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.

Mary Eimers DPT, Class of 2009	Victoria Graham, PT, DPT, OCS Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education	Cortland Witherspoon, DPT DPT, Class of 2006
Most memorable clinical experience: During an inpatient rotation, I worked with a patient who was unable to speak, contracted MRSA, bronchitis, had a total hip replacement and a total knee replacement in addition to a femur fracture all on the same leg. It was extremely difficult for him to transfer and continuing his desire to live. I realized that physical therapy was so much more than just joint mobilizations and transfer training, but an art of patient compassion and understanding. WesternU distinctive: The opportunity to work with cadavers gives us the advantage of working hand-on with anatomy and really aids in the learning experience. Small class sizes allows for an intimate environment. About the university: Western University offers an intimate learning setting for future physical therapists. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, faculty are engaged in research and clinical practice. Students will find mentoring opportunities in clinical practice and research, as well as close interaction with faculty and staff. Courses Taught: PT 5050/5055 – Kinesiology I and II PT 6010 – Evaluation and treatment of Neurological dysfunction Lab assistant in PT 5205, 5210, 6011 Research Interests: Motor learning Vestibular and balance dysfunction E-mail me WesternU has a reputation of putting knowledgeable, well prepared students out on clinicals, and has a high passing rate on board exams, which gives WesternU students a great advantage over many other students. I chose Western University because it is a small campus with a friendly atmosphere and has a good reputation of PT students passing the state licensure boards.