Top PT Schools in California?

Hi all! I've got my heart set on pursuing a career in physical therapy and I'm looking at colleges with great PT programs in California. Any recommendations on which schools I should check out?

Hi there! It's fantastic that you're interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy. California has several reputable Physical Therapy (PT) programs to consider. Do keep in mind that most PT-specific programs are offered at the graduate level (Doctor of Physical Therapy - DPT). So for your undergraduate degree, you should focus on finding schools that offer strong programs in fields like exercise science, kinesiology, or biology, which will provide you with a solid foundation for pursuing a DPT program later on.

Here's a list of notable schools in California with excellent undergraduate programs related to physical therapy and/or strong DPT programs.

1. University of Southern California (USC): USC has both a strong exercise science undergraduate program and a highly-regarded DPT program.

2. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB): CSULB offers a well-respected undergraduate program in kinesiology, which is a great foundation for PT.

3. San Diego State University (SDSU): SDSU has a good kinesiology undergraduate program that can set you up for success in PT school.

4. University of California, Davis (UC Davis): UC Davis has a robust undergraduate program in exercise biology, which can provide a solid foundation for a future PT career.

5. Chapman University: Located in Orange, California, Chapman offers both an undergraduate degree in kinesiology and a DPT program.

6. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): Although UCSF specializes in graduate programs, it's worth mentioning their top-notch DPT program in case you decide to stay in-state for graduate study.

Remember, your GPA, clinical experience, and volunteer work will play crucial roles in your graduate school application process for PT programs. So, be sure to choose a college that not only offers strong programs in relevant fields but also provides opportunities for research, internships, and volunteering. Finally, while it's definitely not essential to attend a school that offers a DPT program for undergrad, doing so could be advantageous, as you make be able to take advantage of some of the resources available to doctoral students, especially if you're willing to be proactive about seeking them out.

Good luck with your college search, and I hope you find the perfect fit for your physical therapy career goals!