PT Admission Requirements

The Division of Physical Therapy offers three avenues for admission into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree Program.

1. Traditional Admissions
2. Articulation Agreement
3. SU 3 + 3 Early Assurance Pathway: Doctor of Physical Therapy (EA-DPT)

Regardless of the route of application, processing for the DPT program is through the Physical Therapy Central Application Service (PTCAS). Although these applications are processed through PTCAS, they are held to the same standards as Shenandoah University’s other graduate programs. All offers of admission into the DPT program are determined by the Division of Physical Therapy Admissions Committee. Please follow this link to our program-specific page on the PTCAS system for specific details about all of our admissions requirements.

Only full-time students are accepted into our Doctor of Physical Therapy program. We do not accept transfer credits.

Admission Requirements 

Although these admission programs are distinct from one another, there are some common admission requirements. 

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale in all completed course work.

2. A grade of “C” or above is required for all prerequisite courses. 

3. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). For non-native speakers of English, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be completed.

4. Two letters of reference which must come from a licensed practicing physical therapist and a college professor (preferred science or professor in major).

5. Demonstrate knowledge of the profession by completing a minimum of 40 documented hours (volunteer or paid) of exposure to physical therapy practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

6. All science courses must be less than 10 years old at the time of application. Exceptions are made at the discretion of the PT Admissions Committee.

7. Advanced placement credits are accepted for prerequisite courses except for human anatomy,  human physiology, physics and chemistry.

Traditional Admissions

This is the primary method for admission into DPT program. In addition to the global requirements as listed above, consideration for admission through this process requires:

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, prior to matriculation, including the 41 credit hours of prerequisite coursework required by the program.
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale for the prerequisite courses and for overall undergraduate GPA.

Articulation Agreement Admissions

A second means of admission into the DPT program is through articulation agreements established by the Division of Physical Therapy with five universities and colleges. The articulation agreements of participating institutions are located on the SU DPT Articulation Agreements page.  Consideration for admission through this process requires:

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from one of the institutions that have established an articulation agreement with SU. The bachelor’s degree must include the 41 credit hours of prerequisite course work.

2.  All courses for the degree awarded including the prerequisites must be completed at the granting  institution.

3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale for the prerequisite courses.

SU 3 + 3 Early Assurance Pathway: Doctor of Physical Therapy

In addition to the articulation agreements, the Division of Physical Therapy has established a unique admissions process with the undergraduate office of admissions for Shenandoah University (3 + 3 Early Assurance Pathway: Doctor of Physical Therapy).