DPT Program Overview

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T) program provides the required educational preparation for a professional career as a physical therapist. Program graduates are knowledgeable, self-assured, adaptable, reflective, and service-oriented practitioners who by virtue of critical thinking and ethical values render informed and independent judgments concerning patient/client needs, promote the health and quality of life of the client, and enhance the professional foundations for practice. These practitioners contribute to society and the profession through practice, teaching, administration, and the discovery and application of new knowledge about physical therapy. The educational philosophy of the program is to maximally challenge each student and facilitate his or her development of skills for life-long learning, professional development, and leadership.

Why the DPT?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at the University of Southern California prepares graduates to be autonomous practitioners, capable of evaluating and treating patients without the need for referral from another practitioner, but ready to work in collaboration with other health professionals. The Doctor of Physical Therapy is the authoritative practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction.

For more information about the DPT degree, visit the APTA website at www.apta.org

The History Behind the USC DPT
In 1998, the University of Southern California awarded the DPT degree to graduates of the program in physical therapy. USC has been a leader in the transition to doctoral level education in physical therapy. The need for a primary care practitioner who can diagnose and treat the causes of movement dysfunction and the increased scientific and evidence base for physical therapy are forces for the dramatic shift to a doctoral degree as the primary preparation for a professional degree in physical therapy.

Why Should I Come to USC?
"The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC is one of the premier programs in the country. This distinction derives from a mission that includes the advancement of physical therapy education, practice, and research. Because of this, students in our program benefit from a dynamic learning environment where patient care and research are actively integrated. Faculty are national and international leaders engaged in teaching and research with a focus on increasing the quality and understanding of physical therapy practice and science.”

- Katherine J. Sullivan, PhD, PT - Director, DPT Program