Physical Therapy
Admission Requirements
The DPT program is a graduate-level degree-seeking program. Applicants have three options to apply for the physical therapy program.
- Standard Admissions Pathway (SAP): The standard pathway is for college students who have graduated or are about to graduate with their undergraduate degree. SAP Brochure (PDF)
- Junior Early Admissions Pathway (JEAP): This pathway is for UC CAHS students majoring in Health Sciences. These students will apply to the DPT program when they reach the junior level of their undergraduate studies.
- High School Early Admissions Pathway (HEAP): This pathway is for qualified high school seniors interested in pursuing a UC undergraduate degree in Health Sciences in the College of Allied Health Sciences and then continuing on to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. HEAP Information Session
Admissions Requirements
Students applying to the DPT program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Completion of the PTCAS and UC Graduate School applications.
- Completion of undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Completion of prerequisite coursework.
- Anatomy and Physiology (1 year)
- Biology with Lab (1 year)
- Chemistry with Lab (1 year)
- Physics with Lab (1 year)
- English Composition (1 year)
- Exercise Physiology (1 course)
- Medical Terminology (1 course)
- Psychology - Introductory (1 course)
- Psychology - Abnormal (1 course)
- Statistics (1 course)
- Completion of the Graduate Record Examination.
- Submission of 3 recommendations.
- Submission of documentation of observation hours.
Please review our SAP Program brochure (PDF) for more details on the admission requirements, including minimum GPA and GRE scores.
Entrance into UC’s physical therapy program is competitive and completion of prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission into the physical therapy program.
Students still requiring an undergraduate degree may select any major and/or program but are reminded that entrance requirements to colleges will vary. The academic advisors of the College of Allied Health Sciences can provide suggestions for prospective students. A pre-physical therapy major and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree are available through the College of Allied Health Sciences to assist with the initial selection of courses and final selection of a bachelor's degree.
Students who already hold a bachelor's degree, but have not taken all admissions requirements, or students who are undecided in their choice of a bachelor's degree, should contact the college's academic advisors for more information.
Individuals who have met the physical therapy admission requirements can apply during the application period to the physical therapy program if the course prerequisites have been completed within the past 10 calendar years and the GRE taken within the past five calendar years.
Please note that certain exceptions may apply. Individuals with questions concerning prior coursework and its acceptance in meeting physical therapy requirements should contact the college's academic advisors.