Do you offer an online application?
Yes. Applications to KU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program are handled by the national Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.

How much is the application fee?
In addition to the PTCAS fee, there is a non-refundable supplemental application fee of $75.00 for KU’s doctoral program in physical therapy.

When is the application deadline?
November 15. Learn more about how to apply.

When do classes begin?
Each new class begins around the first week of June. All of our semesters follow the calendar established by the University of Kansas, except for the first semester of the program and during the full-time clinical experiences associated with the third year of the curriculum. Summer semesters generally begin in the first week of June, fall semesters generally begin in the third week of August and spring semesters generally begin in the third week of January.

I’m trying to decide between the on-campus or hybrid pathway. How are they different?
Both pathways share the same eligibility requirements, curriculum, clinical experiences, and degree requirements. Students in the traditional, on-campus pathway live in or near Kansas City and participate in courses and labs at the University of Kansas Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. Students in the hybrid pathway participate in synchronous and asynchronous online courses and lab activities remotely, traveling to Kansas City 1-2 times during each of the first 7 semesters for 2-6 days of intensive lab immersions.

Do I have to fill out two different/separate applications for the hybrid pathway?
No, you can apply to both the on-campus and hybrid pathways using the same application. If you receive an offer of admission, you will be given the opportunity to choose either the on-campus pathway or the hybrid pathway, contingent upon the availability of seats in each pathway.

Are there different application requirements or prerequisites for the on-campus and hybrid pathways?
No. The eligibility requirements and prerequisite coursework for the two pathways are identical.

If I accept a position in the on-campus/hybrid pathway, can I change my mind and switch to the other pathway?
No. Once you have accepted a position in one pathway you are committed to that pathway and cannot switch to the other. Likewise, you cannot opt to change pathways at any point in the curriculum once you have enrolled in the program.

I’ve been offered a position in one pathway, but really want to enroll in the other. What should I do?
If you receive an offer of admission to one pathway but would prefer to enroll in the other pathway, you may choose to decline the offer and await an open seat in your preferred pathway. However, receiving an offer of admission for one pathway does not guarantee that you will receive an offer for the other. If you decline the offer and a seat does not become available in your preferred pathway, you will not be able to enter the program and will need to reapply in the next PTCAS cycle.

If I am a resident of Kansas and am enrolling in the hybrid pathway, do I receive an in-state discount on my tuition and/or fees?
No. All students enrolled in the hybrid pathway pay the same hybrid pathway costs, regardless of their state of residence. See the costs and financial aid section for details.

I live in/near Kansas City and plan to enroll in the hybrid pathway. Can I choose to attend on-campus classes or activities if I want to?
No. Students enrolled in the hybrid pathway cannot attend on-campus classes or labs associated with the residential pathway, and vice versa. Our accrediting body (CAPTE) requires dedicated resources for each pathway, such that having students from one pathway participate in the other pathway would be a deviation for accreditation expectations. In addition, each pathway is intentionally designed to optimize learning. As a result, course schedules often differ between the pathways, and course content and lab activities covered in one pathway may be covered at a different time in the other pathway.

If I enroll in the hybrid pathway, how many times will I be expected to travel to Kansas City for lab intensives and other activities? Will the program pay or reimburse me for the cost of travel, hotel, food, etc. when I come to Kansas City?
On average, you can expect to travel to Kansas City up to 2 times each semester during the first 7 semesters of the program. Travel costs and associated expenses are the student's responsibility; the PTRSAT department cannot pay or reimburse you for these costs.

Are students allowed to work while attending your program?
We do not prohibit students from working while they are in the program. However, it's important to remember that classes and studying will demand a great deal of your time. It will ultimately be up to each individual student to decide if they can strike a satisfactory balance between working and succeeding in our program. We strongly suggest students not attempt to work during their first year in the program.

I live in Missouri and close to the KU Medical Center campus. Do I qualify for Kansas resident tuition rates?
No. Very specific requirements must be met to qualify for Kansas resident tuition rates. Our program does not have tuition compacts or agreements with neighboring states, including Missouri. If you are a resident of any state other than Kansas, even if living just blocks away from the KU Medical Center campus, you will be considered a non-resident applicant. Learn more about the requirements. Please direct questions to the Office of the Registrar.

Is a criminal background check required?
Yes. Prior to their final acceptance and initial enrollment in classes, all students will be directed to have a background check completed by Validity Screening Solutions. See full details about the background check procedure.

Are incoming students required to undergo a drug screening?
No. Drug screenings are not handled by the University of Kansas. Drug screening requirements are managed by the clinical sites students will train at during the program. Each clinical site has its own drug screening protocol and eligibility criteria.

What should my undergraduate major be?
We accept students without regard to their major. The key factor is completing all the prerequisites. Many of our applicants select a major that requires the courses we require as prerequisites, but this is not mandatory.

Do you require or recommend prerequisite courses and/or a bachelor's degree be completed at the University of Kansas main campus in Lawrence?
The Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas is an excellent institution. However, we do not require that applicants receive their degree from KU, and we are under no obligation to accept graduates from any State of Kansas universities. A prior degree from KU does not help nor harm your chances of being accepted to our programs. Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college, university, junior college, or community college.

Must prerequisite courses be completed within a certain timeframe?
Yes. All prerequisite science courses must be completed within the last 10 years.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required? 
No. The GRE and its scores was no longer required beginning with the application cycle opening July 1, 2021. The Graduate Record Examination scores are not considered in the admissions process for KU’s physical therapy program.

My degree was acquired at an institution outside the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Students with degrees from a university outside the U.S. may be considered, provided they meet the requirements equivalent to a bachelor's degree from a program in the U.S. International applicants must submit an Official "course by course" transcript evaluation to PTCAS. Also, international applicants must submit official TOEFL scores to PTCAS. Learn more about the academic English requirements from our Office of International Programs.