Good Colleges for Physical Therapy

University of Pittsburgh

• Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a public research university in the southeastern Pennsylvania city of Pittsburgh. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report ranked Pittsburgh’s graduate physical therapy programs as second in the nation. The university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is part of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. A three-year program, the physical therapy doctoral curriculum requires studies to complete clinical experiences and an internship in the field, and gain exposure to several specialties, including geriatrics, sports medicine and orthopedics. Courses include kinesiology, musculoskeletal physical therapy and patient management. The school additionally offers a Master of Science program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

  University of Pittsburgh

  4020 Forbes Tower

  Pittsburgh, PA 15260

  412-383-6558

  pitt.edu

University of Southern California

• The University of Southern California’s Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy hosts a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Established in 1998, the program has since become U.S. News & World Report's top-ranked graduate program in physical therapy. The program’s curriculum is distinct in that it emphasizes research along with education, practice and leadership. USC’s three-year physical therapy doctoral program includes courses such as clinical imaging, neuroanatomy and therapeutic exercise. Students spend the third year in clinical practice and completing a semester-long internship.

  University of Southern California

  1540 Alcazar St.

  Los Angeles, CA 90089

  323-442-2900

  usc.edu

Washington University in St. Louis

• Washington University in St. Louis’ physical therapy program is part of the university’s School of Medicine. Ranked as the second best in the country (along with the University of Pittsburgh) by U.S. News & World Report, Washington’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program takes three years to complete. The curriculum features courses such as neuroscience, orthopaedic medicine and exercise physiology, in addition to two required summer terms of clinical experience. Faculty members at the School of Medicine lead dynamic research in musculoskeletal analysis, posture and movement and in translational physiology, in addition to several other areas of research.

  Washington University in St. Louis

  4444 Forest Park Blvd.

  St. Louis, MO 63108

  314-286-1400

  wustl.edu