Doctor of Physical Therapy

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a three-year joint program between UC San Francisco 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

About 20 faculty members are affiliated with the program at UCSF and SFSU, plus many more volunteer clinical faculty from the UCSF Medical Center, and other Bay Area clinics.

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.

The DPT program office is located at the Mission Bay campus. Visit the program website for more 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.