#United States #Whittier #DPT Program #Southern California University #Doctor of Physical Therapy

Southern California University of Health Sciences Achieves Candidacy Status for DPT Program

On December 5, 2025, Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) celebrated a significant achievement in its educational offerings—its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has received Candidate for Accreditation status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This prestigious designation, effective from November 4, 2025, allows SCU to enroll students in professional coursework, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of physical therapy education at the institution.

A Significant Milestone in Physical Therapy Education

The attainment of candidacy status validates the hard work and dedication of the faculty, leadership, and academic teams at SCU, underscoring their commitment to fostering a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes evidence-informed practices and hands-on clinical training. As one of the few universities in the United States focusing rigorously on Integrative and Whole Health education, SCU is on a mission to equip future clinicians with the skills required to address the entire spectrum of human health—encompassing mind, body, and spirit.

Program Highlights:

• - Accelerated Completion: The DPT program is designed for efficiency, enabling students to achieve their Doctorate in as little as 24 months, an attractive option for those eager to enter the workforce quickly.
• - Hybrid Learning Model: The curriculum blends online coursework for flexibility with immersive on-campus labs that ensure students build essential hands-on skills in SCU's advanced facilities.
• - Whole Health Integration: Aligning with its core mission, the curriculum encourages a holistic approach, promoting awareness of lifestyle, emotional, cultural, and environmental factors in patient care.
• - Interprofessional Education: Students will collaborate with peers from various healthcare disciplines, gaining valuable experience in teamwork that mirrors real clinical environments.
• - Practice-Ready Preparation: The faculty, composed of experienced professionals, ensures the curriculum is rich in clinical expertise, preparing graduates for immediate practice.

Remarks from Program Leadership

Craig Ruby, the program director, emphasized the importance of this candidacy status, stating, "Achieving candidacy status is a tremendous milestone for our program and the future of physical therapy education at SCU." His comments highlight the faculty's commitment to creating an innovative and rigorous curriculum aimed at producing skilled clinicians devoted to comprehensive patient care.

What Candidacy Means for Students

Candidacy is an integral step in the development of the DPT program. It signals to current and prospective students that SCU’s DPT program operates at a high standard comparable to accredited programs. Although this status does not guarantee initial accreditation, students enrolled during this period are assured they are qualifying from a program recognized by CAPTE, which places them in a favorable position to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) after graduation.

It is important to note that while candidacy grants some advantages, the ultimate decision on accreditation will follow a multi-year review process, culminating in a full evaluation slated for 2027.

According to the CAPTE guidelines, students will be eligible to take their licensure examination, detailing that state licensing agencies hold the final authority in determining eligibility.

A Legacy of Whole Health Education

Founded in 1911, SCU boasts over a century of challenging healthcare conventions and pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation. The university offers a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs that encompass diverse disciplines such as Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Ayurveda, and Clinical Psychology—reflecting its unique commitment to integrative, whole health education.

As this pioneering DPT program sets to welcome its first cohort under the candidacy status, it promises not only to train competent physical therapists but also to advance the landscape of holistic health within the community. Learn more about this innovative program and SCU’s broader commitment to education and health by visiting scuhs.edu.