Physical Therapy program ranked best in state

The Department of Physical Therapy at Fresno State was recently ranked the best Physical Therapy program in California, according to Collegestart.org, which measures accredited colleges in the U.S. that offer comparable degree programs.

Fresno State took the top spot, with California State University, Long Beach, San Francisco State University, and California State University, Northridge trailing behind. A total of 10 colleges and universities were included in this ranking.

“I think it is great and well-deserved,” Dr. Peggy Trueblood, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, said of the ranking. “Fresno State has an excellent Physical Therapy program. Compared to other programs in California, we are the most economic offering the lowest tuition in the state. We are truly the best value for your money when you consider many factors.”

The Department of Physical Therapy offers many hands-on clinical opportunities for the nearly 96 doctoral students enrolled in the program. With the emergence of the new Physical Therapy and Intercollegiate Athletics building on campus last fall, students have the added benefit of working in state-of-the-art labs and with newer equipment.

“We were recently commended by our accreditation organization for our strong curriculum, quality of faculty, students, and leadership,” Trueblood said. “We were also applauded for preparing students to meet the current vision of the profession that ‘optimizing movement to improve the human experience’.”

Quality and affordability are key factors in how collegestart.org designs their college rankings.

Although the Physical Therapy program at Fresno State is one of the more costly programs on campus, it is considered one of the most cost-effective in the state, with students paying $65,000 in tuition for the three-year program.

Trueblood said these factors will be beneficial when it comes to advancing the Physical Therapy program and attracting future students.

“Faculty and students in the program are recognized for their quality research in the field,” Trueblood said. “Our advanced education program and on-campus clinical programs serve as a model for leadership and expertise in best practices in health care.”