UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2024-2025

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to: (1) prepare competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence-based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing healthcare environment, (2) cultivate a faculty committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring, scholarship and research, clinical expertise, and service to the University and community, and (3) develop clinical partnerships and professional alliances that improve our ability to promote the health, well-being and quality of life for local and global communities.

About the Department

The Department of Physical Therapy provides nationally accredited doctorate level education in physical therapy with a commitment to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusiveness supportive of all individuals and groups, and with a pledge to sustainability practices for the health of all people and the planet.

Academic Advisement

All students in the program must have advisement in order to enroll. Group advisement sessions are held regularly for students who are interested in applying for entrance into the program. The advisement schedule is available on the department website. Inquiries also can be directed to the department by email. All full-time faculty members serve as academic advisors and may be contacted following attendance at a group advisement first (see the department website for faculty advisor).

Careers

The physical therapy profession contributes to the health needs of society. It focuses on preventative health as well as recovery for individuals experiencing decreased function related to the neuromusculoskeletal, pulmonary, integumentary or cardiovascular systems. Using methods of evaluating all systems and application of a wide variety of skilled therapeutic procedures, physical therapists help improve, restore and maintain the health of these systems in a comprehensive approach to overall wellness of individuals and populations.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) as an entry-level PT program for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree through the year 2026.

Clubs and Societies

The CSUN PT Club is an active student organization involving current DPT students of all cohorts within the department. The primary goal of the CSUN PT Club is to connect enrolled DPT students to the profession by engaging in community, educational, professional and social activities. The club organizes educational sessions related to current and advanced topics in physical therapy, and it arranges social and outreach events to connect current DPT students to communities within the greater Los Angeles area. Participation in the club allows CSUN DPT students to refine their personal and social interaction skills and develop leadership and professional skills that are essential to advancing their career and the profession of physical therapy.

Notice

All new admissions are for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree only with a deadline of October 1.

Contact

Department of Physical Therapy
Chair: Aimie Kachingwe
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 1537
(818) 677-2203