Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) is a health care profession designed to enhance the quality of life through the assessment, evaluation and rehabilitation of a variety of anatomical and neuromuscular functions. PTs treat disease, injury or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise. There are currently 246 accredited PT programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information about individual PT programs, visit the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

Pre-physical therapy students typically obtain a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree while completing the requirements for admission to PT school. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs do not require or prefer a particular undergraduate major.

Professional Associations and Resources
How do I apply to physical therapy school?
Students apply to PT programs through a centralized application system called the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). Similar to the common application for undergraduate school, students can apply to most PT programs through a single application on the PTCAS. However, there are a handful of programs that do not utilize the PTCAS so students should check requirements of each individual school of interest. The PTCAS application opens early to mid July.

The PTCAS application cost: $160.00 for one school and $60.00 for each additional school/program.

Fee Assistance Waiver
Do I need to take an entrance exam?
Where can I find resources to help me study for the entrance exam?

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require courses not listed below. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.

Course
Anatomy and Physiology Part A and B	2 quarters
General Biology with lab	1 year
General Chemistry with lab	1 year
Physics with lab	1 year
Calculus	1 quarter
Statistics	1 quarter
Introduction to Psychology	1 quarter
Abnormal Psychology	1 quarter
Human Development	1 quarter

Local Programs
Sample Timeline - Traditional 4 Year
Sample Timeline - Accelerated 3+ with RFUMS
Students should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest. Below is a sample timeline and should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.

Accelerated 3+ physical therapy program with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is only available to Pathways Honors students majoring in Health Sciences.

BS to DPT 3+ Accelerated Program Flyer
Volunteering and Shadowing Opportunities
Into what physical therapy programs have DePaul students been recently admitted?
What is considered a competitive GPA and entrance exam for physical therapy?
Additional Resources

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require information not listed above. For more information about specific programs, please contact the school directly.

Physical Therapy

Professional Associations and Resources

How do I apply to physical therapy school?

Do I need to take an entrance exam?

Where can I find resources to help me study for the entrance exam?

What are the prerequisites for physical therapy school?

Local Programs

Sample Timeline - Traditional 4 Year

Sample Timeline - Accelerated 3+ with RFUMS

Volunteering and Shadowing Opportunities

Into what physical therapy programs have DePaul students been recently admitted?

What is considered a competitive GPA and entrance exam for physical therapy?

Additional Resources