The University of Southern California ranked at the top of the 2008 "U.S. News & World Report" list of top physical therapy graduate programs. USC is located in Los Angeles and had a total of 35,000 students enrolled on its campus during the 2009-2010 academic year. Faculty members aim to turn students into scholars and scientists and strive to develop students who will take an innovative approach to rehabilitation in the real-world workplace, according to the school's website.
Admission into the physical therapy doctorate program is extremely competitive. Each year the department receives approximately 700 applicants of which only 95 are chosen. Of the department's faculty, 100 percent of the staff hold a doctorate degree compared to 45 percent of other physical therapy programs nationwide.
University of Southern California
Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155
Los Angeles, CA 90089
323-442-2900
pt.usc.edu
The University of Pittsburgh's campus sits on 132 acres. In 2008 the physical therapy program tied for second place in the rankings of physical therapy schools, according to "U.S News & World Report." The clinical physical therapy program is integrated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and its partner, the Centers for Rehab Services. Placement is offered in all settings including acute care, pediatrics, geriatrics, short- and long-term rehabilitation, sports medicine and orthopedics, as well as many clinical specialties, such as women's health, industrial rehabilitation, comprehensive spine care and facial nerve, balance and vestibular disorders. Past graduates of the physical therapy program have achieved a near-perfect pass rate on licensing exams, according to the school's website.
University of Pittsburgh
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS)
4020 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-383-6558
shrs.pitt.edu
Washington University is a medium-sized, independent university that has two campuses--the Danforth campus and the Medical campus at the west and east ends of Forest Park. The focus of the physical therapy faculty is on the advancement of diagnoses in relation to movement dysfunction. The staff also promotes health and wellness as part of its program. Washington University's physical therapy program, which is located on the Medical campus, tied for second place in the rankings published by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2008. After 60 years in practice, the program has graduated more than 1,500 students.
Washington University in St. Louis
School of Medicine
Campus Block 8502
4444 Forest Park Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108
314-286-1400
pt.wustl.edu