Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

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Learn about the admissions process for our Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Admissions Prerequisites

In order to be considered for admission to the D.P.T. program, the applicant must provide documented evidence of having successfully completed the following:

  • Achievement of a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (on a 4.00 scale) in all previous coursework
  • Completion of a B.S./B.A. degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Completion of 40 hours of observation or work. In order to assure understanding of the breadth of PT practice, it is recommended that each applicant’s PT observation hours include both inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Completion of all prerequisite coursework with a minimum Prerequisite GPA of 3.00
  • Science prerequisites must be at the science major level and include the following:
    • Anatomy & Physiology (6-8 credits, with lab)
    • Biology (6- 8 credits, with lab) Note: Botany and Zoology courses are NOT acceptable
    • Chemistry (8 credits, with lab)
    • Physics (8 credits, with lab)
  • Completion of a Statistics course (3 credits)
  • Completion of a Psychology course (3 credits) Note: Must be a course offered through the Psychology Department.

Procedures for Admissions

The application and admissions processes are the same for both Manchester, N.H. and Goodyear, A.Z. D.P.T. programs. Students must apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) online at ptcas.org. If interested in both programs two applications are necessary. The PTCAS application cycle opens in midsummer for the following academic year. We evaluate applications throughout the admissions cycle with a soft deadline at the beginning of March and consider qualified applicants until the class is filled.

Special consideration for entrance into the FPU DPT program is offered for FPU undergraduates in three pathways

  1. Freshman DPT Direct Entry: High School Seniors who meet specific requirements (see below) are guaranteed entrance into the FPU DPT program upon satisfactory completion (see below) of the requirements for entrance into the D.P.T. program.
  2. Current FPU Student DPT Direct Entry: Current students who meet the established levels of academic success in the undergraduate courses (see below) can apply for DPT Direct Entry in their first three years of undergraduate work. These students will have guaranteed entrance into the FPU DPT program upon satisfactory completion (see below) of the requirements for entrance into the DPT program.
  3. Preferential FPU Application review for current student into the FPU DPT program: Students who are current students at FPU and are not in the DPT Direct Entry program will have preferential application review than transfer students if they meet the following criteria:
    • A Completed application in PTCAS before November 15 the year before expected entrance into the DPT program
    • Recommendation from FPU advisor

Admissions