Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program

Below is an overview of requirements to enter KU's DPT degree program. For complete details on all requirements, please review the complete list at KU's page of the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.

1. Undergraduate Degree
   A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution must be completed prior to start of DPT program classes. The degree can be in any field, but course work must have included the DPT prerequisite courses.
2. 3.0 Grade Point Average
   To achieve regular status, an overall 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0-scale is required. Historically, accepted applicants have had a cumulative GPA significantly higher than 3.0. In addition, student transcripts must document a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in all prerequisite courses including math and science course work.
3. "C" Grade or Higher
   A passing grade is required in all prerequisite courses. A “D” is not considered a passing grade. All prerequisite science courses must be completed within the last 10 years.
   
4. Satisfactory GRE Score
   GRE scores must be reported to PTCAS, not KU; please use the PTCAS program code 7815. To be a competitive applicant, recommended scores on the Graduate Record Examination should be within the 50th percentile range on the verbal and quantitative sections. The GRE scores are meaningful to the admissions committee as these scores are highly predictive of success in graduate studies and national licensure examination. The GRE must have been taken within the past five (5) years to be valid on an application.
5. Clinical Observation Experience
   Thirty-two (32) hours of paid or volunteer work experience in a physical therapy clinic under the supervision of a physical therapist is required, with at least 16 of those hours occurring in an inpatient setting. We recommend students try to observe physical therapists in a wide variety of settings. Those settings include, but are not limited to, hospitals, private practice clinics, school systems, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health.
6. International Students:
   An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.

   International Transcripts: In addition to sending an official copy of each transcript, as above, have your transcripts evaluated by World Education Services OR Educational Credential Evaluators. The evaluation must include course-by-course evaluation, grade evaluation, and indicate the degree earned in U.S. terms (bachelors, masters, doctorate, etc). An official copy of the evaluation is required.
   OR
   Alternatively, you may send a check made payable to KUMC for $25 (U.S.) for evaluation by the KU Graduate Application Processing Center. If this option is selected, the official transcripts must arrive at least 2 weeks prior to the admission deadline.

For complete details on all requirements, please review the complete list at KU's page of the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.

NOTE: The KU Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science reserves the right to waive any documentation normally required and to accept or deny admission whenever it believes sufficient information exists to make a decision.

KUMC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, marital status, veteran status, ancestry or age. For additional information about the EEO/AA policies and procedures, see the EEO/AA section of the KUMC Faculty Handbook. or the KUMC Equal Opportunity Office website.

Direct requests for disability accommodation to EO/Disability Specialist, 913-588-1206 (Voice) or 913-588-7963 (TDD). Persons with speech or hearing impairments who wish to contact the university may access the Kansas State Relay at 800-766-3777. More information.

KU Medical Center Equal Opportunity Statement / University of Kansas Equal Opportunity Office (main campus - Lawrence)