The Master's of Physical Therapy (MPT) curriculum is a competency based program designed to prepare entry-level practitioners to become an integral part of the medical rehabilitation team. Successful completion of the degree requirements and clinical internships qualifies one to write the State of California licensing examination to practice as a physical therapist.
The program is within the College of Health and Human Services .
To provide physical therapist students knowledge and skills through the promotion of learning and critical thinking, engagement in the acquisition of new knowledge and contribution to the societal needs of a diverse community while adhering to the evolving professional standards of practice.
To graduate clincal physical therapists who are highly-valued professionals who practice autonomously in a highly diverse community. Graduates will provide care based on scientific evidence and will assume social responsibility, providing pro bono programs to their communities.
The 3-year curriculum begins with foundational science courses, the mastery of which is critical for success in the applied MPT courses the following two years. Clinical experiences include a mid program 6-week summer affiliation, a pro-bono classroom clinic the last academic year of the program and 24 weeks of internship after the last academic year.
Pass rate of student clinical internships required to sit for NPTE examination.
Pass rate of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) required for practice.
The MPT degree at California State University, Long Beach is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Department of Accreditation
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Website: www.apta.org/CAPTE
Click on the DPT link at the bottom of the left column for current action on the proposed mandate for DPT by 2015.
US News + World Report ranks CSULB 4th best University among all public Master's Universities in Western USA!
Alan Nitake, BS PT, 1974, received 1 of 2 CHHS 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Awards. Alan established Gardena Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center 24 years ago and retired in 2008. He has been active in figure skating and sports medicine organizations and has been a physical therapist for the US Figure Skating Team. Alan joins Joanette Alpert and Paul Pursell as recent Distinguished alumni.
Jody Cormack, NCS, DPT is the recipient of the 2009 Community Service Award for faculty of CHHS. She earned this award for her excellent work as Director of Clinical Education, her pro-bono clinic serving patients with neurological disorders and her leadership in promotiing excellence in neurological physical therapy and clinical practice through the APTA.
Joyce Campbell, PhD, PT has been elected as Grand Marshall for Graduation Ceremonies by the faculty of CHHS. Dr. Campbell has attended every graduation since she arrived at CSULB in 1988 and has served in some capacity at all of them. She loves a good graduation as it brings her hope and reminds her that she has the best job in the world.
2009 graduates Jenni Chiu, Laura Kucich and Jen Walsh were elected to the Graduate Dean's List of University Scholars. This award recognizes scholarship, contributions to the community and to the profession. Jenni Chiu received the Kishan Kooner Pediatric Scholarship and Katrina Parsons received the Biomechanics Award.
