About the Physical Therapy Profession

Physical Therapists play a unique role in society in prevention, wellness, fitness, health promotion, and management of disease and disability by serving as a bridge between health and health services delivery for individuals and populations. 

Professional Physical Therapists are licensed (practitioners, health care providers) who examine, diagnose, prognose and treat movement dysfunction to optimize physical function across the lifespan and across diverse populations. They provide evidence informed care to improve movement, quality of life through individualized exercise prescription, hands on care, and patient informed care. 

The professional scope of physical therapy practice is founded on the basic, clinical, and behavioral sciences. Practice principles are grounded in evidence-informed care and the profession's unique body of practice knowledge (frameworks or guidelines). Professional Physical Therapists constantly evolve in response to innovation, research, collaboration, and changes in societal needs. Physical Therapists must also demonstrate effective interpersonal communication. Insight and sensitivity to the unique needs of diverse populations are essential to effectively maximize the individual's functional potential in society. 

Physical Therapy Education

The Department of Physical Therapy offers an entry-level Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The student completes 3 years of study to complete the DPT degree that includes clinical experiences throughout the curriculum.

The DPT program has been approved by the university and by our regional accreditation body or WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three-year (eight semesters) full-time course of study. Completion of graduate-level course of study leads to the granting of the DPT degree. This new education standard for physical therapy prepares graduates to practice autonomously in preparation for direct access. The DPT is the required degree to become a licensed physical therapist as of 2015. The DPT program focuses on critical thinking strategies that promote effective analysis and interpretation of data in the formulation of treatment alternatives that can achieve predictable functional outcomes in patient management.

Individuals must possess a baccalaureate degree and complete all prerequisite requirements prior to beginning the professional program. Following successful completion of the professional curriculum, the student receives the DPT degree. Completion of a postgraduate internship is required to be eligible to seek a license to practice Physical Therapy in the state of California.

If you are a prospective student, please refer to our Admissions Requirements.  

Click here to view DPT program curriculum matrix

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at California State University, Fresno is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org ; website: http://www.capteonline.org