Becoming a physical therapist is a rewarding and impactful career choice in higher education, but before you can start helping patients, you need to meet the prerequisites required to apply for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. It is important to select a relevant college major and complete prerequisite courses at a bachelor’s college or university that offers the necessary science and health-related programs to prepare for a DPT program. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right understanding and planning, you can navigate it successfully. This guide will walk you through the essential prerequisite courses, application requirements, and tips for a successful application to physical therapy school in 2025.
The admissions process for physical therapy programs can vary slightly between schools, but the core requirements remain consistent. Each applicant is responsible for submitting required materials, such as GRE scores if needed, and is evaluated holistically during the admissions process. Understanding the process early on is key to ensuring a smooth journey through the application period.
Physical therapy schools typically open their application window during the summer semesters, and the final deadline often falls in October. It’s crucial to submit your application as soon as you’ve completed all necessary prerequisites and gathered all required materials. Some schools have rolling admissions, so applying early can increase your chances.
Be sure to apply for financial aid as early as possible and do not wait for your admissions decision, especially if you plan to enroll in the summer term, to avoid delays in processing your financial aid eligibility.
Tip: Make sure all of your transcripts, observation hours, and recommendation letters are in order well before the final deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Most physical therapy programs use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), allowing applicants to submit a single application for multiple programs. PTCAS also collects references, such as letters of recommendation, which are a crucial part of the application. This service simplifies the application process, but be sure to check whether the programs you are applying to are PTCAS participants, as some may also require the Graduate Record Examination. If a program isn’t participating, you’ll need to submit a separate application directly to that school.
The foundation of any strong physical therapy application lies in completing the following prerequisite courses. Each prerequisite course must be completed before submitting your application. These courses prepare you with the scientific knowledge and skills required for success in a DPT program.
While specific course requirements can vary by program, the following prerequisite coursework is commonly required by most DPT programs:
A critical component of physical therapy school prerequisites is anatomy and physiology. These courses dive deep into the structure and function of the human body. Some programs might have specific guidelines about how anatomy and physiology courses should be completed, such as requiring separate classes for each (instead of combined courses).
Many programs encourage applicants to take exercise physiology as it directly relates to physical therapy, helping you understand the body’s responses to exercise and rehabilitation techniques.
Most programs expect you to earn a letter grade of C or better in all required courses. This means courses graded as pass/fail typically do not fulfill these requirements. Also, the prerequisite GPA must usually be at least a 3.0.
In addition to completing prerequisite coursework, there are other important elements to the program’s requirements in the application process. Each physical therapy program may have specific admission requirements and academic prerequisites that applicants must meet. Here’s a breakdown of the additional requirements you’ll need to fulfill.
Many DPT programs require applicants to have a certain number of observation hours working under a licensed physical therapist. This gives you firsthand experience in the field and helps demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in physical therapy. While some schools have a minimum number of hours, it’s encouraged to complete at least 50 hours across two different settings.
GRE scores are optional for many programs, but some schools still require them, especially if your cumulative GPA is below the required threshold. If the program you’re applying to asks for GRE scores, make sure to take the exam in advance and have your scores sent to the PTCAS or the specific program’s institution.
You’ll need to submit letters of recommendation as part of your application. Most programs require at least three letters:
The interview process can vary between programs. Some may conduct in-person or virtual interviews as part of the selection process. Prepare to answer interview questions about your motivations for pursuing physical therapy, your understanding of the profession, and how you envision yourself in this role.
All applicants to DPT programs must undergo criminal background checks. If you have any convictions, it’s important to be transparent during the application process. Failure to disclose criminal history can result in rejection from the program.
While many programs share similar prerequisites, some may have additional or slightly different requirements, including the completion of two courses that may enhance your application. Prerequisite courses must be completed at accredited institutions or a recognized university to meet most program standards. Note: Always verify that your courses and degrees are from properly accredited institutions or a university accepted by the program, as requirements can vary. It’s important to thoroughly research the specific requirements for each program you’re considering.
