Physical Therapy Degree

The physical therapy program at Samuel Merritt University prepares students for a career as a physical therapist, consultant, educator, administrator, and clinical scholar. The program focuses on alleviating physical and functional impairments and limitations caused by injury or disease through the design and implementation of therapeutic interventions to promote fitness and health. Program courses include: anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathological physiology, physical growth process, physical therapy modalities, rehabilitation psychology, physical therapy administration, and professional standards and ethics. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer physical therapy degrees.

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Samuel Merritt University

28000 Marguerite Pky, Mission Viejo, CA

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) was founded in 1909 in Oakland, California, as a hospital school of nursing. Offering undergraduate courses in nursing, and graduate programs in nursing, occupational therapy, podiatric medicine, physical therapy and physical assistant, the college is located on the campus of the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland.

Pre-nursing training via partnership programs are available at four San Francisco Bay area schools including Saint Mary’s College of California. Students successfully meeting graduating and performance criteria at these colleges are guaranteed admission to the B.S.N. program at SMU.

The mission of the SMU School of Nursing is commitment to educational innovation in theory and practice in order to empower future nursing leaders who will work to improve nursing practice and the health of diverse populations. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Cost per credit for in-state and out-of-state students is $1,118, which puts this private school far above the average among all nursing schools in terms of affordability. Credit requirements vary between 36 and 58 credits. Financial aid is available for students who qualify, as are scholarships for eligible students.

State-of-the-art facilities include a Health Sciences Simulation Center that provides a virtual environment where risk-free learning in facilitated.

Career services are provided to graduating students in the form of résumé writing, job searches and interviewing tools. Additionally, a partnership with AfterCollege, Inc. provides an avenue for jobs and internships. An ongoing project in collaboration with Interview Stream will allow students to attend mock interviews in preparation for a career in health care.

Students Enrolled in the Physical Therapy Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Samuel Merritt University offers a doctorate degree program in physical therapy.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Physical Therapists

Description

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, physical therapists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 34.0% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).