Physical therapy is among the most popular course in the world. Most commonly in California. It has been estimated that about 34 percent of jobs account for physiotherapy, with an annual salary of around $84,000. As per the Bureau of Statistics, DPT is the best healthcare career. To apply for a DPT program, you must have a bachelorette degree. The major problem is that many of them are so expensive that people cannot afford them. So in this article, we will discuss the top 10 DPT programs in California that everyone can afford.
10 Best affordable DPT programs in California that you can consider
California in America is among the best places that provide quality education with an excellent job record. It is home to among the best DPT colleges in the U.S.A. California is most preferred because of the large number of job available, and about 200 institutes/ University are there which provides DPT courses. So here are the top 10 DPT programs in California based on the Graduation rate, Program curriculum, Clinical rotation, and many more.
The University of California and San Francisco
It is a joint program offered by SFSU and UCSF. It is a 3-year program, and the university is ranked #20 in America. The program is accredited by the CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education). The course includes practical-based learning with theoretical classes on subjects related to applied sciences, basic medical science, and many more.
The University of California and San Francisco medical facility has a fascinating past. It was founded in 1864 by a physician from South Carolina. The California Regents Board founded an academic medical program in 1949, which has since developed into the well-known medical facility we currently know.
Pre-Requirements: If you wish to apply for the DPT program offered by this University, then there are some pre-requirements you need to complete to be admitted to this University.
- Bachelor’s degree
- References – 3
- GRE Score- It is essential to score a minimum of 50% on a verbal scale, 50% in Quantitative, and 5 in Analytics.
Program Duration: 115 Credit Hours
Tuition Cost: $33,660
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Public
USC Division of Bio kinesiology and Physical Therapy
It is among California’s best and cheapest institutes that offer DPT programs. It was established back in 1945. It offers two different types of programs one is Hybrid which you can do from WFH and whereas is other is offline programs. This University is among the best DPT college in California. This course’s popularity is due to its great job placement and excellent faculty support. A particular type of system, known as the buddy system, is offered by the University so that the new students can feel confident. There is a senior student for every new student so that they can take the help of seniors to clarify any doubts.
Pre-Requirements: If you wish to apply for the DPT program in the University Division of Bio kinesiology and Physical Therapy, then there are some pre-requirements you need to complete to be admitted to this University.
- Bachelor’s degree
- Shadowing hour of 150 hours is also essential
- References – 3
- GRE Score- It is vital to score a minimum of 150 marks on a verbal scale; for quantitative, you need to score 150.
Program Duration: 3 years
Tuition Cost: $146,490
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
Crean College of Health and Behavioural Sciences – Chapman University
Chapman University introduced the Physical therapy course in its institutions in 1928. It is best known for its accredited DPT program, which has been running for the past nine decades. At this time, the college has never compromised its ethics of education. In the year 2017 to 2020, there is a track record of a 100 percent of placement rate.
Pre-Requirements: To apply to Chapman University, there are specific sets of criteria which are needed to be followed. This includes:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Shadowing hours of a minimum of 40 hours
- References – None
- GRE Score- It is essential to score a minimum of 154 marks on a verbal scale; for quantitative, you need to score 153. Also, a minimum of 4.0 GP in Analytics.
Program Duration: 3 years
Tuition Cost: $113,544
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
College of Health and Human Services – CSU Long Beach
It is one of Long Beach, California’s most affordable Physical Therapy institutes. It is a public institute which is having affordable DPT program of $77,380, which is less than any other University of College in California.
It is known for being the largest University in terms of the number of students. About 40k students study at this University. But in the case of the DPT program, there are only 35 students who are admitted every year. The track record of the DPT program is around 97 percent in NPTE rate.
Pre-Requirements: If you wish to apply to this University, then given below are the requirement which is needed to be fulfilled by the candidate:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Shadowing hours of a minimum of 100 hours
- References – 3
- GRE Score- It is essential to score 153 marks on a verbal test and 148 on a quantitative with a minimum of 4.0 GP in Analytics.
Program Duration: 3 years
Tuition Cost: $77,380
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Public
College of Health and Human Services – San Diego State University
It is an excellent school for the program of Physical Therapy. It has got accreditation from CAPTE. The primary purpose of this course is to impart four main things that are cultural, ethical, patient, and evident based study to its students.
Pre-Requirements: If you wish to apply for the DPT program offered by San Diego University, then there are some pre-requirements you need to complete to be admitted to this University.
