Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

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Degree Offered: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Leadership:
Amber Fitzsimmons, PT, MS, DPTSc
Associate Professor and Chair, UCSF

Jeannette Q. Lee, PT, PhD, CLT, CSCS
Associate Professor and Chair, SFSU

Theresa Jaramillo, PT, MS, DPT
Vice Chair of Academic Programs, UCSF
DPT Associate Program Director, UCSF

Admissions Inquiries:
Mike Tressel, Admissions and Recruitment Specialist

Program Description

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a three-year joint program between University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and San Francisco State University (SFSU). Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function. The UCSF/SFSU program runs for 36 continuous months beginning in June and includes 34 weeks of full-time clinical experiences. The program is designed to prepare scholarly clinicians, educators, collaborative clinical researchers, administrative managers and community leaders.

The curriculum of the DPT program is built on a strong theoretical foundation in basic, medical and applied sciences. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills are developed within an integrated program that prepares students to work collaboratively with patients across the lifespan to improve health and wellness, address disability challenges, and optimize function.

Faculty

The UCSF/SFSU faculty includes leaders in the field, renowned researchers, and exemplary teachers. Many of the core faculty are currently practicing clinicians at a range of sites, including several UCSF Outpatient Faculty Practices, UCSF Health & Wellness Center, UCSF Medical Center, and SFSU Student Health Center.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the entry-level DPT program go on to work as physical therapy professionals who are committed to patient care, education, and the application of research to clinical practice.

Admission Requirements

Applications

Completion of two applications:

  1. Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
  2. UCSF Supplemental Application (link is provided after applicant has submitted PTCAS application)

Clinical Experience

All applicants must be able to demonstrate understanding of the physical therapy profession by completing a minimum of 50 clinical observation hours (paid or volunteer) under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. These hours can be completed in one or more physical therapy settings (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, rehab).

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are required from three individuals who personally know the applicant and their abilities. At least one letter must be from a licensed physical therapist. Instructors of basic science coursework, health professionals, or employers are suggested for the other two.

Required Prerequisite Coursework

  • General Chemistry with lab (1 year)
  • General Physics with lab (1 year)
  • Human or Comparative Anatomy with lab (1 semester)
  • Human Physiology with lab (1 semester)
  • General Biology with lab (1 year)
  • Abnormal Psychology (1 semester)
  • Introduction to Statistics (1 semester)

Additional Criteria

As a part of our holistic admissions review process, we consider an applicant’s experiences, both in the academic environment and beyond it. We review each applicant’s responses to our essay prompts, as well as extra-curricular involvement during an applicant’s collegiate career. That can include, for example, intercollegiate athletics participation, work experience, research experience, or leadership roles in organizations. A successful application does not require those life experiences, but they are additional factors that can strengthen an application beyond the academics and observation hours.

Transcripts and Degree

All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts from every college and university attended must be sent directly to PTCAS. Applicants who completed coursework at an international institution must submit a Foreign Transcript Evaluation Report directly to PTCAS. For Canadian courses, submit the original transcript directly to PTCAS if the transcript is in English. International applicants whose primary language is not English must also provide evidence of English language proficiency. Additional information may be found on our Application Requirements webpage.

Learning Outcomes

Student Goals 

  1. Students will provide patient-centered care and participate in outreach and service to the community, striving to improve access, equity, and quality of treatment and education, with emphasis on communities of need
  2. Students will develop their professionalism, clinical skills, and unique abilities
  3. Students will develop an appreciation for and engage in research
  4. Students will benefit from the diversity valued by the program and will experience an inclusive learning environment
  5. Students will be advocates for the Physical Therapy Profession and leaders in their communities

Additional Information

The DPT program is offered by the UCSF Graduate Division, administered by the UCSF School of Medicine, and delivered by faculty members in the UCSF School of Medicine and at San Francisco State University. The program office is located at the UCSF Mission Bay campus. Visit the program website for more information.

Program Faculty