Physical Therapy — Ph.D.

Program director
Everett B. Lohman III

The Department of Physical Therapy offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in physical therapy. This research-oriented program for physical therapists emphasizes pain and movement sciences as well as lifestyle health and wellness, preparing graduates for research, teaching, and administration. Successful completion of a comprehensive written examination, written dissertation, and an oral defense of the dissertation are required. The diploma will be awarded upon completion of the curriculum and recommendation by the School of Allied Health Professions in conjunction with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Program description

Designed for the working professional, the Ph.D. in physical therapy resonates with the University's motto, "To make man whole." Physical therapists who are currently practicing or teaching will benefit from a modern, evidence-based curriculum focused on caring for the whole person. Classes are typically held two evenings a week in a traditional (face-to-face), distance-education (online), or blended format to facilitate the balance of work, family, and study. Students may be required to physically come to campus one time during summer quarters of the first and second year for clinical laboratory training and competencies as well as written comprehensive examinations. Aligned closely with our core values, this program provides physical therapy graduates with the skills and experience necessary to pursue careers as researchers and educators.

It is the goal of the program to prepare graduates with:

• Skills to design and conduct novel, original research; provide evidence of an understanding of research design, and the ability to formulate and develop methodologies; collect and reduce data; interpret results; draw defensible conclusions; and effectively disseminate research findings.
• Qualities of lifelong learning and commitment to scholarship following graduation.
• Skills to add to the body of knowledge in physical therapy research literature through publications and presentations.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to conducting research in neurology, orthopaedics, pain science, movement science, or lifestyle health and wellness.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to providing whole-person care.
• Skills to serve as an educator in entry-level, postprofessional, and graduate-level physical therapy programs.
• Ability to demonstrate personal and group leadership skills at institutional, professional, national, and global levels.

Program learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a commitment to discovery.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to the dissemination of knowledge through publications and presentations.
3. Demonstrate a commitment to developing treatment plans that follow current evidence-based and best practice guidelines.

Technology requirement

Students are required to have a personal computer or laptop, speakers, and a webcam with microphone. Additional hardware may be required. Students will need to have adequate software, internet connection, and technology proficiencies to participate in online learning. Please visit the webpage "LLU Libraries" and select "Information for Students" at https://libguides.llu.edu/infoforstudents/software.

Research funding

Each student will be required to conduct one or more research projects in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in physical therapy. Typical costs for student research projects range from $2,500 to $10,000. The physical therapy department will cover the first $2,500 of approved research expenses. The student and/or sponsor will be required to cover research-related expenses over this amount. When necessary, the program director and dissertation chair will assist the student in attempting to secure funding for unmet research expenses. Additional financial support may be awarded by application for seed-grant funding through the SAHP Research Committee.

General requirements

For more information about program requirements and practices for graduate students, visit the academic policies and information section and the general regulations in the School of Allied Health Professions section of this CATALOG. Prospective and current students should also be familiar with the 26 elements for program-specific requirements found on the Ph.D. program's webpage.

In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

• Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Therapy plus a master’s degree, a Masters of Physical Therapy degree, or a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program, or equivalency.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.3 in academic and professional coursework.
• Proof of physical licensure in the U.S. or equivalency in the country of training.

Must also submit:

• At least one example of written work (e.g., personal essay, term paper, publication, master’s thesis or project).
• Curriculum vitae, including work history, formal education, continuing education, licensure and certification, professional organizations, honors, awards, publications, presentations, and grants.
• A formal letter outlining research interests.
• A structured oral interview.
   

Prior master's degree

For students with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy plus a Masters of Physical Therapy (M.P.T.) degree or another appropriate masters degree

Prior Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree

¹

All courses will be focused toward research topic.

²

PTGR 518 Topics in Rehabilitation are courses related to special topics in rehabilitation (e.g., sports medicine, manual therapy, and neurological).

³

Course to be taken twice—each 3-unit registration pertains to the data collection for one of the two required papers or signifies completion of 50% of data collection.

⁴

Fulfills service learning requirement.

⁵

Course available online only.

⁶

Course available online and on campus.

Elective courses

Grouped by focus

Comprehensive Examination

PTGR 599 Comprehensive Examination is designed to establish that the student has a broad understanding of physical therapy, research biostatistics and basic research methodology, education, bioethics, and professionalism. Since education is a component of the comprehensive exam, students are encouraged to select a minimum of 9 units of teaching/education-related courses from Domain 5. The written comprehensive examination will be administered after students have successfully completed the majority of required courses in Domains 1-6. The comprehensive examination will typically occur during the summer quarter of the student’s second year in the Ph.D. in Physical Therapy program.

Noncourse requirement

Advancement to Candidacy
The student may apply for advancement to candidacy after a) passing the comprehensive examination, b) securing support from their research guidance committee, and c) successfully defending their research topic and questions. The candidate’s capacity for original, independent investigation and scholarly achievements must be demonstrated by the presentation and oral defense of an acceptable dissertation in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. The candidate must submit a written dissertation to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The candidate must also submit a minimum of two papers for publication. One paper must be accepted for publication to fulfill program completion requirements.

Normal time to complete the program

Four (4) years (16 academic quarters) — full-time enrollment required