- Bachelor’s degree
- References – 3
- Shadowing house minimum of 100 hours
- GRE Score- A valid GRE score is essential with the following scores:
- Verbal – 150
- Analytical – 4.3
- Quantitative – 150
Program Duration: 3 years with six months internship
Tuition Cost: $64,592
Accreditation: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools
Type of University: Public
School of Health Sciences- University of the Pacific
Pacific University is the best private physical therapy school in California. This University has offered the DPT program for the last 35 years. Every year students have to present eight thesis projects to their faculty mentorship. Apart from this, University also gives a chance to interact with their alumnus so that new students can adequately understand the program. Guest lectures from industry experts are also given to the students. Overall it’s a fantastic University to pursue your dream.
Pre-Requirements: To apply to Chapman University, there are specific sets of criteria which are needed to be followed. This includes:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Shadowing hours of a minimum of 50 hours
- References – 3
- GRE Score- It is essential to score a minimum of 150 marks on a verbal scale; for quantitative, you need to score 150. Also, a minimum of 4.0 GP in Analytics.
Program Duration: 3 years
Tuition Cost: $122,466
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
College of Health and Human Sciences – CSU, Fresno
One of California’s largest state universities has been offering a DPT program for the past 40 years. It is among the cheapest universities in California. It provides good facilities such as faculty support and structured academic and clinical experience. All these skills are necessary to get a job in Physical therapy.
Pre-Requirements: If you wish to apply for the DPT program at CSU, then there are some pre-requirements you need to complete to be admitted to this University.
- Bachelor’s degree
- Shadowing hour of 100 hours is also essential
- References – 3
- GRE Score- It is vital to score a minimum of 150 marks on a verbal scale; for quantitative, you need to score 150. With 4.5 GP in Analytical
Program Duration: 3 years
Tuition Cost: $64,592
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
Loma Linda University
It is present in Loma Linda state of California. It is affiliated with the 7th Advent Church. The DPT program offered by this University includes science with Christian faith. LLU is suitable for academic purposes, so for those who wish to apply for an affordable university, this is best for them.
Pre-Requirements: The following should be done to be admitted to this University.
- Bachelors: No
- Shadowing hour of 80.
- Reference- 3
- GRE Scores: Not essential
Program Duration: 4 years
Tuition Cost: $84,400
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
Samuel Merritt University
It is situated in Oakland, an essential west coast city. It is ranked under 100 DPT colleges in U.S. Students must participate in clinical practice for 42 weeks. The tuition fees are also less.
Pre-Requirements:
- Bachelors degree
- Observation: 40 hrs
References: 2
GRE Scores: Yes
Program Duration: 3 years
Tuition Cost: $105,100
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
Mount ST Mary College
This University is situated in Southern California. It is not a co-ed University. Only girls can study here. It offers a DPT program. The curriculum involves the study of physiology, clinical expertise, neuromuscular, and anatomy.
Pre-Requirements: If you wish to apply for the DPT program offered by San Diego University, then there are some pre-requirements you need to complete to be admitted to this University.
- Bachelor’s degree
- References – 3
- Shadowing house minimum of 120 hours
- GRE Score- A valid GRE score is essential.
Program Duration: 4 years
Tuition Cost: $155,568
Accreditation: Accredited by CAPTE
Type of University: Private
Summing Up
Shortly Physical Therapy will be the most in-demand career option in the U.S.A. The DPT program is available for those who wish to work as a physiotherapy doctor. For entry into the DPT program, it is required to have a study of 3 to 4 years, including experience in clinical work. The DPT programs are verified by the CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education). We have ranked the best DPT University, from which you can choose according to your preference.
You might want to see this:
- Cheapest Physical Therapy Schools in the USA
- Best Physical Therapy Schools in Ohio
- Most Affordable DPT Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the duration of the DPT program in California?
The doctor of Physical Therapy program is around 3 to 4 years long with the pre-requirement of an undergraduate degree certificate.
2. Are graduates of the DPT program can work in Hospitals?
Yes, people with a DPT degree can work as clinical experts in Hospitals.
3. What is the minimum requirement to apply for a DPT degree in California?
To enroll in the DPT program, it is essential to have a baccalaureate degree.
About The Author
Hassan Zaka
I am an experienced technical writer with an ACCA qualification. I have written on various topics including finance, business, and technology. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams.
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