We're glad you're thinking of pursuing your doctorate in physical therapy. West Coast University's DPT program is designed to give you the support you need as you prepare for a rewarding career as a physical therapist. 

Our 133-credit program is designed to be completed in 36 months. You???ll have the opportunity to study at our Center for Graduate Studies in the heart of Los Angeles, alongside students in a myriad of healthcare disciplines. 

Our Admissions Requirements:

1. Have obtained a bachelor's degree and specific prerequisite courses from a regionally accredited institution

2. Applicants must have achieved a minimum 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the last 60 semester units at the undergraduate level, and a minimum     3.0 GPA in program prerequisite courses.

3. Required prerequisite courses:

• One (1) course in Statistics (three semester credit hours).
• One (1) course in Human Anatomy (four semester credit hours including a lab, for science majors).
• One (1) course in Human physiology (four semester credit hours including a lab, for science majors).
• Two (2) courses in Physics (four semester credit hours each including labs, for science majors).
• Two (2) courses in Chemistry (four semester credit hours each including labs, for science majors).
• One (1) course in biology (at least three semester credit hours).
• Six semester credit hours in the behavioral sciences (Life span development is one of the preferred courses).

4. Applicants must take the GRE (institutional code: 4358), the CASPer assessment, and the Snapshot video.

5. Applicants must provide signed proof of having achieved 40 hours of clinical observation in a clinical setting submitted through PTCAS under Observation Hours.

6. Applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member and one from a physical therapist).

7. Applicants must complete the interview process, in order to continue being considered.

8. Submit a WCU Supplemental Application through https://westcoastuniversity.edu/get-started/application-for-admission. 

Additional Requirement:

One (1) course in Medical Terminology (certificate acceptable as well) - this is a requirement based upon acceptance into the program, not a prerequisite.

You can find program information and prerequisites listed in our online catalog: 

Admissions Requirement FAQs

Can I take a combined Anatomy & Physiology Course?
 

Yes. However, your combination course must meet certain requirements: 

• Complete a total of 8 semester units, including labs
• Earn a grade of C or better
• Courses should be completed within the last ten years
• Courses must have been delivered through a regionally accredited college or university

What if my prerequisite GPA is below a 3.0?

Prerequisite courses are allowed to be retaken and the highest grade earned will be used for the GPA calculation. This means you can retake courses to achieve a better GPA. 

Note that all coursework must be completed and verified before the deadline and the minimum GPA requirement must be met to be considered for the program.

What if the last 60 semester unit GPA of my undergraduate degree is under 3.0?

Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 in the last 60 semester units of their undergraduate degree are ineligible for admission. Post-baccalaureate coursework is not considered when calculating this GPA.

Can I have pending coursework when I apply?

Yes, but coursework and all other requirements must be completed and submitted by the deadline. Coursework must be verified by PTCAS by the deadline in order to be reviewed and accepted
 

Do I need to submit transcripts to WCU as well as PTCAS? 

No. You only need to submit to PTCAS. 

Do I need to pay PTCAS & WCU?

Yes, the PTCAS fee and our application fee are separate fees.

Do you accept coursework, transcripts, references, hours, undergraduate degree to be submitted after the deadline?

No, our deadlines are firm. If you have not completed prerequisites or gathered your application materials, consider applying for next year's start date. 

When does the program start?

Fall of each year. 

How do I know my application status?

Our admissions team would be happy to update you on your application status. Please click here to email the admissions department and include your PTCAS ID.

What is the allowed timeframe for prerequisite courses?

All required prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of a C or better, meet our semester unit requirements, be completed within the last ten years, and through a regionally accredited college or university.

What is a CASPer test and is it required for admission?

All applicants are required to complete Altus Suite as part of their application. Altus Suite - admissions assessments of non-cognitive skills. To complete Altus Suite visit TakeAltus.com to create an account and complete the following assessments and submit them prior to the PTCAS application closing deadline:

• Casper: 60-90 minute online, open-response situational judgment test (SJT)
• Snapshot: 10-minute one-way video interview with standardized questions

For questions about admissions, please email us at CGSGradAdmissions@westcoastuniversity.edu.

Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify. 

WCU provides career guidance and assistance, but cannot guarantee employment. 

West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College of University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402 Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748- 9001/ https://www.wscuc.org/

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, the University has moved some of the on-ground courses into a distance education modality. However, as soon as the COVID-19 circumstances change, students will be expected to return on campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as approved by WSCUC and outlined in the university catalog.
 

Privacy Policy