Physical Therapy FAQs

What is the SHSU DPT program?

Sam Houston State University is launching its inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, housed in the brand-new Health Professions Building in Conroe, TX. It is a 3-year, post-baccalaureate doctoral program totaling 106 credit hours with a maximum cohort size of 44 students.

When does the first cohort begin?

The inaugural cohort is scheduled to begin Fall 2027. New student orientation is the second week of August 2027, with classes starting the third week.

Is the program in-person, online, or hybrid?

The program is in-person and campus-based. Clinical education components require on-site participation at affiliated clinical sites.

What is the accreditation status of the program?

The SHSU DPT program is approved by the Texas State University System (TSUS) and is currently pursuing approval from THECB and SACSCOC. The program plans to submit its Application for Candidacy to CAPTE on November 1, 2026. Candidacy is considered an accredited status by CAPTE, meaning credits and the degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are treated as credits from an accredited program. Students in the inaugural cohort should be eligible to sit for the licensure examination. However, individual state licensing boards -- not CAPTE -- determine licensure eligibility. For state-specific licensing requirements, visit the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy at www.fsbpt.org.

How much does the program cost?

Total program tuition is approximately $51,023.50 for in-state students and $93,953.50 for out-of-state students.

What makes SHSU DPT different from other Texas DPT programs?

Several features set SHSU DPT apart: a state-of-the-art research labs; proximity to the Texas Medical Center for broad clinical access; built-in interprofessional education with SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA Studies, Athletic Training, and Nursing; full cadaver anatomy at SHSU-COM; and unique clinical placement opportunities including correctional health (Huntsville) and international rotations in Costa Rica and El Salvador.

What does the admissions committee look for?

Admission is holistic. Strong applicants typically demonstrate a cumulative and prerequisite GPA at or above 3.0, 50+ observation hours across varied settings, thoughtful letters of recommendation that speak to clinical potential and character, a well-crafted personal statement, and a solid understanding of the physical therapy profession.

What should I be doing right now to prepare?

• Complete prerequisite coursework with a competitive GPA
• Log observation hours in at least two distinct PT settings
• Identify recommenders early, particularly an academic instructor
• Research the profession -- read about evidence-based practice, current challenges in PT, and the role of patient-centered care
• Create your PTCAS account and review all requirements before the cycle opens

What degree do I need to apply?

A completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required prior to enrollment. The program does not require your undergraduate degree to be in a specific field.

What GPA is required?

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (both on a 4.0 scale) are required. Strong applicants typically exceed these minimums.

What are the observation hour requirements?

A minimum of 50 observation hours is required, completed across at least two different physical therapy practice settings (for example, orthopedics and acute care, or neurology and pediatrics). Breadth of exposure strengthens your application and personal statement.

What other materials are required to apply?

In addition to transcripts and prerequisite coursework, you will need:

• A personal statement submitted through PTCAS
• A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation (at least one must be from an academic instructor or professor)
• Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person, on-campus interview

Will the GRE be required?

The GRE is not required for admission to the SHSU DPT program.

What does the curriculum look like across the three years?

The program spans three years and 106 credit hours. Years 1 and 2 are primarily didactic with Part-Time Clinical Experiences (PTCE) embedded each semester (except Year 1 Fall). Year 3 is predominantly full-time clinical rotations.

When do students begin clinical experiences?

Clinical exposure begins in Year 1, Spring semester through Part-Time Clinical Experiences (PTCE I-IV), which continue through Year 2. Full-time clinical rotations begin in Year 2 Summer and continue through Year 3.

How many clinical hours does the program include?

The program totals 1,780+ clinical clock hours across part-time and full-time clinical rotations.

How are clinical sites assigned?

Clinical site placement is managed by the program's Director of Clinical Education. While student preferences are considered, site assignment is based on availability, accreditation requirements, and educational objectives. Students rotate through a range of settings including outpatient orthopedics, acute care, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, and specialty areas.

Are there international clinical opportunities?

Yes. SHSU DPT offers optional international clinical placements in Costa Rica and El Salvador. These are service-focused immersions designed to build cross-cultural patient care experience.