Program Overview

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Physical Therapy is designed for working professionals and aligns with the University's motto, "To make man whole." This modern, evidence-based curriculum focuses on caring for the whole person. Classes are typically held two evenings a week in a traditional, distance-education, or blended format to facilitate the balance of work, family, and study. Students may be required to physically come to campus one time during summer quarters of the first and second year for clinical laboratory training and competencies as well as written comprehensive examinations.

Program Objective

The objective of the program is to prepare leaders in the profession of physical therapy who are capable of conducting research that will improve the lives of people through whole person care, to serve as client/patient advocates, and to serve as educators in entry-level and graduate physical therapy programs.

Program Completion Requirements

The total units required to complete the program will vary depending on the past level of education. Students entering the program with a Bachelor's of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT) and a master's degree or a Master of Physical Therapy Degree (MPT) will be required to complete a minimum of 83 quarter units. Students matriculating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or a MPT degree plus another doctorate degree will need to complete a minimum of 69 units. The curriculum is made up of six domains:

• Core
• Clinical & Applied Science
• Lifestyle Health & Wellness
• Education, Administration & Leadership
• Religion
• Research & Statistics

Program Length

The program length is 4 to 7 years.

Possible Careers

Possible careers for graduates of this program include:

• Research
• Administration
• Teaching
• Advanced clinical practice

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines are as follows:

• Quarter: Autumn of 2026
• Application Open: Aug 18, 2025
• Priority Deadline: Not specified
• Final Deadline: Aug 1, 2026

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. The costs are as follows:

Required Program Costs

• Tuition & Fees:
  • Year 1: $18,304
  • Year 2: $25,344
  • Year 3: $6,336
  • Year 4: $8,448
• Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance:
  • Year 1: $250
  • Year 2-4: $0

Other Educational Costs

• Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
  • On Campus Dorm:
    • Year 1: $12,447
    • Year 2: $16,596
  • LLU Owned Rental Property:
    • Year 1: $21,942
    • Year 2: $29,256
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents:
    • Year 1: $22,437
    • Year 2: $29,916
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents:
    • Year 1: $7,650
    • Year 2: $10,200
  • Off Campus:
    • Year 1: $21,942
    • Year 2: $29,256
• Transportation Allowance:
  • Year 1: $3,150
  • Year 2-4: $4,200
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses:
  • Year 1: $3,285
  • Year 2: $4,380
• Federal Student Loan Fees:
  • Year 1: $1,334
  • Year 2: $2,020
• Cost of Obtaining Professional License: $0
• Dependent Care: Available upon request
• Disability-Related Expenses: Available upon request

Notes

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only.
• Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year.
• International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid-eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.