The top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in California will be examined in this article along with allied fields. Therapy is a Latin word that means “cure” or” healing” is the treatment of someone with mental or physical illness without the use of drugs or physical operation.
That is a valuable tool that can help you to solve problems, set and achieve goals, improve your communication skills or teach you new ways to track your emotions and keep your stress levels in check.
Real Also: Top 10 Cheapest Law Schools in California | Rankings
It can help you to build the life. Career and relationship that you want.
Accidents and injury is something that is inevitable in course of life. Some of these accidents may be physical, emotional or psychological.
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It is on this note that the top 10 therapy schools in California have been outlined for easy access because of interested aspirants who desire to build a career in therapy-related matters, helping people to heal using a drug-free method.
California is one of the states with physical Therapy schools that offer certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees because 199 colleges and universities nationwide support 212 accredited schools professional physical therapist education program.
Also, 69% of schools in California now offer the Doctor of physical therapy and the remaining are planning to startup.
It is on this premise that we would be giving you a comprehensive list of the top 10 physical therapy schools in California that also stand out in the National Licensing examination.
What is the Requirement for becoming a Physical Therapist in California?
The requirement for becoming a physical therapist in California is a year of education and training in areas such as Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and physical fitness.
The most physical therapist also receive extensive training and This helps to give a better understanding of how to help patients cope with the emotional challenges that come with the recovery process.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapy is one area that has drawn great attention in recent times due to the desire to recover naturally without drugs, injection and operation.
A physical therapist helps to recover patients fully recover through physical fitness and therapy.
Patients are given special care to regain motion, develop strength, increase flexibility, and control pains.
The physical therapist usually works in clinics, hospitals, private hospitals, nursing homes etc. It is either a full-time or part-time job.
How do I become a Physical Therapist in California?
To become a physical therapist in California, students must complete a graduate program in physical therapy. Licensed school issues the certificate.
Also, such a person must have passed the national/ regional license examination which is most times gotten through continuing education.
How Long Does it take to Become a Physical Therapist in California?
As stated earlier, the requirements to become a physical therapist is a doctor of physical therapy and passing the licensing examination.
The duration for the studies to become a physical therapist is four years coupled with compulsory volunteering in a hospital or medical Centre.
In addition to the four (4) years which is spent in completing an undergraduate degree, three (3) years is also spent at the DPT program, hence making it a total of seven (7) years.
This procedure takes time because of the additional years but the truth remains that it is worth it.
Can a Degree in Physical Therapy be gotten Online?
A degree in physical therapy can be gotten online.
The virtual classes cover topics such as medical terminology or physiology which requires in-depth study and memorization.
Questionnaires and web-based exercises are used to also help students’ access knowledge in practical ways.
Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in California.
University of California, San Fransisco.
This is one of the top 10 Physical Therapy schools in California located at 1500 Owen Street Suite 400 San Fransisco, CA 94158.
The doctorate in Physical Therapy is a joint degree offered by UCSF and SFSU.
It is a continuous 36- month’s program which includes 34- weeks of full-time clinical affiliations.
This university admits 50 students per year in a program based on a cohort model.
Graduates from this university stand out on the national licensing exams and are considered the best candidates for physiotherapist positions.
The department of physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of California, San Francisco also offer a PhD program in Rehabilitation sciences.
Tuition Fees – $ 30,938/$ 43,549
National Licensing exam pas rate – 95%
San Francisco State University.
This university is located at 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, HSS Building, Room 118.
The three-year Doctorate program in physical Therapy (DPT) is offered jointly with the University of California, San Francisco.
This program offers a 36- month program along with a 34-weeks of full time clinical internship.
San Francisco State University (SFSU) is accredited by Western Association of School and College (WASC).
In addition, the joint doctoral program in physiotherapy is accredited by Commission in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
California State University, Fresno
This school is located at 5315 Campus Drive M/S PT 29 Fresno, CA 93740.
This program for beginners in a full- time three year-year program (eight semesters) and some months for clinical internship.
The DPT program has been approved by the regional accreditation body, or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is also required for all undergraduate courses.
Tuition – $ 9,236.50/semester
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 100%
California State University, Long Beach
This university is located at 401 Golden Shore Long Beach CA 90802.
The post graduate Doctorate in physical Therapy (DPT) is awarded upon successful completion of a three-year doctorate .
Graduates become registered physical therapist after passing a national licensing exam and meeting the state’s practice requirements.
Doctor of Physical Therapy program varies, but in general, the programs last three years and require 110 to 120 units for eight to nine semester.
DPT requires a minimum of 30 weeks of clinical placement within the three-year program. Internships are scheduled by the university.
To be eligible for a doctorate in physical therapy, the candidate must have completed a study program that includes an aptitude assessment. A general GPA of 3.00 (score B on a scale of 4.00) must have been obtained.
