At the end of the program, what degrees would I have?

At the completion of your six years of education, you will have earned your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology from University of Redlands and your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Loma Linda University. The DPT degree is the highest degree offered in that field and is required to practice as a physical therapist.

Why participate in an accelerated pathway rather than earning your bachelor's degree first?

All students at University of Redlands who are interested in physical therapy have the opportunity to receive pre-health advising from Redlands faculty as well as Loma Linda University counselors. Additionally, all Redlands students can take advantage of our Preferred Admissions Agreement with Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions. The primary advantage with this accelerated pathway is that you would earn your BA and DPT degree in six years as opposed to seven years. If you are highly motivated and confident that physical therapy is the best career for you, this pathway may be a good option.

How difficult or rigorous is the program?

Students who are entering graduate school a year early need to prove that they are ready for the increased rigor of a doctoral program. As a student in this pathway, you will need to meet the current standards for admissions into Loma Linda University, which includes a minimum GPA of 3.6 in your science courses. You will also need to interview with the Loma Linda University admissions team prior to being accepted.  

Would I be able to have a study-abroad experience?

Redlands offers an ample selection of month-long travel experiences during May term that would be easy for you to fit into your schedule. It would be very challenging to participate in a full semester abroad while remaining on track to complete your accelerated pathway, but with careful planning and a willingness to take courses over the summer, it may be possible for you to travel abroad and stay on track to finish at Redlands in three years.

When do I have to officially decide whether or not I'm doing the accelerated pathway?

You do not need to officially decide until you apply to transfer into Loma Linda University after your sophomore year. However, it is important that you communicate your intent with your pre-health advisor at Redlands early in your first year so that appropriate course planning can take place. Even if you declare an interest in this accelerated pathway, it is not binding, and you still have the option to attend any graduate school of your choice.

What's the financial side of going from Redlands to Loma Linda University?

Once you finish your three years at Redlands and transfer, you become a Loma Linda University graduate student, and any financial aid is worked out with them.

What are the general education requirements for the accelerated pathway?

Students in the accelerated pathway are required to satisfy the general education requirements for a BA degree at Redlands. With careful planning, this is doable in your three years here.

What if the accelerated program is not right for me, but I still want to earn my DPT degree?

All graduates from University of Redlands can take advantage of our Preferred Admissions Agreement with Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions or School of Pharmacy. Even if you express an interest in Loma Linda, you are always able and encouraged to apply to other university’s graduate programs as well.

As an entering student with an interest in physical therapy, it is important for you to take your math placement the summer before you start at Redlands. Once you arrive on campus, you will be assigned a pre-health advisor and put in touch with an admissions counselor at Loma Linda. It is strongly encouraged that you communicate with both of them during your first semester. You will want to take General Chemistry (CHEM 131) or Physics (PHYS 221) in the fall of your first year. In the spring, you will continue with chemistry (CHEM 132) or physics (PHYS 220) and start biology (BIOL 200).

Acceptance into this program is determined solely by Loma Linda University. To be considered for accelerated entry into Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete an acceptable interview for admissions after your second year at Redlands
• Be enrolled at University of Redlands in good standing, on track to complete all prerequisite requirements, and on track to complete the third year of academic studies
• At the conclusion of your third year at Redlands, have a calculated math and science GPA, as well as an overall GPA, of 3.6
• Be on track to complete a total of 80 observation hours

Prerequisite Courses

General Biology (BIOL 200 & 201)
General Chemistry (CHEM 131 & 132)
General Physics (PHYS 220 & 221 or 231 & 232)
Human Anatomy (BIOL 317)
Human Physiology (BIOL 344)
Statistics (MATH 111 or PSYC 250)
Medical Terminology
General Psychology (PSYC 100)
Developmental Psychology (PSYC 335)
Speech (SPCH 110)