Barry PhilipsCalifornia is one of the best states in the United States for students who want to pursue a career in physical therapy. The state is home to several highly regarded universities offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs designed to prepare students for careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine, private clinics, schools and other healthcare settings.
Choosing the right physical therapy school, however, requires more than looking at reputation. Prospective students should consider admission requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA expectations, clinical experience, tuition, program length, location and whether the school requires the GRE.
Most students who want to become licensed physical therapists in the United States pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree after completing a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework. They must then meet their state’s licensing requirements and pass the required professional examination.
Top Physical Therapy Schools in California
1. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles is widely recognized for its physical therapy education and healthcare programs. Its Doctor of Physical Therapy program is offered through the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy.
USC’s DPT program combines classroom instruction, laboratory education, research and hands-on clinical training. Students are prepared to work with patients experiencing a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological and other physical conditions.
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and must complete the required prerequisite courses.
USC lists a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum science GPA of 3.0 for its DPT program. However, competitive applicants may have academic records considerably stronger than the minimum.
The GRE is not required.
Physical therapy experience is also important. USC recommends approximately 150 hours of physical therapy experience, although these hours are not required for application.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.0 science GPA
- Required prerequisite courses
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Letters of recommendation
- PTCAS application
- GRE not required
- Physical therapy experience recommended
USC is particularly attractive to students interested in combining clinical practice with research and advanced healthcare education.
2. University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco State University
The joint UCSF/San Francisco State University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is another excellent option for students interested in physical therapy in California.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, patient care, research and interprofessional healthcare education.
Applicants can hold a bachelor’s degree in any field as long as they complete the required prerequisite courses.
UCSF recommends an overall GPA of at least 3.0, although successful applicants may have substantially higher academic averages.
A particularly important requirement is physical therapy observation. Applicants are required to complete at least 50 hours of observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Applicants also need three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a licensed physical therapist.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Minimum/recommended GPA
- At least 50 PT observation hours
- Three recommendation letters
- At least one PT recommendation
- Official transcripts
- PTCAS application
- Supplemental application
- GRE not required
The UCSF/SFSU program is worth considering for students who want a rigorous program with strong connections to healthcare and research.
3. California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers a competitive Doctor of Physical Therapy program for students interested in entering the physical therapy profession.
The program combines academic coursework with laboratory education and clinical experiences. Students learn about human movement, rehabilitation, patient assessment, therapeutic interventions and professional practice.
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree and must complete the program’s prerequisite courses.
CSULB requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0. However, students with higher GPAs are more competitive.
The program also requires the GRE.
Applicants must complete at least 100 hours of physical therapy experience or observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Three letters of recommendation are required.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Required prerequisite courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- At least 100 PT experience hours
- Three recommendation letters
- GRE
- PTCAS application
CSULB can be a strong choice for students looking for a public university DPT program in Southern California.
4. Chapman University
Chapman University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program through its Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. The program is located at the university’s Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine.
Chapman’s DPT program combines classroom learning, laboratory instruction and clinical education.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a properly accredited institution and must complete the required prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite courses generally include subjects such as:
- Human anatomy
- Human physiology
- Biology
- General chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Social or behavioral sciences
Chapman requires prerequisite courses to be completed with acceptable grades, and certain courses must have been completed within specified time periods.
The university does not currently require the GRE for its DPT admission process.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- PTCAS application
- Official transcripts
- Required prerequisite courses
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Social or behavioral science
- Acceptable prerequisite grades
- Clinical preparation
Chapman is an attractive option for students seeking a private university DPT program in Orange County.
5. Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University is a health sciences-focused university in Southern California that offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The university’s DPT program combines academic education with clinical preparation and practical experience.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Loma Linda generally requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, while its prerequisite GPA expectations are more competitive.
The program has a detailed prerequisite curriculum that can include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- General psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Medical terminology
- Speech or oral communication
Clinical exposure is also required. Applicants need 80 hours of observation or work experience, including exposure to both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings.
The GRE is not required.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Strong prerequisite GPA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Medical terminology
- Speech/communication
- 80 PT observation/work hours
- Recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
- GRE not required
Loma Linda is particularly suitable for students seeking a healthcare-centered university environment.
6. California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program designed to prepare students for professional practice in a variety of healthcare environments.
The program combines foundational science, physical therapy theory, laboratory education and clinical experience.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and must complete the required prerequisite coursework.
