Welcome to The Department of Physical Therapy
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree prepares students for licensure as physical therapists. The program requires three academic years and three summers to complete. Full-time enrollment is necessary, including the summers. All students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program. To be eligible for licensure, both the didactic and clinical components of the DPT degree must be successfully completed.
Degree Information
DPT Professional Degree
Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offering an entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree. Our program offers unique experiences in International PT (travel elective and doctoral project experiences abroad), Pilates elective and a curriculum that includes Movement Science and Complementary Integrative Wellness. We have a long-standing relationship with the L.A. Dodgers/Campanella Foundation offering scholarships to our students and a spring training internship opportunity.
Clinical Education
Clinical education provides opportunities for students to develop professional and competency skills in collaboration with patients, clinicians, administrators, and healthcare professionals. Clinical education internship experiences are designed to support instructive course work and enrich student professional development.
Our Clinical Education Internship Experience are completed during the Summer semester.
Department Operations
Please note some days, operations are conducted virtually. If you need to reach anyone at the Department, the best route is via email.
If a PT Administrator is not available during regular office hours, please call 818.677.2203 or email for assistance.
If you need to contact a specific faculty member you can find their contact information on the physical therapy department's faculty page.
Who are we?
Physical therapists are licensed medical professionals who provide services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. There are more than 120,000 licensed physical therapists in the US practicing in a variety of settings which include:
- Outpatient clinics
- Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Homes
- Educational and research centers
- School settings
- Hospices
- Industrial & other occupational environments
- Fitness centers
- Sports training facilities
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to: 1) prepare competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing health care environment, 2) cultivate a faculty committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring, scholarship and research, clinical expertise, and service to the University and community, and 3) develop clinical partnerships and professional alliances that improve our ability to promote health, well being, and quality of life for local and global communities.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity
California State University, Northridge, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are committed to promoting an inclusive learning environment that supports students' educational goals. To create an anti-racist atmosphere where all students can learn and grow, all full-time faculty members of the CSUN DPT hold APTA DEI certifications. Students and faculty are encouraged to engage in the wide range of DEI programs and educational opportunities available within the CSUN DPT program and at CSUN, which include the University Student Union Healing Space and the Heal Project, where Matadors can celebrate diversity.
Student Outcomes
Graduation Rate:
2023 - 100%
2022 - 100%
2021 - 96%
2020 - 100%
A combined 2-year average is 100% for 2022 and 2023.
First Time Licensure Examination Pass Rate:
First time/Ultimate
2024 - 96.3%/96.3%
*26 out of 27 students passed
2023 - 93.8%/93.8%
2022 - 100%/100%
2021 - 93.1%/100%
2020 - 100%/100%
2-year average is 95.1%/95.1%
Employment Rate for graduates who sought employment as PTs within one year of graduation:
2023-2024: 100%
2021-2022: 100%
2020-2021: 100%
Our 1st DPT class graduated in 2015.
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Student Applicants
Please Note: Do NOT apply to Cal State Apply. The Cal State Apply supplemental application is for accepted applicants only. Applicants will be notified of acceptance and provided additional information before completing this application.
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If you have any feedback, concerns, or suggestions related to the academics of the DPT Program, we welcome you to reach out to our department coordinator, Jennifer Steinrad at (818) 677-2203. Your input is valued and appreciated.
Check out our Social Media!
Department Chair
Dr. Beth Phillips
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 1537
18111 Nordhoff St. Northridge, CA 91330-8332
- Phone: (818) 677-2203
Check out our social media pages.
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