Physical therapy is a health profession involved in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of limited physical activity and injury. The practice is based in movement sciences with a theoretical and scientific base. Physical therapists aid patients from pediatrics to geriatrics in the best methods of restoring an optimum quality of life. Physical therapists practice in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, school systems, pediatric clinics, burn centers, wellness facilities, and in private practice.

Mission Statement

The mission of the USAHS physical therapy program is to graduate Doctors of Physical Therapy who are skilled movement specialists and adaptive leaders. They promote health equity and improve the human experience through communication, interprofessional collaboration, and exceptional clinical reasoning.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DPT program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to

• engage in personal and professional development and lifelong learning activities;
• practice physical therapy in a manner that supports cooperative relationships with patients/clients, other healthcare providers, and the community;
• perform critical thinking and evidence-informed physical therapist practice based on foundational knowledge and professional clinical skills;
• implement effective communication and principles of ethical and professional behavior in physical therapist practice; and
• display qualities of leadership in physical therapist practice to advance the profession of physical therapy and the well-being of society.

Program Prerequisites

See Admissions, Records, and Registration for prerequisites and application information.

Delivery of Coursework

The DPT program requires 110 credits and is offered as a residential (i.e., campus-based) program over seven trimesters.* Coursework is provided in a blended learning format, which is a combination of an online learning component with classroom instruction. Lab classes are taught in a hands-on setting, while some portions of the course content are presented through a variety of interactive online activities and augmented by in-class discussions, patient interactions, and simulation. This learning style allows students to have a vast range of learning techniques at their fingertips.

_{* For students entering Fall 2024 term or after, the program is 110 credits over seven trimesters. For students entering prior to Fall 2024 term, the program is 131 credits over eight trimesters.}

Standard Occupational Classification codes for which program is intended to prepare graduates: Physical Therapist (29-1123); Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1071)

California PT Licensure

As of the date of publication of the catalog/handbook, in order to be eligible for professional licensure as a Physical Therapist in California, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program graduates must hold a degree from an accredited Physical Therapy program. DPT graduates that are applying for licensure in the state of California are required to submit an Application of Examination and/or Licensure and all other required documentation, Certificate of Completion Form (P1E) completed by the registrar, application fee, and passing licensure exam score from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to the Physical Therapy Board of California. 

Washington State Residents

The DPT program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in Washington state.