Tuition fees – $347 per unit
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 100%
University of Southern California
This university is located at1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155 Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006.
The University of South California residential DPT program has always been recognized for its strength in education, research integration and focus on clinical practice.
The University of South California ’s first division of biokinesiology and physiotherapy offers a doctorate in physiotherapy in an innovative hybrid format.
As a student of the DPS Hybrid Program.
Tuition – $69,748 for year 1&2
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 95%
California State University, Northridge
This university is located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330.
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 that serve the public in the state of California and the United States.
The California State University Northhoff Physical Therapy program has maintained accreditation throughout its history.
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 98%
Samuel Merritt University
This University which is one of the top 10 physical therapy schools in California is located at 3100 Telegraph Ave Oakland, California 94609.
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 the health and care experience in various communities.
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 practicality with community members during classes on campus.
Samuel Merritt University helps in 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).
Tuition – $52,217 Annually
California State University, Sacramento.
This university which is one of the top 10 physical therapy schools in California, is located at J Street,Sacramento,CA95819.
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. And basically, it requires students must complete 36-week internships in different practice contexts.
Above all, the university has provided high-quality simulation laboratories that allow students to directly learn how to care for their patients in emergency situations.
In addition to California State University, Sacramento’s full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition – $9,411.00
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 100%
Chapman University
This is one of the top 10 physical therapy schools California located in California at9401 Jeronimo Road Irvine,CA92618.
This university has been accredited since 1928.
Chapman’s Department of Physiotherapy is the oldest physiotherapy educational program in the United States.
This program offers an entry-level of the doctorate in physiotherapy (DPT) and a PhD in the transition of physiotherapy (post-professional) (post-professional).
At this school, laboratory facilities, as well as clinical experience is provided.
Tuition – $15,658/$440 per unit
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate -100%
Saint Mary’s College of California
This is one of the top 10 Physical Therapy schools in California located at 10 Chester Place Los Angeles, CA 90007.
Saint Mary’s College also offers a pre professional physical therapy course for students who wish to pursue a career in the field, with powerful Catholic backgrounds.
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 PhD students in the DPT program.
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.
Basically to those who are committed to professional and personal development, social citizenship and ethical, compassionate care.
Above all, Saint Mary’s College, California, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition – $997/unit
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 94.53%
Azusa Pacific University
This is one of the top 10 physical therapy schools in California located at 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa, CA 91702.
The Doctoral Program in Physiotherapy (DPT) is a 36-month basic professional program (including summer).
Basically, it focuses on the scientific foundations of human structure and movement
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 skilful processing.
Furthermore, their Graduates have a strong general perspective of the patient and they care in a variety of professional treatment settings.
In addition, it is accredited by theCommission on Accredited in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Tuition -$822 per unit
National Licensing Exam Pass Rate – 100%
conclusion
According to research, there is an average of 14,000 physical therapists in California and up to 90% of the schools in California offer Physical Therapy.
Most of these schools may not literally offer Physical Therapy but they offer courses like biology which can launch you into Doctor of Physical Therapy.
This means that you can find great Undergraduate and Masters’ degree programs in these schools
This article provides the top 10 physical Therapy schools in California which you can train to become a physical therapist.
FAQs
What is the easiest PT school to get into? ›
- University of Iowa. The university of Iowa tops our list of easiest PT schools to get into. ...
- University of Delaware. ...
- Baylor university. ...
- University of Washington. ...
- University of Miami. ...
- University of Pittsburgh.
- San Diego State University. San Diego, CA. ...
- University of Southern California. ...
- Fresno Pacific University. ...
- California State University-Long Beach. ...
- Loma Linda University. ...
- California State University-Sacramento. ...
- University of the Pacific. ...
- San Francisco State University.
- Boost Your GPA. Let's get the most obvious point out of the way. ...
- Land a PT Aide/ Tech Job. ...
- Higher GRE Scores. ...
- Attend Open House Events. ...
- PT Volunteer Experience. ...
- Non-PT Volunteer Experience.
- Biology. Physical therapy requires knowledge of the human body, so it should be no surprise that biology is one of the best degrees to pursue when embarking on a physical therapy career. ...
- Kinesiology. ...
- Exercise Science. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Business.
What physical therapy school has the highest acceptance rate? University of Iowa. The university of Iowa is on the list of easiest PT schools to get into. They have a very high acceptance rate of 82.55% in 2021, with over 21.000 admitted students out of almost 26.000 applicants.
What is a good GPA to get into PT school? ›Most students accepted to DPT programs have a GPA of 3.5 or better. What doesn't matter so much is your undergraduate major. There is no single, specific major that leads into PT school. As long as your degree program allows you to take the classes listed above, it will be fine.
