School of Health Professions

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Requirements

  • Overall GPA 3.2
  • Math and Science prerequisite GPA 3.2
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Jun
17
Application Opens
Oct
02
Application deadline
  • Two separate applications; (1) PTCAS application and (2) the DPT Supplemental Application are required. 
  • The PTCAS Application, supplemental application, official transcripts, and all supporting documents must be submitted and PTCAS status must be listed as complete by the application deadline.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree completed by May of the enrollment year. 
  • Official GRE scores (code 7558): with a preferred score of 150 or higher in Verbal and 145 or higher in Quantitative.
  • A grade of C or better in the individual prerequisite classes (a C- will not fulfill a prerequisite)
  • Submission in PTCAS of a minimum of 50 observation hours gained through volunteering or employment in a physical therapy setting with a licensed Physical Therapist that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of physical therapy.
  • A minimum of two letters of reference, three preferred (at least one letter but preferably two, from a licensed physical therapist each in different practice settings) sent directly to PTCAS.
  • Personal written statement addressing the applicant’s goal of becoming a physical therapist in PTCAS.
  • Personal résumé including previous work experience, honors and awards, extracurricular activities, and community service experience in PTCAS.
  • Successful interview with faculty.
  • Program prerequisites can be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by the program start date.
  • Completion of a medical terminology course – this can be completed at a college or university or an online certification course.

 

Application and Fee

Required Semester Hours Subject TCCNS Course
4 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab* BIOL 2401
4 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab* BIOL 2402
4 Biology I with lab BIOL 1406
4 Upper-Level Biology with lab or Biology II with lab** BIOL 1407
4 Chemistry I with lab CHEM 1411
4 Chemistry II or Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry with lab CHEM 1412
4 Physics I with lab PHYS 1401
4 Physics II with lab PHYS 1402
3 Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology PSYC 2301
3 Developmental Psychology or Motor Development or Human Development (must cover the lifespan) PSYC 2314
3 Introduction to Sociology or Social Psychology or Cultural Anthropology SOCI 1301
3 Speech - Public Speaking SPCH 1315
3 Statistics (math, sociology or psychology) MATH 1342

Coursework Notes

* Human Anatomy with Lab (4 SCH) and Human Physiology with Lab (4 SCH) sequence also meets the Anatomy and Physiology requirements

** A second Biology Course that is not plant-based (Botany is not accepted) - Lecture and Laboratory, 4 semester credit hours

All science courses MUST BE designated for science majors or pre-allied health majors

Check course equivalencies for Texas institutions using the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)  

Transcripts

Official transcripts from each college/university currently and previously attended reflecting completed and in progress coursework - submit directly to PTCAS (Do not send transcripts to the Health Science Center)

Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be submitted in the original language and must be accompanied by a NACES Members evaluation agency English translation for each course.

International Applicants

Submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores; minimum scores 560 (paper) or 68 (internet) 

Program Information

Find more information on the Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the department page.

Please refer to the University Catalog for the most current information. 


COVID-19 Vaccinations MAY Required by Clinical Affiliates

 

Physical Therapy Early Admissions Programs

3 + 3 Program Admission Requirements

  • The UT Health DPT program currently has agreements with The University of Texas at Austin (Biology major), and The University of Texas at San Antonio (Biology or Kinesiology major), for a 3 + 3 program. This program enables students to start the DPT program following the third year of undergraduate work. The first-year DPT courses transfer back to the undergraduate institution, allowing the student to receive a bachelor’s degree from the undergraduate institution. The following are the requirements to apply for these programs:
  • A full-time student who has completed at least 60 semester hours but not more than 75 semester credit hours
  • Completed a minimum of 20 semester hours of math/science prerequisites at the time of application (other prerequisites can be in progress at the time of application, but all must be completed before starting the DPT program)
  • Minimum overall GPA and math/science prerequisite GPA of 3.2 
  • Completion of Texas Core Curriculum requirements prior to starting the DPT program (can be in progress at the time of application)

With the exception of attainment of the BS degree prior to matriculation in the DPT program, applicants are expected to meet and complete all other application requirements for the UT Health San Antonio DPT program as published in the UT Health San Antonio catalog.