CSUN requires applicants to complete 10 prerequisite courses and obtain the required GRE score. The program also requires at least 200 verified hours of physical therapy experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Three recommendation letters are required, including a recommendation from a licensed physical therapist.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- 10 prerequisite courses
- GRE
- At least 200 verified PT hours
- Three recommendation letters
- PT recommendation
- PTCAS application
- Required science courses
The 200-hour experience requirement makes CSUN particularly suitable for applicants who have already spent significant time observing or working within physical therapy environments.
7. California State University, Sacramento
California State University, Sacramento offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program designed to prepare students for entry-level professional practice.
The program provides students with extensive academic, laboratory and clinical education. Its curriculum includes full-time clinical internships that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and complete the required prerequisite coursework.
The program requires at least 50 hours of physical therapy observation involving licensed physical therapists.
Applicants also need three recommendation letters, including recommendations from academic and physical therapy professionals.
The GRE is also part of the admission requirements.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Minimum academic standards
- At least 50 PT observation hours
- Three recommendation letters
- Recommendations from licensed PTs
- GRE
- PTCAS application
- Supplemental university application
Sacramento State is a good option for students interested in a public university DPT program with significant clinical education.
8. California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno is another California institution prospective physical therapists can consider when searching for DPT programs.
Students preparing for admission should expect to complete prerequisite coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology.
Because physical therapy admission requirements can change between application cycles, prospective applicants should carefully review the current program requirements before applying.
Typical preparation includes:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Required clinical or observation experience
- Recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
- Any additional institutional requirements
Fresno can be worth considering for students who prefer studying at a public university and want to pursue physical therapy in California’s Central Valley.
9. San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) is another major California university that students interested in physical therapy should consider.
Prospective applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree and must complete the required prerequisite courses before entering professional physical therapy education.
Common prerequisite areas include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
Applicants should also prepare for clinical observation requirements and recommendation letters.
Because individual requirements can change, students should review the latest program information before applying.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Clinical experience or observation
- Recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
- Additional program requirements
SDSU can be an appealing option for students who want to study in the San Diego area while pursuing a healthcare career.
10. Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University is a private health sciences university in California with a strong focus on healthcare education.
Its Doctor of Physical Therapy pathway prepares students for professional physical therapy practice through academic instruction, laboratory education and clinical experiences.
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree and completion of prerequisite courses.
Common prerequisite areas include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
Applicants should also prepare for clinical or observation experience and recommendation requirements.
Major requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Required prerequisite coursework
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Clinical/observation experience
- Recommendation letters
- PTCAS application
Samuel Merritt may be particularly suitable for students looking for a private institution focused primarily on healthcare and allied health professions.
Full List
| Rank | Physical Therapy School | Location | Degree | Key Prerequisites / Academic Requirements | Clinical / Observation Requirement | GRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California (USC) | Los Angeles | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | Bachelor’s degree, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology | Experience recommended | No |
| 2 | UCSF / San Francisco State University | San Francisco | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology | 50 hours | No |
| 3 | California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) | Long Beach | DPT | Bachelor’s degree, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology | 100 hours | Yes |
| 4 | Chapman University | Irvine | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, statistics and social/behavioral science | Program-specific | No |
| 5 | Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology | 80 hours | No |
| 6 | California State University, Northridge (CSUN) | Northridge | DPT | Bachelor’s degree and required science prerequisites | 200 hours | Yes |
| 7 | California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics, psychology and related courses | 50 hours | Yes |
| 8 | California State University, Fresno | Fresno | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 9 | San Diego State University (SDSU) | San Diego | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, statistics and psychology | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 10 | Samuel Merritt University | Oakland | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics and psychology | 40 hours | No |
| 11 | Azusa Pacific University | Azusa | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics, psychology and English | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 12 | Mount Saint Mary’s University | Los Angeles | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, statistics, psychology and communication | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 13 | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – California | San Marcos | DPT | Bachelor’s degree and required prerequisite coursework | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 14 | University of the Pacific | Stockton | DPT | Bachelor’s degree and required prerequisite science courses | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 15 | Western University of Health Sciences | Pomona | DPT | Bachelor’s degree; required science and behavioral science prerequisites | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 16 | West Coast University | Los Angeles | DPT | Bachelor’s degree and required prerequisite coursework | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 17 | University of Southern California – Expansion | Los Angeles | DPT | Bachelor’s degree and program-specific prerequisites | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 18 | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – California Expansion | California | DPT | Bachelor’s degree and program-specific prerequisites | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
Common Prerequisite Courses for California DPT Programs
One of the most important steps in preparing for physical therapy school is completing the correct prerequisite courses.
Although requirements differ between schools, the following subjects are frequently required:
Anatomy
Human anatomy helps students understand the structure of the body, including muscles, bones, joints, organs and other tissues.
