Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Admissions

Admission Cycles

• The Class of 2028 Admissions Cycle (for a Fall 2025 start) opens June 15, 2024, on PTCAS.

Admissions Pathways

The Department of Physical Therapy offers two avenues for admission into the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) Program. The Traditional Pathway will require candidates to possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (degree in any field) or be in their senior year of undergraduate study. The Health Sciences Pathway prepares Methodist University students for admission into the DPT Program upon successful completion of a MU bachelor’s degree, and provides an opportunity for students from external Affiliate Programs to be considered for DPT Program admission based on our articulation agreements. Learn more about Admissions Pathways & Affiliate Programs.

Program Requirements

In addition to the degree requirements, candidates for admission must satisfy the program prerequisites.

Admissions Procedures

Consistent with the University admission policy, admission to the Methodist University DPT Program is without regard or discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance or disability. However, becoming a physical therapist requires the completion of an educational program that is intellectually as well as physically challenging that the candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner, and reasonable accommodation does not mean that students with disabilities are exempt from certain tasks inherent to the practice of physical therapy. Methodist University’s Program in Physical Therapy is committed to recruiting, enrolling, and educating a diverse student body.

PTCAS Application

The MU DPT Program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). PTCAS applications open in the summer for entrance to the program the following year. MU DPT operates a rolling admissions process. Applicants are encouraged to review the PTACAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs before starting an application.

All candidates must submit the following to PTCAS:

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended, even if the applicant did not receive a degree.
• TOEFL, if applicable.
• Three letters of recommendation from:
  • Faculty member in the applicant’s major and
  • Licensed physical therapist (not related to the applicant) and
  • Another faculty member or licensed physical therapist (not related to the applicant)

The MUDPT Program does not require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Students need to be aware that felony-related charges and convictions may prevent participation in clinical experiences. In addition, a criminal record may prevent the student from taking the National Physical Therapy Board Examination (NPTE) and also from becoming licensed. A student should contact FSBPT or their state jurisdiction if a prior criminal record might interfere with eligibility to sit for the national exam.

Application Submission

Please submit all application materials through PTCAS. Your PTCAS application must be submitted by the deadline for that application cycle. PTCAS must verify the submitted application. The Methodist University DPT program will not review an application until it is verified. Once the application is verified, the DPT Director of Admissions will review all courses and grades entered by the applicant. Once reviewed, the information will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee, which will begin the applicant review. Learn more about the review process.