University of Southern California Physical Therapy
- Acceptance Rate
- 11.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.92
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life as a physical therapy student at USC combines demanding academic and clinical schedules with the opportunities of a major research university in one of America's largest cities. The cohort model creates tight-knit communities where students support each other through the program's challenges while forming professional relationships that persist throughout careers. The Division occupies facilities on USC's Health Sciences Campus in East Los Angeles, separate from the main University Park Campus. This location places students among other health professions programs and near Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, one of the nation's busiest teaching hospitals. The Health Sciences Campus has a more focused, professional atmosphere than the larger undergraduate-focused main campus. Housing near the Health Sciences Campus includes apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods of Lincoln Heights, Boyle Heights, and nearby areas. While these neighborhoods offer more affordable options than most of Los Angeles, students should research safety and transportation considerations. Some students live near the University Park Campus or in other LA neighborhoods, commuting to the Health Sciences Campus for classes. Student organizations include the physical therapy student association, which organizes professional development activities, community service projects, and social events. Specialty interest groups connect students interested in specific practice areas like sports, pediatrics, or neurological rehabilitation. Interprofessional education opportunities bring physical therapy students together with medical, nursing, and other health professions students. The demands of the DPT curriculum limit time for activities beyond academics and clinical work. However, USC's broader university community offers cultural events, athletics (USC's Division I sports are legendary), and social opportunities for students who can manage their time effectively. Los Angeles's entertainment, dining, and cultural offerings provide endless possibilities for those with availability.
Location & Surroundings
USC's physical therapy program is based at the Health Sciences Campus in East Los Angeles, approximately five miles northeast of the main University Park Campus. This location places students in a diverse, working-class neighborhood adjacent to major medical facilities including Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center. Los Angeles as a city offers remarkable diversity in population, neighborhoods, climate, and opportunity. The metropolitan area's approximately 13 million residents create a complex urban environment with distinct communities, each with its own character. This diversity provides varied clinical experiences unavailable in smaller cities. Transportation in Los Angeles typically requires a car, though the expanding Metro system serves some useful routes. The Health Sciences Campus is accessible by Metro Gold Line, connecting to Union Station and the broader transit network. Traffic congestion makes commute times unpredictable and substantially impacts quality of life for car-dependent students. Living near campus or along transit lines simplifies daily logistics. Climate in Los Angeles is Mediterranean: warm, dry summers and mild winters with occasional rain. The region rarely experiences temperature extremes, with most days ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit. This climate supports year-round outdoor activity and generally pleasant daily conditions. Air quality can be problematic on some days, particularly during summer and fall when heat and stagnant air trap pollution. Cost of living in Los Angeles ranks among the highest in the United States, primarily due to housing costs. Rent for modest one-bedroom apartments typically exceeds $1,500 monthly, with many areas commanding substantially more. Car ownership adds insurance, fuel, parking, and maintenance costs. Students should budget carefully and consider living situations that reduce costs through roommates or less central locations.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The total cost of the USC DPT program reflects private university tuition plus living expenses in one of America's most expensive cities. Current tuition exceeds $60,000 annually for the three-year program, with total costs including living expenses approaching $100,000 annually. Over three years, students should anticipate total educational costs potentially exceeding $300,000. Financial aid includes federal loans available to graduate students, with most students borrowing substantially to fund their education. Merit scholarships exist but are limited in number and partial in coverage. Graduate assistantships occasionally offset costs through work in research or teaching. Careful financial planning before enrollment is essential given the debt levels involved. Career outcomes for USC DPT graduates justify the investment for those committed to the profession. Employment rates approach 100% within months of graduation, reflecting strong demand for physical therapists nationally. Starting salaries for physical therapists average approximately $75,000-85,000 nationally, with California positions often commanding premiums above $90,000 given higher costs of living. Top employers of USC graduates include major Los Angeles health systems like Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, and Kaiser Permanente; national sports medicine practices; pediatric hospitals and developmental centers; and private practice clinics throughout Southern California. The strong alumni network facilitates placement at preferred employers. Career advancement for physical therapists includes specialization through residency training and board certification in areas like orthopedics, sports, neurology, or pediatrics. Management positions in clinical operations offer advancement without leaving direct patient care. Academic positions at DPT programs combine teaching, research, and clinical practice. USC's emphasis on research prepares graduates for academic career paths. The physical therapy profession's projected growth exceeds 20% over the coming decade, ensuring continued demand for qualified practitioners. While educational debt requires years of repayment, the profession's stability, meaningful work, and solid compensation make physical therapy a sound career investment for those drawn to rehabilitative healthcare.
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