Physical Therapy Programs in California

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.

Online programs are typically hybrid, meaning that students can complete much of the program online but may be required to go to campus at least a couple of times per semester, depending on the program. You can complete most of your degree remotely, while still getting the opportunity to meet your peers and professors in person. PT students are expected to perform clinical work under supervision in areas like acute care or orthopedic care, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

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 do not offer the same flexibility but are great for those who want an in-person experience for the entirety of the program. There are also more on-campus programs to choose from, so you can have a greater selection.

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. Most DPT programs function on a cohort schedule, meaning that you take certain courses each semester and do not have control over course load or what classes you take. However, you can at least have some flexibility in choosing a program that takes an appropriate length of time for you. Many of the on-campus DPT programs in California take three years to complete. Hybrid programs can take anywhere from two to four years to complete.

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 and 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. University of Southern California and University of St. Augustine both have a campus presence in California, keeping travel for on-campus requirements in state.

The following DPT programs have campuses in California. There are campuses all over the state—from University of Southern California and CSU Long Beach in the Los Angeles area to San Francisco State University in the north.

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

To be licensed as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a doctorate in physical therapy, according to the BLS. These programs can take about three to four years, and are sometimes offered in a format that may allow you to complete your bachelor’s and doctorate in six years.

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). Application requirements vary by school, but be prepared to submit application fees, academic transcripts, references and other materials. Planning in advance can be essential, especially if a program requires submission of documentation detailing observation hours or GRE scores as part of your application. Some schools may require a minimum GPA.

The typical length of time to earn a DPT degree is three years. However, it may take longer depending on your individual circumstances. DPT programs usually consist of 80% classroom/coursework requirements and 20% clinical education. Coursework will cover a range of sciences (including but not limited to biology, cellular history, kinesiology and pharmacology), as well as ethics, evidence-based practice and business subjects to help prepare you for the potential opportunity to manage your own practice/business. 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 27.5 weeks.

You must take the NPTE to become licensed as a PT. You cannot take the exam unless you have approval from both your state and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

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

California requires aspiring PTs to pass this additional exam regarding laws physical therapists practicing in the state will need to know.

Once you pass your exams, the PTBC will issue you your license. You will be able to work as a licensed physical therapist in California.

Last updated August 2023.