DPT Admissions Process
Admission Requirements
Admission to the DPT program is competitive and based on a comprehensive review of each applicant's academic achievement, prerequisite coursework, experiences, and potential for success in the profession. Applicants must meet all minimum admission requirements, including prerequisite courses, GPA standards, observation or volunteer experiences, and any additional program-specific requirements.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. We encourage prospective students to review all requirements carefully and complete prerequisite coursework before the required deadlines to ensure they are eligible for consideration.
Academic Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Applicants must earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to enrolling in the DPT program. Your undergraduate degree may be in any discipline; a specific major is not required.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Applicants must have:
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Minimum prerequisite GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
While these are the minimum requirements for consideration, competitive applicants often exceed these GPA standards.
Observation Experience
Applicants must complete a minimum of 50 observation hours under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
To demonstrate an understanding of the profession, observation hours must be completed in at least two different physical therapy practice settings, such as:
- Orthopedic/Sports Medicine
- Acute Care
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Outpatient Rehabilitation
A variety of clinical experiences strengthens both your application and your personal statement.
Application Materials
Complete applications include the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Completion of all required prerequisite coursework
- Personal Statement submitted through PTCAS
- Minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation
- At least one recommendation must be from an academic instructor or professor
- Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an on-campus interview
Prerequisite Information
Applicants must complete all required prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. Review the complete prerequisite course list, credit hour requirements, and course policies before applying.
Pre-requisites
▸Bachelor’s Degree – A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment.
▸Prerequisite Coursework – Minimum grade of “C.”*All science coursework must be intended for science majors. These courses include the following:
▸ Anatomy and physiology
- One course in anatomy with lab AND one course in physiology with lab (OR) A two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology, each with lab
▸ Two courses in biological sciences (not botany)
▸ Two courses in general chemistry with lab
▸ Two courses in general physics with lab
▸ One course in psychology
▸ One course in statistics
Minimum GPA Requirements – Cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Laboratory Requirements
Both required Chemistry courses and both required Physics courses must include a laboratory component and be designed for science majors. Introductory, survey-level, or non-science major courses will not satisfy the prerequisite requirements.
Anatomy & Physiology Requirements
Required Anatomy and Physiology courses must be designed for science majors and include a laboratory component. Courses offered through exercise science, kinesiology, allied health, or similar departments may be considered if they are substantially equivalent in content and academic rigor. Acceptance of these courses is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. Applicants with questions about course eligibility should submit a course description or syllabus through PTCAS for review.
Online and Hybrid Coursework
Online and hybrid prerequisite courses are accepted if they are completed through a regionally accredited institution and are equivalent in content, rigor, and learning outcomes to the required course.
Transfer Credit
Prerequisite coursework completed at regionally accredited colleges and universities, including community colleges, is accepted. Regional accreditation must be recognized by one of the accrediting organizations listed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). All transfer coursework is submitted and evaluated through PTCAS as part of the application review process.
Course Equivalency
Courses with different titles or offered through departments such as neuroscience, physiology, or exercise science may satisfy prerequisite requirements if they are substantially equivalent in content and academic rigor. The DPT program reserves the right to determine course equivalency. Applicants are encouraged to submit course descriptions or syllabi through PTCAS when requesting review of coursework.
Repeated Courses
Applicants may repeat prerequisite courses to strengthen their academic record. During the admissions review process, the program will consider the updated or highest grade when screening applicants. All course attempts must be accurately reported through PTCAS. Successfully repeating a prerequisite course may improve an applicant's prerequisite GPA and demonstrate academic growth.
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES
The DPT admissions process follows a defined timeline from the opening of the PTCAS application through enrollment and the first day of classes. Throughout the admissions cycle, applicants should be aware of important deadlines for submitting applications, participating in interviews, accepting admission offers, completing enrollment requirements, and preparing to begin the program.
To help you stay on track, we have created a comprehensive admissions timeline that outlines every major milestone. Reviewing these dates early and checking them regularly will help ensure you complete each step of the admissions process on time.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| PTCAS Application Opens | June 15, 2026 |
| Final Application Deadline | January 15, 2027 |
| Interview Invitations Sent | January - February 2027 |
| Interview Dates | February - March 2027 |
| Contingent Admission Offers Released | February - Late May 2027 |
| Acceptance Deposit Due ($500) | Within 2 weeks of offer |
| Final Transcripts and Prerequisite Completion | July 1, 2027 |
| Background Check and Drug Screening | July 15, 2027 |
| Immunization and CPR Certification | July 15, 2027 |
| New Student Orientation | Second week of August 2027 |
| Classes Begin | Third week of August 2027 |
GRE Requirement
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the SHSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Ready to Apply?
Applications to the DPT program are submitted through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Before beginning your application, review all admission requirements, gather transcripts and supporting documents, request recommendations, and prepare your personal statement.