Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an entry-level, three-year doctoral program that prepares students for licensure as physical therapists. The program requires full-time enrollment, including summers, and maintains a strong focus on academic excellence, clinical practice, and community service.

Program Overview

• The DPT program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
• It offers unique experiences in International Physical Therapy, Pilates, and a curriculum that includes Movement Science and Complementary Integrative Wellness.
• The program has a long-standing relationship with the L.A. Dodgers/Campanella Foundation, offering scholarships to students and a spring training internship opportunity.

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required before the start of the program. Any major is accepted.
• A minimum of 10 prerequisite courses, which include Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, and Psychology, among others.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required, with a minimum score of 3 on the analytical portion. Scores must be sent to the 7794 code.
• A minimum of 200 verified Physical Therapy hours under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a licensed physical therapist.
• A personal statement.
• Participation in Kira Talent, an asynchronous interview, for select applicants.

Prerequisite Courses

• Biology with lab
• Anatomy with lab
• Physiology with lab
• Chemistry I and II with labs
• Physics I and II with labs
• Statistics
• Psychology I and II
• Courses can be taken at any accredited university or community college.
• Online courses are accepted.
• No time limit for prerequisite courses, but it is recommended to take a review/refresher course for Anatomy and Physiology if taken over 7 years ago.

Program Structure and Curriculum

• The program is designed to be completed in three academic years and three summers.
• Full-time attendance is required, including summers.
• Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program.
• The curriculum includes didactic and clinical components, with clinical education providing opportunities for students to develop professional and competency skills in collaboration with patients, clinicians, administrators, and healthcare professionals.

Clinical Education

• Clinical education internship experiences are designed to support instructive coursework and enrich student professional development.
• Full-time clinical experiences supervised by physical therapists occur every summer following each academic year.
• The program has contracts with over 250 clinical sites throughout the state, offering a variety of settings for clinical experience, including private clinics, acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and extended care facilities.

Outcomes and Accreditation

• The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Graduation rates, National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) pass rates, and employment rates are tracked and reported in accordance with CAPTE requirements.
• The program fosters excellence in teaching, scholarship, clinical practice, and community service, preparing competent, ethical, and reflective physical therapist professionals.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to prepare competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence-based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing healthcare environment. The department also aims to cultivate a faculty committed to excellence in teaching, mentoring, scholarship, research, clinical expertise, and service to the university and community, and to develop clinical partnerships and professional alliances that improve the ability to promote health, well-being, and quality of life for local and global communities.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

California State University, Northridge, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are committed to promoting an inclusive learning environment that supports students' educational goals. The program encourages students and faculty to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and educational opportunities available within the CSUN DPT program and at CSUN.