FAQs for Hybrid Pathway

General FAQs

Admissions FAQs

Tuition and Financial Aid FAQs

Student Handbook 2024-2025

General

What is the average size of a hybrid pathway cohort of a DPT class?

The average size of a typical entering hybrid cohort of a DPT class is 48 students. The total size of the average entering class (residential and hybrid) is about 145 students.

When does the hybrid pathway begin?

Classes typically begin mid-June of each year.

How long is the hybrid pathway?

Students complete the DPT Program – hybrid pathway in three years (six semesters + three summer terms).

Is the program completely online?

All academic courses have a virtual classroom component. Students have weekly live sessions for each course when they meet with faculty and fellow classmates to build deep knowledge of course material. On their own, students watch videos, review case studies and read course material. All students are required to attend approximately 12 on-campus immersions throughout the course of the program and will spend 44 full-time weeks of the program within a variety of clinical education settings.

Are there full-time and part-time options for the DPT program – hybrid pathway?

No. The only option is the full-time, three-year program.

Can I work while a student in the program?

No. Our faculty highly discourage students from working during the program, as the time commitment for a full-time DPT program is approximately 40 to 60 hours per week.

Are students in the hybrid pathway able to utilize on-campus resources?

Yes. Students in the hybrid pathway have access to the same facilities and campus amenities as students in the residential pathway. However, students in the hybrid pathway are encouraged to reside in the community they hope to practice in upon graduation. All academic coursework can be completed at a distance with the exception of immersions.

Do students in the hybrid pathway have the opportunity to participate in research?

Yes. Students are able to participate in research. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to faculty to explore potential opportunities.

Does the Division provide placement for clinical rotations?

Yes. Our clinical education team assigns students to clinical placements that meet the requirements of the program.

Admissions

What degree do I need to have in order to enroll in the DPT program?

A bachelor’s degree or higher in any field except physical therapy is needed to enroll. It is permissible to apply before the bachelor’s degree is completed, but enrollment in the program will not be allowed until the bachelor’s degree is awarded.

What documentation and forms are required to apply to the hybrid pathway?

In order to apply to the hybrid pathway, you must complete our online application. Access the application here.

To apply to our residential pathway, access the application on the PTCAS website.

View a full list of application requirements.

Are interviews a required part of the application process?

No. Formal interviews are not a required part of the admissions process, but the admissions committee may contact an applicant to clarify questions they have during the application review process.

What is the application deadline?

View a full list of our upcoming application deadlines.

When are decisions made on applications?

Application decisions are typically made on a rolling basis. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

What is the minimum grade point average (GPA) for admission?

The minimum recommended cumulative GPA is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Competitive applicants typically have cumulative GPAs of 3.4 or higher.

What is the minimum GPA for successful completion of the DPT program?

In order to successfully complete and receive a DPT degree from the University of Southern California, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Is volunteer or work experience in physical therapy required in order to apply?

Substantial clinical experience (150 hours) is recommended. The prior experience can be either voluntary or paid (i.e., physical therapy aide) and is intended to expose the applicant to the profession of physical therapy and affirm their desire to pursue a career in the field.

Do all the prerequisite courses need to be completed before applying?

No. Applicants can submit an application including in-progress courses and still be considered for the current admission cycle. However, all prerequisites must be completed prior to entering the program.

Do all prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry and physics need to have a laboratory component?

Yes.

Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits and “pass/no pass” grades in lieu of college-level courses or a letter grade to fulfill science prerequisites?

No. All science courses must have received a letter grade to fulfill prerequisite requirements.

Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?

No. All letter-graded prerequisite coursework is acceptable, no matter when the coursework was completed. However, it is highly recommended that students take refresher courses when needed to be prepared to take full advantage of the curriculum.

Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?

Yes. If you are unable to take prerequisite courses at an accredited four-year college or university, courses taken at an accredited community college are acceptable.

Tuition and Financial Aid

What are the tuition rates for the DPT program?

The tuition rates vary each year. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for the current tuition structure for entering students.

Does the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offer scholarships?

Yes. There are a limited number of competitive, merit-based scholarships awarded to students throughout the three-year program. All incoming students are considered for these awards, and there is no need to submit a formal application. In past years, 10 to 15 incoming students were awarded scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Scholarships are awarded to second- and third-year students based on their meritorious academic and clinical performance.

Does the DPT program give priority or apply different tuition rates to in-state applications?

No. USC is a private university and does not give priority nor apply reduced tuition rates to in-state applications.

Does the Division cover the cost of transportation, lodging and meals for the on-campus immersions?

No. All costs associated with traveling to campus are the responsibility of the student. The student is also responsible for securing lodging in Los Angeles.

To learn more about the hybrid pathway, request information and an admissions counselor will contact you.

Request Information — Hybrid Pathway