Physical Therapy, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
About this program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy prepares you to become a licensed clinician ready to lead, teach and serve. Over three years, you’ll study movement science, clinical care and patient-centered practice. Courses take place at SFSU and UCSF, with clinical work across California. You’ll learn to treat injury, improve mobility and support wellness in diverse communities. The program is CAPTE-accredited and designed to help you pass the licensing exam and thrive in practice.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a three-year joint program between University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and San Francisco State University. The program runs for 36 continuous months beginning in June and includes 34 weeks of full-time clinical experiences. This program is designed to prepare scholarly clinicians, educators, collaborative clinical researchers, administrative managers and community leaders. The program admits 50 students each year.
The curriculum is built on a strong theoretical foundation in basic, medical and applied sciences. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are developed within an integrated program that prepares students to work collaboratively with patients across the lifespan to improve health and wellness, address disability challenges and optimize function.
Learn more from UCSF about the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Program will offer models of best practice in clinical care, clinical instruction, and outreach/service to community. Students will practice patient-centered care and participate in outreach and service to the community, striving to improve access, equity, and quality of treatment and education, with emphasis on communities of need.
- Program will be innovative and forward-thinking while remaining aligned with ACAPT best practices. Students will develop their professionalism, clinical skills, and unique abilities.
- Program will create and support opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to grow their areas of expertise, increase their use of evidence-based practices, and engage in research and dissemination. Students will develop an appreciation for and engage in research.
- Program will attract and support a diverse* faculty, staff, and student body, within an inclusive environment. Students will benefit from diversity valued by the program and will experience an inclusive learning environment.
- Program, and the individuals within in it, will be recognized for advocacy, leadership, and service. Students will be advocates for the Physical Therapy Profession and leaders in their communities.