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.
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.
Why Choose SHSU’s DPT Program?
Our DPT program blends rigorous science, hands-on clinical training, and a culture of mentorship to prepare physical therapists who lead with skill, evidence, and compassion. Built from the ground up on the latest in physical therapy education, every part of the program is designed with students in mind.
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Physical Therapy Research Hub
Our $70 million Health Professions Building opened in February 2026 in Conroe, co-located with the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. From day one, faculty research is anchored across three areas: orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, and AI/machine learning in rehabilitation — the latter through partnership with the SHSU-COM Medical AI Institute, backed by a $4.99 million Department of Energy R&D grant. Students learn alongside faculty actively shaping the field.
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Gateway to the Med Center
Our Conroe campus places students at the door of the world's largest medical complex — the Texas Medical Center, home to MD Anderson, Texas Children's, Houston Methodist, and more than 106,000 healthcare employees with a $25 billion economic footprint. The Houston MSA ranks first in Texas for physical therapy job postings. SHSU-DPT students gain clinical and research access that no peer Texas DPT program can match — while training in a more affordable community than central Houston.
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Clinical Education Unmatched
Students complete 1,780 clinical clock hours. Four part-time clinical experiences embed real patient care within the didactic curriculum starting in Year 1, followed by 36 weeks of full-time clinical education experiences. Specialty placements include the Huntsville-area correctional system — leveraging SHSU's nationally Top 5–ranked Criminal Justice expertise — and international clinical experiences in Costa Rica and El Salvador.
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Anatomy & Interprofessional Ed
DPT students complete a 15-week full cadaver dissection course at the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine — a depth of anatomy training rarely available to physical therapy students. Throughout the program, students share an interprofessional simulation center with the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Athletic Training, and the School of Nursing. Interprofessional Education is woven throughout the curriculum.
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Wellness & Student Support
We don't just admit students — we invest in their success every step of the way. Weekly one-hour wellness sessions every didactic semester address stress management, mindfulness, resilience, burnout prevention, nutrition, and work-life integration. A 13:1 student-faculty ratio, structured faculty advising, peer mentoring, the Academic Success Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and individualized remediation plans support students through every phase of their doctoral journey.
Accreditation Status
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 (telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org), is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Sam Houston State University is seeking CAPTE accreditation for its new DPT program. The Candidacy application is planned for November 1, 2026. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to enrollment in professional and technical courses. Candidacy status does not guarantee final accreditation; however, students enrolled in programs that have achieved Candidate for Accreditation status are considered, by CAPTE, to be enrolled in an accredited program. Licensing eligibility is ultimately determined by each state licensing board. Students are encouraged to contact the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (www.fsbpt.org) for state-specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
The program is in-person and campus-based. Clinical education components require on-site participation at affiliated clinical sites.
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.
Total program tuition is approximately $51,023.50 for in-state students and $93,953.50 for out-of-state students. View SHSU Program Costs.
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
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.
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.
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?
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Milestone |
Date |
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PTCAS Application Opens |
June 15, 2026 |
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Final Application Deadline |
January 15, 2027 |
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Interview Invitations Sent |
January - February 2027 |
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Interview Dates |
February - March 2027 |
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Contingent Admission Offers Released |
February - Late May 2027 |
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Acceptance Deposit Due ($500) |
Within 2 weeks of offer |
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Final Transcripts and Prerequisite Completion |
July 1, 2027 |
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Background Check and Drug Screening |
July 15, 2027 |
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Immunization and CPR Certification |
July 15, 2027 |
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New Student Orientation |
Second week of August 2027 |
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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
Mentors. Clinicians. Scientists.
Our core faculty bring clinical expertise, doctoral-level scholarship, and a deep commitment to teaching — small enough to know every student, experienced enough to prepare them for anything.
Curriculum and Clinical Education
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.
DPT Contact
Program Director
Sambit Mohapatra, PT, PhD — Professor and Chair
smohapatra@shsu.edu936.202.5525
Health Professions Building
945 City Central Ave. Conroe, TX 77304
Become a Bearkat
Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our Admissions team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148