Welcome

Now that you've decided to embark on a career in physical therapy, the next question is where to obtain your degree? Consider Western University of Health Sciences. We offer a fully-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that prepares you to work as an independent practitioner and as a member of an inter-professional health-care team.

At WesternU you will study basic sciences, complete specialized courses, and engage in the clinical experiences you need to pass your licensure exam and to become practice-ready. When you graduate you will be prepared to take on the increasing role that physical therapists currently play in the health care system.

Why choose WesternU? We have a well-regarded program and offer:

• experienced faculty, many with 15 to 20+ years teaching experience
• many faculty who hold doctoral-level degrees and/or who are APTA-board-certified clinical specialists.
• small class/lab size with high faculty-to-student ratios.
• good integration of clinical experiences every two trimesters within the didactic curriculum to allow for immediate application of knowledge and skills.
• opportunity for advanced-knowledge or clinical electives with core faculty, many of whom hold leadership positions at local and state levels.
  
• long humanistic tradition of treating patients as people first; treating students as colleagues; and fostering camaraderie among students.
• outstanding student support services including tutoring and disability resources.
• lab assistants who are either DPT faculty or working clinicians with expertise in lab course content.
• diverse student body and rich array of student club and volunteer opportunities including community service in Mexico.
• a small, private, health-focused graduate institution that fosters interprofessional learning with other health professions.
• Southern California location with tremendous clinical training opportunities as well as access to major cultural and recreational resources.
• a record of DPT graduates who are in high demand and who enjoy a lifelong connection with the university.

For more information, please join us for an information session,
complete the information request form or contact us.

Meet some of our DPT-Entry students, faculty and alumni and read their candid thoughts about their experiences at WesternU. Move your mouse over each picture to read more about that individual.

Patty Lepe DPT, Class of 2010	Georgeanne Vlad, PT, MA Associate Chair, Department of Physical Therapy, Director of Clinical Education & Associate Professor	Danielle Newton, DPT DPT, Class of 2006
I am involved with the Physical Therapy Awareness Club, PHC and PMARC. Volunteering to do any sort of community service for these clubs has greatly enhanced my ability to explain to non students what the profession that I'm going into is about and it also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can share my knowledge to others that are willing to listen. Best Advice: Look beyond the lack of a large, green campus quad or other traits of the typical college landscape, and recognize the uniqueness of an all graduate, all healthcare related university with its many opportunities for collaboration and involvement with students and faculty sharing common interests and knowledge. Courses Taught: PT 5000 Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare PT 5230 Medical Screening and Systems Review I, guest lecturer for “Oncology Differential Diagnosis and Rehabilitation” PT 5210 Evaluation and Treatment of Lower Quarter Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, guest instructor for “Ergonomics” PT 5141 Clinical Education and Professional Development I PT 5142 Clinical Education and Professional Development II PT 5143 Clinical Education and Professional Development III PT 7010 Clinical Education I primary coordinator PT 7020 Clinical Education II, primary coordinator PT 7030 Clinical Internship I, primary coordinator PT 7040 Clinical Internship II, primary coordinator Research Interests: Oncology Clinical Education Communication Ethics E-mail me "I chose WesternU because as a PT aide I had the opportunity to work with a graduate of WesternU's PT   program who was well respected by other therapists and patients for his skill, knowledge, and humanistic approach to therapy."