Fact Sheet

To enhance the physical well-being and quality of life of humans by advancing the practice of physical therapy and the science upon which it is based. We accomplish this by: (1) carrying out clinical and life science research using interdisciplinary approaches to focus on biokinesiology; (2) educating physical therapy practitioners and biokinesiology researchers who will be leaders in their fields; (3) providing physical therapy services to the community using innovative models of practice and delivery.

The Division has been ranked first in the nation by U.S. News and World Report since 2004.

All academic degrees awarded by the Division are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Established in 1945 to train physical therapists at the undergraduate level.

By 1974 the only professional degree offered was a Master's in Physical Therapy.

Second program in the nation to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy as the first professional degree in physical therapy.

First physical therapy program to directly award a PhD degree (1984).

Added Biokinesiology to its name to reflect its expanding research mission and to promote Biokinesiology as the foundation science of physical therapy.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program – prepares graduates for a professional career in physical therapy.

Residency Programs in Orthopedic and Neurologic Physical Therapy – trains individuals who are already physical therapists to be advanced practitioners in the specialty areas of orthopedic and neurologic physical therapy.

Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biokinesiology Programs – prepares graduates to be research scientists in the field of Biokinesiology.

The integrative study of the biological bases of normal and disordered movement.

An interdisciplinary science that focuses on understanding how the human body adapts to growth and experience as well as to injury, disease, and aging.

The Division maintains contracts with 500+ facilities all over the US including Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. DPT students spend a total of 43 weeks in full-time clinical education experiences over their three-year curriculum.

The Division’s award-winning faculty is at the forefront of research; many travel all over the world as guest lecturers.

100% of the Division’s full-time faculty have doctorate degrees compared to only about 45% of the faculty of other PT programs across the nation. Several are recognized as leaders in their fields.

The Division’s adjunct faculty is regionally and nationally recognized for their expertise.

The faculty conducts research in the areas of biomechanics, motor behavior and motor control, exercise science and muscle research, and motor development.

The faculty receives external funding of more than $1 million per year from foundations and federal funding agencies, including NIH.

The Division received a $1.5 million grant---the largest ever granted by the Foundation for Physical Therapy to establish and lead PTClinResNet, a multi-site clinical research network.

The Division has an extensive practice component that provides high-quality physical therapy services to the community and serves as a locus for clinical education and clinical research.

The USC Physical Therapy Associates (the faculty practice) provides outpatient physical therapy services in two locations--University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus.

In addition, the Division provides physical therapy services at USC University Hospital.

The Division occupies more than 35,000 square feet in the Center for Health Professions building on USC’s Health Science Campus.

The Division houses five large teaching laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, two locker rooms for students, a computer lab, a lecture hall, two smaller classrooms, and a conference room. Two large suites contain offices for faculty and staff.

The Division has eight laboratories providing research space for faculty investigators.