Improve lives by reducing pain and increasing mobility.

Physical Therapists are movement experts who promote functional recovery, optimize physical performance, and enhance quality of life. Our unique education and licensure allow us to evaluate, diagnose, and treat people with movement dysfunctions that result from pain, weakness, or underlying pathology.

Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

For more information, visit the American Physical Therapy Association and Move Forward.

Although many physical therapists practice in hospitals, more than 80 percent practice in:

  • Outpatient clinics or offices
  • Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
  • Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
  • Homes
  • Education or research centers
  • Schools
  • Hospices
  • Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments
  • Fitness centers and sports training facilities

(American Physical Therapy Association. Retrieved March 22, 2016 from http://www.apta.org/AboutPTs/)

25-month accelerated program

30 weeks of full-time clinical education

Clinical experience in your first term

Supporting

  • Preparing practice-ready physical therapists since 1985.
  • Average of eight scholarly works produced annually by students with faculty mentorship.
  • Four scholarships exclusively awarded to Pacific DPT students annually.

Teaching

  • Teaching is the top priority of our faculty through the translation of research for practical application.
  • 24 dedicated faculty, 230 combined years of teaching experience, representing eight clinical specialties and sub-specialties.

Networking

  • Networking activities through Pacific Physical Therapy Alumni Association.
Why choose PT at Pacific?

Choosing a university for your doctor of physical therapy (DPT) education is one of the most important and significant financial investments you’ll make in your life. At Pacific, we take the issue of cost seriously. Compared to other DPT programs located in California, the cost of tuition at Pacific ranks in the 88 percentile. Our location and concise program provides cost-savings advantages that add value to your DPT education.

PT students working with child in clinic

Parkinson’s Community Clinic

Student-centered

  • Small class size (36) and faculty to student ratio 1:8.
  • Faculty and staff help students chart a course for success beginning with the application process, through graduation and licensure preparation.
  • Students have an active role in shaping their educational experience through student-run leadership and extra-curricular activities.

Applicant support

  • Two full-time staff available Monday-Friday to answer questions and concerns.
  • Monthly tours available.
  • Personal interviews: We want to get to know you, not just your academic rating. Our goal is to assemble a diverse class of students who will thrive in an environment where we integrate a solid scientific base with clinical sciences, professionalism, clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassion to foster the development of exceptional clinicians.

  • Students practice with modern clinical technology in state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Teaching techniques enhance learning and retention such as full-body, dissection-based anatomy with use of cadavers in subsequent courses.
  • Curriculum is integrated with APTA and legislative activities to promote comprehensive professional development.
  • Explore beyond the classroom in structured service-learning opportunities in Northern California and Latin America.
  • Solidify theoretical learning through clinical practice beginning in first trimester.
  • Gain clinical confidence in on-campus pro bono physical therapy training clinic.
  • Complete the journey to professional competence through 30 weeks of full-time clinical experience in five different settings, with choices in over 350 sites nationwide.
  • Program-supported licensure preparation course in final trimester.
     

The mission of Pacific's physical therapy program is to prepare lifelong learners who are skilled, reflective, autonomous practitioners. The program is committed to furthering the body of knowledge of physical therapy and providing leadership within the profession advocating for optimal health, wellness and performance for all members of society. We accomplish this through a concise program of study emphasizing evidence-based reasoning and creative skills grounded in the basic and clinical sciences. Our academic program is enhanced by a wide variety of innovative clinical experiences and involvement in professional societies.

Students in Pacific's Doctor of Physical Therapy program learn skills & techniques necessary for:

  • Examining and evaluating patients with health-related conditions, impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in order to determine a diagnosis toward which the physical therapy intervention will be directed
  • Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions
  • Preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability, including promoting and maintaining fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations
  • Engaging in consultation, education, and research.

Student Outcomes

(2-Year Average for 2022 and 2023 Graduates)

PT students and professor
Pre-Physical Therapy
Advantage Program

The purpose of the Pre-Physical Therapy Advantage Program is to provide priority consideration in the admissions process for qualified undergraduates who completed their bachelor’s degree at University of the Pacific. By meeting all program requirements, students in the Pre-PT Advantage Program have the opportunity for priority admission to the DPT program.

  • Requirements for Pre-PT Advantage Program Admission
    • Sophomore standing and at least 3 semesters remaining at Pacific
  • Requirements for the Pre-PT Advantage Program Benefit
    • 3.2 cumulative college grade point average or greater upon graduation from Pacific with a bachelor’s degree
    • 4.0 GRE analytical writing score
    • 100 hours of verified clinical observation experience (including 25 hours of acute care hospital observation experience)
    • Successful completion of a DPT admissions interview
    • Satisfactory completion of all prerequisite courses

For more information contact the Department of Physical Therapy at PTAdmissions@pacific.edu

 

PT Admissions

Read our Admissions information for everything you need to know about prerequisites, how to apply, and more.

PT student working with child in clinic

Pacific’s PT faculty are at the top of their field and are here to guide you.

PT student working with child in clinic
Partner with us

The University of the Pacific is dedicated to providing quality clinical education throughout the physical therapy program. The academic faculty values the essential partnerships with clinical educational faculty in creating quality clinical education experiences.

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See what students, alumni and faculty are up to, plus stay up to date on the latest Pacific physical therapy news.

Read about the service-learning experiences of our DPT students at the Beyond Pacific blog.

physical therapy student in clinic with patient

Fully-Accredited

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of the Pacific is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085

Telephone: 703.706.3245

Email: accreditation@apta.org 

Website: capteonline.org

If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 209.946.2886 or email physicaltherapy@pacific.edu

Complaints may be filed with CAPTE here.

 

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We take a hands on approach with our students. This means we want to get to know you throughout your discovery and application process. Help us connect with you by taking the next step. 

Non-Discrimination Disclosure

The Program is an equal opportunity institution of higher learning and is firmly committed to nondiscrimination in its delivery of educational services and employment practices. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, such decisions will be made irrespective of the individual's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any other status protected by law. For further information, please see the University’s policy.

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Physical Therapy

3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211

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