Can DPT be called Doctor? ›APTA has a position, Use of the Title "Doctor " By Physical Therapists (HOD P06-06-21-14) that states: "The American Physical Therapy Association supports the use of the title of 'Doctor of Physical Therapy' only for those physical therapists who have graduated from a DPT program.
How many PT schools are there in California? ›California is among the top preferences for students to take education for physical therapy. The reason is the job availability in the state and more than 200 physical therapy schools in California, which gave students comprehensive options to select.
Does UCLA have a PT school? ›UCLA offers personal assistance and programs on the graduate and professional school application process, including program selection, the personal statement, faculty recommendations, and admissions tests.
Is physical therapy school harder than medical school? ›Medical school is way harder to get into, from a testing perspective as well as background. For Medical School (need to take the MCAT, a more comprehensive exam) vs DPT you just take the GRE ( generalized graduate school exam). Med school overall is a harder and more selective process that DPT school.
What makes you stand out for PT school? ›
Interacting with people at high level, ambitious, hard-working, a well-rounded individual who can handle adversity, and compassionate are some of the many characteristics of an ideal PT school applicant.
Is getting into PT school Hard? ›Getting into PT school isn't easy. For the 50% of people who are accepted into Physical Therapy school, you're in for a challenging 3 years.
How much do physical therapists make an hour? ›How much does a Physical Therapist make? As of Oct 18, 2022, the average hourly pay for a Physical Therapist in the United States is $44.23 an hour.
How hard is it to get into USC PT? ›Competitive applicants typically have cumulative GPAs of 3.4 or higher. What is the minimum GPA for successful completion of the residential DPT program? In order to successfully complete and receive a DPT degree from the University of Southern California, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.
How many years does it take to become a physical therapist? ›Becoming a physical therapist can take anywhere from three to eight years. Before you can enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program or DPT program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, ideally with a major in health science.
Is physical therapy prestigious? ›Physical Therapists rank #10 in Best Health Care Jobs. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors. Read more about how we rank the best jobs.
What schools have DPT programs in California? ›| Program | City | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach | 3 years |
| California State University, Northridge | Northridge | 3 years |
| California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento | 3 years |
| Chapman University | Irvine | 3 years |
Physical therapy doctorates do not require a dissertation because they are clinically and practically based. Instead, coursework is taken for up to two years and then rotations begin in real clinics, hospitals and medical environments.
Is PT school worth the debt? ›Physical Therapist Student Loans Are Not the Best Financial Investment. If you are interested in money, it's clear that it doesn't pay to take out six figures of student debt and delay your earnings three years after undergrad for a salary that is under six figures typically.
Can I get into PT school with a 3.1 GPA? ›You must meet each school's admission requirements to be considered for admission, and most schools list a minimum GPA of 3.0 as one of their requirements. I would suggest taking a year to retake prerequisite courses and getting no less than A's.
Does DPT require MCAT? ›
The entry test MDCAT is not compulsory for application of DPT at Lahore College of Physical therapy to-date.
How much do DPT make in California? ›| State | Median Hourly Wage (May 2019) | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $48.49 | $100,859 |
| Colorado | $40.79 | $84,843 |
| Connecticut | $45.73 | $95,118 |
| Delaware | $45.76 | $95,181 |
A solid majority of physical therapists enjoy their work environment, probably contributing to overall higher satisfaction with working as a physical therapist.
Are PTs real doctors? ›As of 2020, all physical therapists must hold a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree to practice professionally. So, yes, a physical therapist is a doctor with the training and credentials to practice their medical specialty safely and effectively.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist in California? ›To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a doctor of physical therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam. The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.
How much is USC DPT program? ›| Category | Term | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Fee Basis Year 1 | Fall, Spring, Summer | $77,315 |
| Flat Fee Basis Year 2 | Fall, Spring, Summer | $77,315 |
| Year 3 | Fall, Spring | $46,711 |
| Additional Fees | Per Semester | $527 |
CSU does not have a Physical Therapist Professional program. Health Professions Advisors work with any CSU student interested in pursuing a PT program.
What do you major in for physical therapy at UCLA? ›Any undergraduate major is acceptable. For students in the initial stages of undergraduate preparation, a major in Kinesiology or biological sciences tends to be the most direct route into a physical therapy program.
What is the admission rate for UCLA? › How do I become a physical therapist in California? ›- Step 1: Complete a Physical Therapy Education Program.
- Step 2: Submit an Application for Licensure to the California Physical Therapy Board.
- Step 3: Complete California Testing Requirements.
- Step 4: Renew Your License.
Is physical therapy school harder than nursing? ›
Physical therapists usually require more education than nurses. In the United States, physical therapy students must complete a doctoral degree, which often takes about seven years. A nurse may practice at much lower levels of education—the fastest route for starting a career in nursing is a two-year associate degree.
