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations; and
4. Engaging in consultation, education, and research.
All physical therapists must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure exam that allows them to practice. Physical therapists have the most specialized education to help people restore and improve motion.
The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.
All physical therapists must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure exam that allows them to practice. Physical therapists have the most specialized education to help people restore and improve motion.
More than 175,000 physical therapists are licensed in the U.S. today. The median salary for a physical therapist is $80,000, depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.
Conclusion
There are many physical therapists in California, but you can apply for an impressive salary as a qualified physical therapist.
In particular, the number of practicing physical therapists or physiotherapists is greater than in most other states in the United States.
Hence, this means that up to 90% of the schools in California offer Physical Therapy. Most of these schools may not offer Physical Therapy, but they offer courses like Kinesiology, which can launch you into a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
This means you can find great Undergraduate and Masters’s degree programs in these schools.
Above all, in this article, you will find the Top and Best Accredited Physical Therapy schools in California through which you can train to become a professional physical therapist.
References
- Best Physical Therapy Schools in California – readyschools.org
- Best Physical Therapy/Therapist Colleges in California – universities.com
- American Physical Therapy Association – apta.org
- Online Physical Therapy Degrees & Programs – affordablecollegesonline.org
- Debt and the DPT: What Went Wrong? – evidenceinmotion.com
- How to Become a Physical Therapist: Physical Therapy Schools & Careers – learnhowtobecome.org
- Physical Therapist in California – onlinedegreehelp.org
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