Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Lectures and interactive labs make up the majority of class time in the first two years with exams and projects interspersed. In the second year and first semester of the third year (when you are not in a clinical education experience) the day is more evenly distributed between lecture and lab. In preparation of taking the licensure exam, most exams are formatted similar to the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

Lecture notes and textbooks are imperative when studying for discussions, quizzes or exams. Chances are you will study with students in your cohort – our students tend to be very close. During clinicals you will be expected to provide evidence-based patient care and increase your knowledge base via self-directed reading and researching of applicable journals.

In alignment with the mission of the department, college and University as well as the core value of altruism, participation in the course PT 8600 Community Service requires 30 hours of community service throughout the program. You are also encouraged to become a member of the Physical Therapy Advocacy Club (PTAC) as well as the national and state professional associations, the American Physical Therapy Association and the California Physical Therapy Association. PTAC provides a variety of activities such as teaching children and families about physical therapy health related issues such as obesity and backpack safety. You also have the opportunity to be involved in community outreach through the Pomona Community Health Action Team (PCHAT).

Clinical education experiences are interspersed throughout the curriculum starting as early as the second semester of the first year. These clinical education experiences may take place at one of more than 300 facilities across the country in a variety of clinical settings. Read more about clinical experiences

For long weekends or during spring and winter breaks, you can go home to see your family, ski, or maybe take a trip to Las Vegas. There are many cultural and recreational things to do when you live in Southern California, so our students try to take advantage of them when they can.