Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
About the Program
The DPT curriculum is a three year full-time commitment. We do not offer a part-time option.
Most classes are offered during normal business hours Monday-Friday, with some classes beginning a little earlier in the morning or running a little later in the evening. Instruction tends to be lighter on Fridays. We make every effort to schedule classes in a way that is respectful of your time, avoiding large gaps between classes. However, students are encouraged to use time outside of class to study in small groups and practice practical skills, and many students spend significant time on campus. Students have 24/7 access to the main DPT labs.
Each new cohort begins coursework in the Summer semester, at the end of May. Graduates complete their coursework in the Spring semester three years later, mid-May.
No. Our curriculum is carefully designed to move students systematically through content.
Students are required to complete a scholarly doctoral project as part of the curriculum. Students may also volunteer with a faculty member to assist with research in their laboratory.
Please see the university's immunization requirements page for more information. Clinical sites may have additional requirements.
Travel is not a requirement of the DPT program. However, most students do commute some distance or temporarily relocate to complete internships that will provide the best experience possible for their educational goals. Students should be prepared for this possibility and expense. Students have some flexibility and input in selecting locations and in many cases are able to arrange to stay with friends or family.
In many cases, yes! Some students save on living expenses by doing an internship where they can live with family. Other students have a specific clinic or CI in mind, or just want a new experience. Whatever the goal, we do our best to help you achieve it.
Our Director of Clinical Education (DCE) works collaboratively with our students to assign placements that align with the students' goals and preferences. While final decisions rest with the DCE, our students consistently report high levels of satisfaction with the assignment process.
We host two in-person information sessions. Dates will be announced on the Prospective Students page when announced.
In both sessions you will hear from program leadership, meet some of our faculty, and most importantly, hear from our current students.
- Spring Info Session - For prospective applicants, this session provides a program overview, a breakdown of the admission requirements and application process, and tips from the admissions experts.
- Fall Open House - Geared towards current applicants but open to all, this session provides a deeper dive into the program, DPT life, and all the reasons you should choose SDSU, plus a peek inside our spaces.
We like to get personal! Reach out to [email protected] with any questions and our Program Coordinator will work with you 1:1. Virtual and in-person meetings are also available.
Prospective students seeking a truly immersive experience are invited to observe a class. Get in touch for details.
Financial Information
SDSU is among the most affordable programs in California and nationwide, and provides significant savings over most private institutions. Offering high quality education in a premium location, SDSU is a smart financial choice, especially for CA residents. See Tuition and Other DPT Student Financial Facts for details.
Yes! All students are encouraged to file a FAFSA to determine eligibility for tuition assistance.
SDSU DPT students specifically are eligible, based on need, for grant-funded financial support.
Scholarship opportunities and low-interest loans are also available to those who qualify. Please see the Financial Support for Graduate Students page for more information, and contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office with questions.
It is not recommended. This is a full-time, academically rigorous program.
Not for graduate students. The university has some affiliated off-campus housing available. Apartment communities are readily available in surrounding neighborhoods, many along the MTS Trolley green line which stops at SDSU.
100% of our students find employment within six months of licensure. The median annual wage for physical therapists in California was $123,300 in May 2024 (US Bureau of Labor and Statistics).
Admissions
The average overall and prerequisite GPA for our program is around 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. While important, your GPA is only one factor considered for admission. We encourage all applicants who meet the minimum (3.0) and are passionate about pursuing a physical therapy career to apply.
You are not alone, and, depending on your unique situation, you do have some options:
- Retake prerequisite courses to replace lower grades with As. Both grades will factor into your cumulative GPA, but we will only use your higher grade for your prerequisite GPA. Community college classes are perfectly acceptable, as long as they are completed in person.
- Pursue a Master's Degree in a related field before applying. While not required for admission, the degree offers both a competitive advantage and a clean slate to demonstrate academic performance.
- Tell your story. What factors impacted your educational journey? Providing some context to accompany your transcript can help reviewers get a more complete picture of you.
We accept 38-40 students once a year.
No.
Yes, it's a good idea to apply early in both PTCAS and Cal State Apply.
Transcript verification takes time in PTCAS, and applications can be returned to students several times before being accepted. All applications received by the deadline will be considered, but applications verified by the deadline will be reviewed first.
Cal State Apply only requires basic information - no letters of recommendation, personal statements, experiences, or other supplemental materials. Early submission helps us ensure we get our decisions out to you as quickly as possible.
SDSU is part of the California State University system that primarily serves the people of California. However, this does not imply that California residents receive automatic acceptance. Admission is competitive and ALL completed applications are considered. There are no guaranteed pathways to admission for CA residents or SDSU students.
Up to two prerequisite courses (excluding Anatomy & Physiology) may be in progress at the time of application (PTCAS deadline of October 1). Both courses must be completed by December. Applicants with all prerequisite courses completed may be more competitive.
You may complete missing prerequisites at any accredited college or university, including community colleges. In-person classes are highly preferred and in-person labs are required. At-home test kits do not qualify as in person labs.
Yes. If your institution gave you credit for a prerequisite course based on your AP score, we will accept it as completed. Students may choose to complete the course for a letter grade to boost their prerequisite GPA if desired.
All interested persons are encouraged to apply to our program. We value life experience in physical therapy applicants.
Anatomy & Physiology courses and the GRE must be retaken if older than 5 years. All other coursework is acceptable. Applicants may choose to refresh their knowledge in other areas to increase preparedness for the program.
We will use the highest combined Q/V score earned at one testing session, and the highest Analytical Writing score overall.
No. Only hours spent observing under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist will be counted toward the hours required for admissions.
However, all experience is good experience and should be represented on your resume/CV.
Instructions for submitting confidential letters of recommendation will be sent to your references when you enter their contact information in PTCAS. We do not accept letters submitted by applicants.
October 1 - December 1
- Applicants complete the Cal State Apply application (the earlier the better!)
- Admissions Committee reviews PTCAS applications and makes decisions
December
- Program Coordinator verifies completion of your Cal State Apply application and sends admission and waitlist recommendations to Graduate Admissions for processing
- All applicants are notified of the program decision via email before winter break
January
- Graduate Admissions processes program admission recommendations
- Applicants receive official University admission letter
- Accepted and waitlisted students must accept or decline their offer by the program deadline
Contact Us
SDSU Physical Therapy
San Diego, CA, 92182-7251