How to Become a Physical Therapist in California: Degrees, Licensing, and PT Career Steps

Wondering how to become a physical therapist in California? Whether you’re drawn to helping others recover from injury or inspired by the science of movement, physical therapy offers a rewarding, people-centered career. In a state like California—home to major hospitals, elite athletic programs, and diverse communities—PTs play an essential role across every stage of care.

If you’re considering a future in physical therapy, understanding the process upfront can help you move forward with purpose—and a clear view of where you’re headed.

Step 1: Lay the Academic Groundwork for Your PT Journey

The first step toward becoming a licensed physical therapist is completing your bachelor’s degree. Most DPT programs welcome a range of majors, which means you don’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all path. What matters most is building a solid academic foundation—especially in the sciences. Many students find that majors like Kinesiology, Biology, Exercise Science, or Psychology provide a natural fit, connecting personal interests with the kind of knowledge that supports future clinical training.

This is also a time to explore what inspires you about the field. Whether it’s movement science, patient care, or rehabilitation strategies, the classes you take now can shape the kind of physical therapist you’ll become.

Make Your Coursework Count

No matter what you major in, you’ll need to complete a set of prerequisite courses that DPT programs typically require:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology

• General Chemistry

• General Physics

• Statistics

• Psychology

These courses give you the tools to understand how the body works—and how to help it heal. Some programs may ask for additional courses, like medical terminology or upper-division biology, so checking requirements early and staying connected with an academic advisor will keep you on track.

Step 2: Fulfill Observation Hours

Clinical observation is one of the most important early steps for aspiring physical therapists. Most Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in California—and across the country—require between 30 and 50 hours of documented observation. These hours help you understand the pace, challenges, and rewards of working in real-life clinical settings.

You’ll shadow licensed physical therapists as they assess, treat, and support patients across different stages of recovery. This is your chance to witness the day-to-day reality of patient care and start imagining the kind of PT you want to become.

Explore a Variety of Settings and Specialties

To make the most of your observation experience, spend time in more than one clinical environment. Each setting brings its own rhythm and population:

• Outpatient orthopedic clinics

• Inpatient rehabilitation centers

• Acute care hospital units

• Skilled nursing facilities

• Neuro and pediatric clinics

Pro tip: Shadow across different specialties to expand your perspective—orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, and pediatrics each offer unique insight into what physical therapy can do. These hours aren’t just a requirement; they’re a stepping stone to a more informed, confident career path.

Step 3: Apply to an Accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

All aspiring physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. The application process usually runs through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), which simplifies submission across multiple schools. Make sure you meet both academic and clinical prerequisites before applying.

Why Choose SCU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), we offer a faster, flexible, and clinically immersive DPT program designed for the real world.

Our full-time online-hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy degree allows you to balance academic goals with personal and professional responsibilities. Coursework is delivered remotely, and in-person lab intensives take place just six times during your first year at our Whittier, California campus. In the second year, you’ll gain hands-on clinical experience close to home (based on site availability).

Program Highlights:

• Full-time, online-hybrid format completed in just 2 years

• Interactive online coursework with immersive, on-campus lab intensives

• Real-world clinical training near your hometown (subject to site availability)

• Fixed Rate Tuition guarantee, financial aid options, and institutional scholarships

You’ll train with expert faculty and gain access to over 500 clinical sites, from private practices and VA hospitals to Division I athletic departments. Our admissions requirements are clear and student-friendly:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

• • Minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in prerequisites
  • Prerequisite coursework in anatomy, biology, physics, chemistry, statistics, and psychology

• 40 hours of clinical observation

• No GRE required

• No letters of recommendation required

With our fixed tuition model and broad clinical network, we’ve built a DPT program that’s both accessible and powerful.

Step 4: Complete Your DPT Degree with Confidence

Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is a major milestone—and one that demands both academic focus and hands-on learning. Most DPT programs are designed as full-time, three-year experiences that blend classroom knowledge with clinical application.

