College of Health and Human Services
School of Physical Therapy Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, The Doctor of Physical Therapy’s mission is to advance the health and function of the people of California and the global community by generating new knowledge and preparing physical therapists for general practice who are experts in the human movement system. Our vision is to become recognized as a regional and national leader in physical therapy education, research, and service to the profession and community. In light of recent Federal Government decisions to cap unsubsidized loans for physical therapy students and eliminate the Graduate PLUS loan, your contributions help enhance the number of student scholarships and student organization opportunities to help them pursue their education and become the next generation of physical therapists, especially with an impending shortage of physical therapists nationwide. On behalf of the School of Physical Therapy, I appreciate your support. Your support also helps provide our faculty with opportunities to pursue cutting-edge research to better improve the health of the San Diego region and the nation.
Mitchell J. Rauh, P.T., Ph.D., M.P.H., FACSM Professor and Director, School of Physical Therapy
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Carlo Jacobson, Class of 2028 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Health and Human Services Major: Doctor of Physical Therapy I was born and raised in Carpinteria, CA, which is a small beach town near Santa Barbara. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Molecular Environmental Biology in 2024. My interest in physical therapy started with seeing the athletes I loved get injured and wondering how they got back to playing condition. My interest further intensified when I was an injured athlete in high school going through the physical therapy process myself. After working in clinics during my undergraduate years, I was completely sold that this profession was the one for me. I’ve had such an amazing time at SDSU so far that I’ve decided to give back by serving as our DPT Student Association’s President for the 2026-27 school year. SDSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has given me everything I could have ever wanted out of my graduate education and then some. The atmosphere here at SDSU’s DPT program is extremely supportive, and everyone wants you to succeed. The faculty are all excellent instructors, and our smaller cohort size enables them to really get to know you as more than just a student. I’ve found friends for life here, and we genuinely feel like family.
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The atmosphere here at SDSU’s DPT program is extremely supportive, and everyone wants you to succeed.
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Student Spotlight
Sara Winerman, Class of 2027 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Health and Human Services Major: Doctor of Physical Therapy Throughout my time at San Diego State University, I have always been a proud student of the College of Health and Human Services, first earning my B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy in May 2023, and now continuing my journey in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. During my time in this program, I have found my lifelong friends, further explored new clinical settings and areas of interest, and discovered my passion for learning and service through my roles as a Graduate Assistant for our Clinical Anatomy courses and as a board member for our pro bono clinic, Adapted Sports Physical Therapy. I also helped launch the new Interdisciplinary Education program as a member of the pilot series. This program has not only provided me with the knowledge, clinical skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in the field but has also brought together a community of passionate students and faculty who have continuously supported, challenged, and inspired me over the years. I will always value the experiences, mentorship, and friendships that have shaped my time in SDSU’s DPT program.
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During my time in [the DPT] program, I have found my lifelong friends, further explored new clinical settings and areas of interest, and discovered my passion for learning and service ...
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Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Current Rankings SDSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program ranked No. 48 nationwide out of 278 accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Statistics of Interest The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program awarded 40 degrees in 2026. Over the last five years, the program achieved a 99.3% graduation rate, a 93.4% first-time licensure pass rate, and a 100% ultimate licensure pass rate. Graduates also scored in the top third nationally on the licensure exam and reached a 100% employment rate within six months of licensure. Program No. 1 in California for DPT cumulative student-hours in community service. Recent Highlights Completed a 2-year process of revising our DPT curriculum. A key feature of the revised curriculum was an increased focus on developing professional skills (e.g., patient communication skills). Joined PTCAS for the admissions supplemental application process. While application numbers decreased for many DPT programs nationwide, the number of applications to our program increased for AY 2026-27. For the incoming Class of 2029, the average overall and prerequisite GPAs were 3.80, indicating a very strong academically class. The class is also very diverse and strong in many holistic/well-rounded traits.
Highly Ranked
Doctor of Physical Therapy ranks No. 48 nationwide among 278 accredited DPT programs.
DPT Outcomes
Over the last five years, the program achieved a 99.3% graduation rate, a 93.4% first-time licensure pass rate, and a 100% ultimate licensure pass rate.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Gail Bachman, PT, DPT, NCS Title: Director of Clinical Education College: College of Health and Human Services Achievement: Dr. Gail Bachman was recently appointed Director of Clinical Education, completed a term as a Director for the California Physical Therapy Association, and currently serves as an Assembly Representative for the San Diego District of the California Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Bachman is a graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program's charter class and a proud Aztec! Dr. Bachman completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at SDSU in 2007, then returned for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012. After graduation, she was excited to be invited back to the DPT program as a lab assistant. In addition to her role on the SDSU DPT faculty, Dr. Bachman works as a physical therapist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in the outpatient neurology department, specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. She is an advocate for the effective management of the acute or chronically dizzy patient and is working with her hospital leadership to provide an interdisciplinary approach to managing these patients. She has also spent a large part of her student and early professional career on efforts to increase volunteer service within her profession. As a student, Dr. Bachman developed the CA Outreach Challenge to encourage PT/PTA students to volunteer in their local communities and currently serves as the Director of PT Day of Service. Currently, she works at Sharp Grossmont Hospital on the COVID-19 Team, helping frontline healthcare providers with PPE education and patient care.
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Congratulations to Dr. Bachman on her appointment as Director of Clinical Education and her continued leadership with the California Physical Therapy Association.
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Thank you for your generous support.
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