WesternU’s Pomona Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a three-year, nine-semester entry-level DPT. Applicants apply through PTCAS and need a bachelor’s degree, the required coursework, minimum overall and prerequisite GPAs of 3.00, and 80 physical therapy observation hours. Selected applicants attend a required Prospective Student Engagement Day. Casper is not required.
- Program
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Credential
- DPT
- Location
- Pomona, California, United States
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- November 1, 2026 (PTCAS application and all application materials)
- Interview
- Interview
- Length
- 3 years (9 semesters)
Casper Requirement for Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy
Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is not required for admission.
Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- PTCAS
- Applications open
- June 16, 2026
| What | When |
|---|---|
| PTCAS application and all application materials | November 1, 2026upcoming |
| Prerequisite coursework completion, latest permitted date | June 15, 2027upcoming |
Submit early to allow time for processing. PTCAS and WesternU must receive all application materials by the deadline; materials received afterward are late and may not be processed.
Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy Admissions Statistics
Period: Class entering August 2025
- Applicants: 464
- Interviewed: 172
- Average GPA: 3.40 overall GPA
- Students enrolled: 56
- Average prerequisite GPA: 3.27
WesternU publishes application, interview, enrollment and GPA figures for its entering class.
Eligibility Requirements for Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy
- Degree / credits
Earn a BA or BS from a regionally accredited college or university by the end of the spring term before matriculation; exceptions to accreditation are considered case by case.
- Citizenship
Qualified U.S. citizens, permanent residents and international students may apply.
Competitive candidates complete prerequisite coursework with strong academic performance. Verify all prerequisites on the official WesternU website.
Other requirements
- Criminal background check: Admission is contingent on a satisfactory check completed before matriculation.
- Foreign coursework evaluation: Applicants using coursework from outside the U.S., including Canada, must have a course-by-course World Education Services evaluation received by PTCAS by the application deadline.
Selection Factors Western University of Health Sciences Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English composition | 3 semester units |
| Psychology | 6 semester units At least one course from a psychology department. |
| General biology with lab | 8 semester units |
| Human anatomy with lab | 4 semester units Human anatomy; seven-year course age limit. |
| Human physiology with lab | 4 semester units Human physiology; seven-year course age limit. |
| General chemistry with lab | 8 semester units Full-year sequence. |
| Physics with lab | 8 semester units Full-year sequence. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
WesternU calculates overall and prerequisite GPAs and excludes repeated coursework after verification, subject to a maximum of five repeated science courses. Prerequisite coursework may be in progress when applying.
- Minimum
- 3.00 overall and 3.00 prerequisite GPA on a 4-point scale at application; each prerequisite requires C or better.
- Competitive
- The published entering class averaged 3.40 overall GPA and 3.27 prerequisite GPA.
Consult the PTCAS directory for WesternU's exact list and grading policies on repeats or in-progress terms.
Admissions tests
- GRE (not required): The published application requirements do not require the GRE.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Complete at least 80 physical therapy clinical observation hours to apply. Ongoing community service is encouraged; no minimum community-service hours are required.
Supplementary application
Submit the PTCAS personal essay, official transcripts and three recommendations: one from a supervising physical therapist, one from a college course instructor, and a third from an eligible physical therapist, instructor, college administrator or community-service coordinator or administrator. Family-member letters are not considered.
How applicants are ranked
WesternU checks applications for eligibility, then reviews completed, qualified files to select Engagement Day invitees. Attendance is required for continued consideration; an invitation does not guarantee admission.
Interview Format at Western University of Health Sciences
Format: Interview
Selected applicants must attend a DPT Prospective Student Engagement Day, in person or over Zoom. It includes structured dialogue with faculty and administrators and a question-and-answer session with current students; it has no scored component or traditional one-on-one interview.
- Who is invited
- Applicants selected after review of completed, qualified applications
- When
- Late fall and early spring
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy
- Program length
- 3 years (9 semesters)
- Structure
Entry-level DPT with a problem-solving approach mirroring PT clinical practice. Integrated didactic phases and clinical rotations; competency-based assessments and hands-on clinical experiences preparing students for licensure.
- Campuses
- Pomona
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to provide students with a didactic and clinical education experience. Curriculum is future focused and responsive to the demands of physical therapy practice, which are evolving. Students study basic sciences, complete specialized courses, and engage in clinical experiences needed to pass the licensure exam.
Campus and facilities
Located in Pomona, California, the campus supports interprofessional health sciences education. DPT students access specialized labs for anatomy, biomechanics, and simulation training. Clinical affiliations provide diverse rotation sites and access to Southern California's clinical networks.
Tuition and Funding at Western University of Health Sciences
- 2026-2027 annual tuition: $53,961
- 2026-2027 estimated first-year tuition and fees, including health insurance: $60,918
Published student-budget figures are estimates, subject to change, and are not a confirmed tuition rate for incoming students.
Western University of Health Sciences's Mission and Values
The Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy program aligns with the university's commitment to patient-centered healthcare. Program culture emphasizes future-focused education responsive to evolving physical therapy demands. You gain exposure to varied learning methods, fostering adaptability in clinical settings.
At WesternU, you will study basic sciences, complete specialized courses, and engage in the clinical experiences you need to pass your licensure exam and become ...
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe an environment that prepares them to pass licensure exams through integrated basic sciences, specialized courses, and clinical experiences. Students report that MMI preparation focuses on concise responses under time pressure. SDN forums note active student discussions on interview experiences, reflecting a collaborative community.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy Application
- Check prerequisite courses, grades and both 3.00 GPA minimums.
- Complete at least 80 physical therapy observation hours.
- Arrange three recommendations with the required referees.
- Submit a complete PTCAS application and all materials by the deadline; submitting early helps avoid delays.
- If invited, prepare for structured dialogue at the required Engagement Day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western University of Health Sciences Physical Therapy
Does WesternU Pomona DPT require Casper?
No. Casper is not required.
What GPA is required?
At least 3.00 overall and 3.00 for prerequisites at application.
What is the interview format?
Selected applicants attend a required, unscored Prospective Student Engagement Day in person or over Zoom; it is not an MMI.
How long is the program?
Three years across nine semesters.
What are the Casper test dates?
There are no required Casper test dates for this program.
Where is the program?
Pomona, California.
Is the GRE required?
The published application requirements do not require the GRE.
How competitive is admission?
WesternU reports 464 applicants, 172 interviewed and 56 enrolled for its published entering class.
Sources
- WesternU 2026-2027 DPT catalog
- WesternU DPT application checklist
- WesternU Start an Application
- WesternU Competitive Class Stats
- WesternU DPT California student budget
Last updated: September 26, 2026