Program Description

Physical therapists help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. Therapists test and measure strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Therapists use electrical stimulation, hot packs or cold compresses, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may also use traction or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain. Therapists teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. Specialty areas include pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, and neurology.

The "Post-professional" DPT is intended for practicing clinicians and typically offers a didactic and, in some cases, a clinical augmentation that is deemed necessary to meet current and future expectations for physical therapy practice.

Program format:
The program is offered in a Tuesday and Thursday evening format from 5:00 to 10:20 p.m. This evening format enables practicing clinicians to continue employment while pursuing their advanced degree.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

11 months

Possible Careers

Physical Therapist

Admissions Requirements

All candidates trained in the United States must have graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program and are expected to have completed a minimum of 30 quarter units beyond the bachelor's level prior to beginning the program. The typical applicant has earned a master of physical therapy degree (MPT).


If you are an International student you must be eligible for licensure in your country of training, as applicable. There is no GRE requirement for the program; however TOEFL is required if you are an international student that English is a second language.

Prerequisites

There are no specific courses required for this degree.  Please refer to the Admissions Requirements.

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program: Year 1 Year 2
Tuition $22,788 $5,895
Fees $2,940 $980
Books & Supplies $750
Instruments
Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) $1,509 $154
Total $27,987 $7,029

Notes

The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the office of Student Finance for up-to-date costs

Estimated Living Expenses

Academic Year 2023-2024, off campus, with a roommate

Year of Program: Year 1 Year 2
Months enrolled 9 3
Food and Housing $17,280 $5,760
Transportation $3,150 $1,050
Miscellaneous Personal Costs $2,700 $900

Notes

  • Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
  • International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
  • In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.