Some schools may require additional courses such as foreign language or advanced exercise physiology. Others may have different policies regarding lab requirements, especially for anatomy, physiology, and physics courses.
Many programs have policies regarding the age of your courses. For example, anatomy and physiology courses must often be completed within 7 to 10 years of your application.
If you’ve taken AP courses, you may be able to use those credits, especially in your first language, to fulfill some of the prerequisites, but it’s essential to check with the program to ensure the AP credits are accepted.
While completing the core prerequisite coursework and observation hours is fundamental to your DPT application, some programs may have additional requirements that go beyond these basic components. Other requirements may include program-specific criteria listed in the PTCAS directory, so it is important to review each program’s unique admission standards. These extra considerations are designed to ensure that all applicants possess the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in a demanding healthcare environment. One of the most important of these additional requirements is the technical standards and essential functions.
DPT programs are rigorous, both academically and practically. To ensure that students can effectively carry out the duties of a physical therapist, many programs have established technical standards or essential functions that applicants must meet. Meeting the program’s requirements is necessary for successful completion of the DPT program. These standards are a set of physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities that are critical to succeed in the program and ultimately in the field of physical therapy.
As a physical therapist, you will be required to perform tasks that involve physical demands. For instance, you may need to lift and assist patients, perform assessments that require manual dexterity, or be able to stand or bend for extended periods. Some of the physical abilities typically required include:
In addition to physical skills, physical therapists need cognitive abilities to accurately assess, diagnose, and treat patients. This involves understanding complex medical information, developing treatment plans, and making quick decisions under pressure. Some of the cognitive abilities required in DPT programs include:
Becoming a physical therapist requires more than just physical and intellectual skills; emotional and behavioral stability is also essential for interacting with patients and working in healthcare settings. Patients may be dealing with pain, frustration, or emotional distress, and you must be able to handle these situations with professionalism and empathy. Some of the key emotional and behavioral capabilities include:
While these general standards apply to most DPT programs, each institution may have specific technical standards related to the unique nature of its program. It’s essential to review the technical standards outlined by each school you are applying to, as they may have additional requirements, including the following:
Meeting all the prerequisites is essential, but there are additional steps you can take to improve your application. Once enrolled in a DPT program, each student is responsible for fulfilling specific requirements, such as submitting necessary documentation, maintaining health coverage, and meeting technical standards for academic and clinical competence.
The path to physical therapy school requires careful planning and attention to detail. By meeting all prerequisite coursework requirements, gaining observation hours, and fulfilling the other application requirements, you’ll be well-prepared for the application process. Start early, stay organized, and work closely with your academic advisor to ensure a smooth application experience.
Ready to apply? Reach out to Flagstar Rehab for guidance on career opportunities and resources for becoming a licensed physical therapist.
To apply for physical therapy school, you need to complete courses in general biology, general chemistry, general physics, human anatomy and physiology, general psychology, and statistics. Most programs also require observation hours under a licensed physical therapist. Some programs may require GRE scores, so check each program’s specific requirements.
Before applying to physical therapy school, focus on completing the required courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, biology, and psychology. You should also complete observation hours with a licensed physical therapist to gain experience. Majors in exercise science, biology, or kinesiology are common, but any major that covers the required courses can be suitable.
Both physical therapy (PT) and nursing school are challenging, but PT school focuses more on rehabilitation, movement science, and biomechanics. Nursing school centers on patient care, medical procedures, and nursing theory. Both require strong clinical and academic skills, but the difficulty depends on the individual’s strengths and preferences.
There is no required major, but fields like exercise science, kinesiology, biology, health sciences, and psychology are common. These majors cover most prerequisite courses for DPT programs. Any major can work as long as you complete the required coursework, and you should consult with an academic advisor to ensure you meet all requirements.