You’ll move through an integrated curriculum that includes:

• Core sciences like anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology
• Lab-based training in assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and patient mobility
• Supervised clinical internships across a variety of settings

A Holistic Approach to PT Training

The final year of most DPT programs places strong emphasis on clinical rotations. These experiences allow you to apply your skills in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and community health settings. You’ll work directly with patients, gain insight into real-world workflows, and start building the habits of a practicing clinician.

Throughout your program, you’ll also sharpen your communication, decision-making, and collaboration skills—preparing you to be a vital part of any healthcare team once you graduate.

Step 5: Pass the NPTE and Apply for California Licensure

You’re almost there. After finishing your DPT program, the next milestone is earning your license to practice. This step confirms that you’ve got the knowledge, skills, and legal readiness to treat patients in California. It’s a moment that turns your years of hard work into real-world impact.

Understanding the Exams

To become a licensed physical therapist in California, you’ll take two key exams:

• The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) evaluates your clinical reasoning, safety practices, and foundational knowledge.
• The California Law Exam (CLE or JP Exam) ensures you understand the rules, responsibilities, and ethical guidelines specific to California.

Most graduates begin preparing for the NPTE during their final year of school, with support from faculty and review resources.

Submitting Your Licensure Application

Once you’ve passed both exams, you’ll apply through the Physical Therapy Board of California. They’ll ask for:

• Official transcripts showing your DPT degree

• Proof of passing NPTE and CLE scores

• Background check and completed application paperwork

It’s a straightforward process once your exams are behind you.

Maintaining Your License

After becoming licensed, you’ll need to keep your credentials current through continuing education. This includes regular coursework on clinical updates, safety, and ethics, helping you stay sharp and aligned with best practices throughout your career.

With licensure in hand, you’re ready to start treating patients, building your practice, and making a difference in people’s lives—one step at a time.

From Clinics to Courtside: PT Paths in California

Once you’ve earned your DPT and license, the career paths in California are wide open. Physical therapists here work in all kinds of settings—some fast-paced, some more personal, all focused on helping people move better and feel stronger. Whether you’re drawn to clinical care, athletic performance, or supporting older adults, there’s a place for you.

Common PT work settings include:

• Outpatient orthopedic clinics

• Hospitals and trauma centers

• Home health and rehab

• Sports training and performance centers

• Geriatric and long-term care facilities

It’s a field that lets you find your rhythm while making a real impact.

Why California PTs Love What They Do

If you’re wondering about job outlook and salary, here’s some good news: California is one of the highest-paying states for physical therapists, with an average salary around $116,801. And with our aging population and growing focus on preventative care, demand is strong. That means more job options, more flexibility, and more chances to build a career you actually enjoy. Whether you want to stay in one setting or try a few different ones over time, you’ll have the freedom to explore.

Your Next Move Toward a Career in PT

Becoming a licensed PT requires dedication, curiosity, and the right educational path. If you’re wondering how to become a physical therapist in California, the answer starts with a bachelor’s degree, followed by a CAPTE-accredited DPT program, clinical experience, and passing a few key exams. From classroom learning to real-world rotations, every step prepares you for a fulfilling, high-demand career in healthcare.

If you’re ready to join a program that supports your goals with expert faculty, hybrid flexibility, and immersive clinicals, take a look at our admission requirements and apply today. 

FAQs

I’m wondering how to become a physical therapist in California?

You’ll need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, plus a bachelor’s degree with certain science prerequisites.

How long does it take to become a physical therapist in California?

It typically takes about 7 years total—4 for a bachelor’s and 3 for a DPT program, though some programs like ours offer a faster 2-year format.

Do I need clinical hours before applying to a DPT program?

Yes. Most programs require 3050 hours of physical therapy observation, and it helps to shadow in different settings.

Do you require the GRE for admission?

No. We do not require GRE scores as part of your application. At SCU, we focus on the components that truly reflect your readiness for the program—your academic background, prerequisite coursework, personal statement, and observation hours. You can view the full list of admission requirements here.

What is the minimum GPA needed to apply?

We require a minimum 3.0 GPA both overall and in your prerequisite science courses.