Physical Therapy Programs in California

Online vs. On-Campus DPT Programs: Which Is Right for You?

Before reviewing information on California Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, a good first question to ask is whether you want to enroll in an on-campus or online program.

Programs that offer part of their coursework online are generally called hybrid programs, which combine online learning with in-person requirements. How much of the coursework is online and how often you must be on campus vary by program, so check each program's delivery format and attendance requirements before you apply. Clinical education is part of every format: according to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 2025 aggregate program data, U.S. DPT programs report between 30 and 58.5 weeks of full-time clinical education.

When you look at hybrid programs, you will want to consider the format of the online component. Some programs will offer all of the online courses in a synchronous format with live, virtual classes, while others may include asynchronous coursework that can be completed on one’s own time. Synchronous coursework can be an engaging online experience with opportunities to speak with classmates, while asynchronous coursework allows more flexibility in terms of when it is viewed or completed (so long as you adhere to due dates).

On-campus programs may offer less scheduling flexibility, but they are a good fit for those who want an in-person experience for the entirety of the program.

How Long Will a DPT Program Take?

Another crucial factor to think about when choosing a Doctor of Physical Therapy program is how much time you're willing to commit to pursuing the degree. Program schedules and course-load policies differ by school, so ask each program how its schedule is structured and whether it offers any flexibility in course load. Professional DPT programs typically take three years, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Program length varies by school and format, so check the length listed for each program in the tables below and confirm it with the school.

Online (Hybrid) DPT Programs in California

The chart below has examples of hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. If you choose to enroll in an online hybrid program offered by a school in California, be sure to verify its accreditation status in the CAPTE directory of accredited physical therapy programs (checked September 29, 2026). According to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), licensing authorities require graduation from a CAPTE-accredited program or education deemed substantially equivalent, so accreditation can affect your eligibility to sit for the NPTE (requirements verified September 29, 2026). Also check that the program allows you to fulfill any licensure requirements specific to your state of residence or the state in which you want to practice. If a program requires time on campus, find out where those sessions take place: a school with a campus in California can keep travel for on-campus requirements in state.

Tips on How to Become a Physical Therapist in California

To become a physical therapist in California, you can follow these general steps:

Earn Your Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

To enter the profession as a U.S.-educated physical therapist (PT) today, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, according to APTA. Applicants educated outside the United States may qualify instead with a professional degree that a recognized credential evaluation agency certifies as equivalent to a U.S.-accredited PT degree, according to the PTBC (verified September 29, 2026). Some schools offer 3+3 pathways, in which three years of preprofessional coursework lead into a three-year professional DPT program, according to APTA.

Applying to Programs

Apply to a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). For most schools, the application is submitted through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), which lets you use one application to apply to multiple programs, according to APTA. Application requirements vary by school, but be prepared to submit application fees, academic transcripts, references and other materials. Planning ahead can be essential, especially if a program requires documentation of observation hours or GRE scores as part of your application. Some schools may require a minimum GPA.

The PTCAS Directory of DPT Programs lists accredited programs and provides comparison resources for prerequisites, application deadlines, observation requirements, reference requirements, GRE requirements and GPA.

Completing a DPT Program

The typical length of time to earn a DPT degree is three years, according to APTA. However, it may take longer depending on your individual circumstances. According to CAPTE’s 2025 aggregate program data, U.S. DPT programs average about 35 weeks of full-time clinical education alongside classroom and lab instruction. Coursework covers the biological, physical, behavioral and movement sciences (including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pharmacology), as well as ethics, evidence-informed practice and clinical reasoning, according to CAPTE’s Standards and Required Elements.

Some hands-on work happens in labs, but there may also be clinical experience requirements that require you to work in a physical therapy setting. Though it varies by school, the final clinical experience averages about 21 weeks, according to the same CAPTE data.

Get Approval to Sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and Pass

You must take the NPTE to become licensed as a PT, according to the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC). You cannot take the exam unless you have approval from both your state and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The requirements below were verified against the linked FSBPT and PTBC pages on September 29, 2026.

• Approval from the FSBPT requires registering online, paying an exam fee, meeting degree requirements, complying with test security requirements and having permission from your state, according to FSBPT’s NPTE eligibility requirements.
• Approval from California requires submitting an application to the PTBC, which can be done at the same time you register with the FSBPT, according to the PTBC application process map.

If you completed your PT education in a foreign country, make sure to check with the FSBPT and the PTBC’s requirements for foreign-educated applicants to see what additional requirements you may need to meet.

Pass the California Jurisprudence Assessment Module (CAL-JAM)

California requires aspiring PTs to pass the California Jurisprudence Assessment Module (CAL-JAM), an exam on the laws and regulations physical therapists practicing in the state will need to know. According to the PTBC, the CAL-JAM has 50 questions, is taken online on your own computer, and costs $50, paid to the FSBPT (verified September 29, 2026). The PTBC replaced the California Law Exam with the CAL-JAM on July 1, 2024.

Get Licensed

Once you pass your exams and resolve any application deficiencies, the PTBC will issue your license, generally within 45 days of the last deficiency being fulfilled, according to the PTBC application process map (verified September 29, 2026). You will be able to work as a licensed physical therapist in California.