DPT@USC is the hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, ranked no. 1 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best graduate physical therapy schools in the nation (most recently published in 2016).
The three-year, CAPTE-accredited program features engaging online classes, approximately 60 days of regular immersion experiences on campus in Los Angeles and 50 weeks of hands-on clinical experiences in students’ communities or at sites across the nation. The hybrid DPT program features the same systems-based curriculum and clinical requirements as the residential DPT program. Students learn from USC’s physical therapy faculty, who are respected leaders and researchers in rehabilitation. After graduation, students are able to pursue licensure by sitting for the National Physical Therapy Exam. USC is proud to prepare physical therapists who provide evidence-based, patient-centered care to individuals across all spectrums of society.
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DPT@USC Features
- A No. 1-ranked school on U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 list
- 50 weeks of rich, varied clinical experiences
- Regular visits to USC for on-campus, skill-building immersions
- Faculty who are active clinicians, scientists and leaders in the field
About the Division
USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy was founded in 1945, and since then has been a leading force in the evolution and advancement of the physical therapy profession. The top-ranked Division is proud of its enduring and recognized excellence in clinical service, education and research in physical therapy. Students in both the residential and hybrid DPT programs benefit from the school’s location within a prestigious medical community, which includes the LAC+USC Medical Center, three large private hospitals and several diagnostic centers and outpatient clinics.
Academic Experience
This hybrid DPT program features engaging online classes in a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, approximately 60 days of immersion experiences on campus in Los Angeles and 50 weeks of hands-on clinical experiences in students’ communities or at sites across the nation. DPT@USC features the same systems-based curriculum, respected USC physical therapy faculty and clinical requirements as the residential DPT program, and students learn to integrate three foundational perspectives: the patient, professional expertise and current research.
After graduation, students are able to pursue physical therapy licensure by sitting for the National Physical Therapy Exam. USC is proud to prepare physical therapists who diagnose and treat people’s movement dysfunction and provide evidence-based, patient-centered care across all spectrums of society.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores from the last 5 years
- Minimum Cumulative and Science GPAs of 3.0
- Minimum of 150 hours of clinical experience in a physical therapy setting
- Must have earned a “C” or better in the following prerequisite courses: biological sciences, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, psychology and statistics/mathematics
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents who currently and will continue to reside in the U.S. for the entirety of the program
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Application Requirements
To apply to the hybrid DPT program, candidates must submit the following items:
- Online application
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
- Three essays
- Three letters of recommendation
Financing Options
There are many ways students can finance their degree, including personal resources, employer tuition assistance and military education benefits (if applicable). Students may also apply for scholarships, awards and grants through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or other external organizations.
DPT@USC students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with USC’s school code 001328 to be considered for any type of federal financial aid.
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Accreditation
The hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).