Physical Therapy — D.P.T. (Postprofessional)

Program director
Everett B. Lohmann III

The postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PP-D.P.T.) degree is designed for the individual with a degree in physical therapy who wishes to pursue advanced studies within the profession. 

Two tracks lead to the postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree:

• The 66-unit track is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from an accredited program, or who have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in physical therapy.
• The 45-unit track is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from an accredited program, or who have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in physical therapy, and have earned a master's degree.

Technology requirement

Students are required to have an iPad for the courses in the orthopaedic and neurology tracks, as well as for testing activities in all courses. It is highly recommended that students have access to a personal computer (minimum: 800 MHz multimedia) with Internet access (minimum: 56 k.b.p.s. [connected at 44+ k.b.p.s.]). A $65 technology fee is charged in year one for the 45-unit track, and years one and two for the 66-unit track.

Program learning outcomes

In addition to the stated institutional learning outcomes, by the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to discovery.
2. Apply basic sciences to physical therapy practice.
3. Provide advanced patient-specific physical therapy care.
4. Select best practice and examination techniques based on scientific evidence.

Admission is based on a selective process.  In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

• Must have earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from an accredited program or have the equivalent of a four (4) year U.S. bachelor's degree in physical therapy.
• Must have earned a master's degree (45-unit track only).
• Upon evaluation of transcripts, additional corequisites may be required, and sequencing of courses may be modified.

There is no GRE requirement for acceptance into this program.

45-unit track

¹

Fulfills service learning requirement

Normal time to complete the program

One (1) year (four [4] academic quarters) — based on full-time enrollment

66-unit track

¹

Fulfills service learning requirement

Normal time to complete the program

1.5 years (six [6] academic quarters) — based on full-time enrollment