Physical Therapy
A full-time, three-year clinical doctorate preparing graduates for entry-level practice and licensure as Doctors of Physical Therapy.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Conroe
- Face to Face
3 Years
Restoring Function Transforming Lives
Where and How Is This Program Available?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is delivered in person at SHSU’s Conroe campus (945 City Central Avenue, Conroe, TX 77304), located in the Greater Houston metro area. The full-time, cohort-based format is designed to be completed in three years across eight consecutive semesters.
How to Apply
Students must apply to the SHSU DPT program using PTCAS. Applicants to the DPT program must meet requirements to be considered for regular admission.
Questions? Contact us at dpt@shsu.edu.
At SHSU, we aim to transform lives through innovative education, hands-on learning, and collaborative practice.
With its inaugural cohort matriculating Fall 2027 in our new Health Professions Building in Conroe, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students through a traditional systems-based curriculum, extensive clinical experiences, and a four-part Doctoral Project. By prioritizing professional development and community engagement, we empower compassionate, evidence-based clinicians who deliver dedicated service that transforms lives and enriches communities across Texas and beyond.
Accreditation Status
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Sam Houston State University is approved by the Texas State University System, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program is seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE’s decision on Candidate for Accreditation status is expected in May 2027, and every offer of admission to the charter class depends on that decision.
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.
Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT's website).
Sam Houston State University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. On November 1, 2026, the program submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
The candidacy decision is expected in May 2027, before classes begin in August 2027. The on-site review for initial accreditation will take place in the charter class's penultimate term, fall 2029, and the initial accreditation decision is expected at CAPTE's next regularly scheduled meeting, in spring 2030. The charter class is scheduled to graduate in May 2030, and the first National Physical Therapy Examination administration for which graduates would be eligible is the July 2030 fixed-date administration.
Admissions Requirements
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.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service). The PTCAS directory page for SHSU lists all admission criteria, prerequisite details, and required materials. Apply at ptcas.liaisoncas.com.
All applications must be submitted through PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service). The PTCAS directory page for SHSU lists all admission criteria, prerequisite details, and required materials.
Apply at ptcas.liaisoncas.com.
When does the application cycle open and what are the deadlines?
|
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 |
Will interviews be in-person or virtual?
Interviews are in-person and on-campus. Virtual options may be considered in extenuating circumstances.
How many students are accepted each year?
The maximum cohort size is 44 students.
What Makes a Competitive Applicant
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
Tuition
Total program tuition is approximately $51,023.50 for Texas residents and $93,953.50 for nonresidents. Tuition and fees are set by the University and may change. Students also pay University and course fees, books and supplies, health insurance, required screenings and certifications, and travel and housing for clinical education. Refund policies are set by the SHSU Office of Student Account Services.
Program Handbooks
DPT COMPLAINT POLICY
Find Your Future Career
Graduates are prepared for entry-level practice as licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy across the full continuum of care — with strong job demand projected nationwide and across Texas.
Mentors. Clinicians. Scientists.
Meet our Physical Therapy Department.
Contact Us
DPT Contact Information
Sambit Mohapatra, PT, PhD — DEPARTMENT CHAIR & PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PHYSICAL THERAPY
smohapatra@shsu.edu936-202-5551
Health Professions Building
945 City Central Ave. Conroe, TX 77304
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Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148