How do you survive PT school? ›In order to be successful in Physical Therapy school, it's helpful to create routines and study habits that fit your learning style. Look for ways to maximize the downtime (even if it's only a few minutes a day) and use technology and online resources to supplement your learning.
Is becoming a physical therapist worth it? ›If you're an extroverted person who enjoys getting to know people over the course of a workday, physical therapy may be a career that you enjoy. Physical therapists can help patients get their mobility or activity level back, making this a rewarding career for people who enjoy nurturing working relationships.
How do you answer tell me about yourself in a physical therapy school interview? ›Tell Me About Yourself DOs and DONTs - PT School Interview
How do I prepare for a PT school interview? ›...
Here are some tips to help you prepare for physical therapy school interviews:
- Research the program. ...
- Practice your answers. ...
- Arrive early. ...
- Speak confidently. ...
- Prepare your own questions.
Remember only 10% of applicants get accepted, so if you do the minimum number of hours it doesn't say much about your commitment to a future as a physical therapist. If you want to improve your chances you should air on the side of doing many more hours, then the minimum recommended.
What are the disadvantages of being a physical therapist? ›- Intensive Training. Difficult coursework and training is a disadvantage of pursuing a PT career. ...
- Salary Considerations. ...
- Physically Demanding Work. ...
- Constant Paperwork.
1. Both programs will be hard to get into. With PT maybe a little easier because it has gone digital recently, but with PTCAS and CASPA both will be competitive and have a large applicant pool. This will also depend heavily on your specific stats and the schools you wish to apply to.
What's it like being a physical therapist? ›Physical therapist jobs require strong communication skills, compassion, and patience. Physical therapists lift and adjust patients, so they need physical stamina and fitness as well. The career often means long hours standing and working closely with patients.
Is physical therapy school harder than medical school? ›Medical school is way harder to get into, from a testing perspective as well as background. For Medical School (need to take the MCAT, a more comprehensive exam) vs DPT you just take the GRE ( generalized graduate school exam). Med school overall is a harder and more selective process that DPT school.
How hard is it to get into army Baylor DPT? ›
Applicants are required to have a 3.25 Prerequisite GPA, 148 GRE Quantitative Reasoning score, 3.5 GRE Analytical Writing score, and a Combined GRE score of 300 to be eligible for admission.
How much is physical therapy school at Iowa? ›| Iowa Residents | Nonresidents | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees* | $17,396 | $34,696 |
| Books | $650 | $650 |
| Living Expenses** | $17,708 | $17,708 |
| Total | $35,754 | $53,054 |
How much does a Physical Therapist make? As of Oct 18, 2022, the average hourly pay for a Physical Therapist in the United States is $44.23 an hour.
Is physical therapy school harder than nursing? ›Physical therapists usually require more education than nurses. In the United States, physical therapy students must complete a doctoral degree, which often takes about seven years. A nurse may practice at much lower levels of education—the fastest route for starting a career in nursing is a two-year associate degree.
How do you survive PT school? ›In order to be successful in Physical Therapy school, it's helpful to create routines and study habits that fit your learning style. Look for ways to maximize the downtime (even if it's only a few minutes a day) and use technology and online resources to supplement your learning.
Is becoming a physical therapist worth it? ›If you're an extroverted person who enjoys getting to know people over the course of a workday, physical therapy may be a career that you enjoy. Physical therapists can help patients get their mobility or activity level back, making this a rewarding career for people who enjoy nurturing working relationships.
What percentage of people get into PT school? ›So, we have our first major starting point for determining if it's “hard” to get into PT school: Of all the qualified applicants applying for PT school, the average percentage of students who ultimately take a seat within a PT program is 16%.
Does the Army pay for PT school? ›PROGRAM FACTS
Our DPT program allows students to earn a salary while incurring a 90 month active duty service obligation (ADSO) working as a military physical therapist. All tuition and fees are covered by the uniformed services and selected applicants must join the military to attend.
Since 2000, Army physical therapists have continued to serve the Rangers as combat multipliers in garrison and during deployments.
Why is chemistry required for physical therapy? ›Physical therapists use chemistry in order to understand the reactions that occur in the body that effect muscle movements.
Where is Baylor PT school? ›
Upon graduation, our graduates are well-prepared to serve in two unique professions - as an active-duty officer and as a military physical therapist. This military physical therapy program is located at the historic Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and is the Home of Military Medicine.
Does Duke have a physical therapy program? ›The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an inclusive community of scholars engaged in the discovery, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge in the optimal care of patients and instruction of learners.
What state pays physical therapists the most? ›The highest-paid state for physical therapists is California with an average salary of $106,493 per year.
Can you make a good living as a physical therapist? ›Physical Therapists made a median salary of $91,010 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $106,060 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $75,360.