Physiology
Physiology focuses on how the human body functions. It is particularly important for understanding movement, exercise and rehabilitation.
Biology
Biology courses provide foundational knowledge about living organisms and human biological processes.
Chemistry
General chemistry is commonly required because physical therapists need a basic understanding of chemical and biological processes.
Physics
Physics is particularly relevant to physical therapy because concepts such as force, motion, balance and mechanics are connected to human movement.
Statistics
Statistics helps future physical therapists understand research studies, clinical evidence and healthcare data.
Psychology
Psychology is useful because physical therapists work directly with patients and need to understand behavioral, emotional and motivational factors affecting rehabilitation.
How Many Hours of Physical Therapy Experience Do You Need?
There is no single observation-hour requirement across all California physical therapy schools.
For example, some programs may recommend experience without making it mandatory, while others require a specific number of verified hours.
Examples include:
- USC — 150 hours recommended
- UCSF — 50 hours required
- CSULB — 100 hours required
- Loma Linda — 80 hours required
- CSUN — 200 hours required
- Sacramento State — 50 hours required
This makes it important to research each school before deciding where to apply.
Students should ideally gain experience in more than one physical therapy environment when possible. Exposure to outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports facilities and other settings can help applicants develop a better understanding of the profession.
Do California Physical Therapy Schools Require the GRE?
Not every DPT program in California requires the GRE.
Some programs have eliminated the GRE requirement, while others continue to use it as part of their admissions process.
For example:
| School | GRE Requirement |
|---|---|
| USC | No |
| UCSF/SFSU | No |
| Chapman University | No |
| Loma Linda University | No |
| CSU Long Beach | Yes |
| CSU Northridge | Yes |
| Sacramento State | Yes |
| CSU Fresno | Check current requirements |
| San Diego State | Check current requirements |
| Samuel Merritt University | Check current requirements |
If you are applying to multiple schools, determine the GRE requirements early so that you have enough time to prepare if necessary.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into a California DPT Program
Admission to physical therapy school can be competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements is therefore only the beginning.
Maintain a Strong GPA
Aim for a GPA significantly above the minimum whenever possible, particularly in prerequisite science courses.
Complete Prerequisites Early
Do not wait until the application deadline to discover that you are missing a required anatomy, chemistry or physics course.
Gain Meaningful Clinical Experience
Observation experience can demonstrate that you understand the responsibilities of a physical therapist and have made an informed career decision.
Build Strong Relationships With Recommenders
Choose professors, physical therapists and other professionals who know your abilities well enough to provide meaningful recommendations.
Prepare a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement should clearly explain your motivation for pursuing physical therapy, relevant experiences and the qualities you would bring to the profession.
Apply Strategically
Rather than applying to only one highly competitive school, consider applying to several programs whose requirements match your academic profile and experience.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Physical Therapy Schools in California
| Rank | Physical Therapy School | Location | Degree | Key Academic Requirement | PT Experience | GRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles | DPT | 3.0 cumulative & science GPA minimum | 150 hrs recommended | No |
| 2 | UCSF/San Francisco State University | San Francisco | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | 50 hrs | No |
| 3 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach | DPT | 3.0 cumulative & prerequisite GPA | 100 hrs | Yes |
| 4 | Chapman University | Irvine | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | Program-specific | No |
| 5 | Loma Linda University | Loma Linda | DPT | 3.0 cumulative; strong prerequisite GPA | 80 hrs | No |
| 6 | California State University, Northridge | Northridge | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | 200 hrs | Yes |
| 7 | California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | 50 hrs | Yes |
| 8 | California State University, Fresno | Fresno | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 9 | San Diego State University | San Diego | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
| 10 | Samuel Merritt University | California | DPT | Bachelor’s + prerequisites | Program-specific | Check current requirements |
Related
Conclusion
California offers numerous opportunities for students interested in becoming physical therapists. From research-intensive universities such as USC and UCSF to public institutions such as CSULB, CSUN and Sacramento State, prospective students have several DPT programs to consider.
The best physical therapy school for you will depend on your academic record, budget, preferred location, clinical interests and career goals.
Before applying, carefully compare each school’s GPA requirements, prerequisite courses, clinical observation hours, GRE policy, recommendation requirements and application deadlines.
Most importantly, remember that DPT admissions are competitive. Start preparing early, maintain strong grades, gain meaningful physical therapy experience and make sure every prerequisite is completed according to the specific school’s requirements. This preparation can significantly improve your chances of gaining admission to one of the top physical therapy schools in California.