Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Admissions

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program:

• Verified PTCAS application
  • Applications must be verified on or before 12/1/2024 to be assigned for review.
  • PTCAS will not verify your application until all transcripts and letters of recommendation have been received.
• The PTCAS overall cumulative and prerequisite GPAs must each be a 3.0 or higher at the time of application
  • Applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 may still be considered for admission only when there is evidence of a significant positive trend in grades over time (evidenced by a last 45-credit GPA greater than or equal to 3.5), and meets other minimum admissions criteria.
  • All GPAs are calculated by PTCAS during the verification process.
• Demonstrated plan to complete all prerequisite requirements from a regionally accredited institution
  • Applicants can have prerequisites in progress at the time of application. All prerequisite courses must be completed by mid-August before starting the program with a grade of C or higher.
  • We do not limit the number of prerequisite courses completed at a community college or online as long as the courses are from regionally accredited institutions.
• Two letters of recommendation
  • One letter of recommendation must be from a non-relative licensed Physical Therapist
  • It is recommended that the second recommendation should be from a second licensed PT, a college faculty member, a supervisor, or an employer.
• 50 verified observation hours with a practicing, licensed physical therapist is required
  • Applicants can strengthen their application for our program by completing observation hours in two or more settings.
  • 100 hours of observation is strongly recommended.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or demonstrated plan to complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution before starting the program
• Fulfillment of the Physical Therapy Program English Language Proficiency Requirement
• Fulfillment of Pacific University Essential Functions for Entry-Level Physical Therapy Education
• Selected applicants are required to participate in an interview
  • There are fall and spring interview sessions, with admission offers granted following each session. Applicants who want their application considered before the fall interview sessions should apply on or before the priority application deadline, 9/16/2024.

Our program considers many factors, including:

• Strength and breadth of the academic record
• PT observation experience
• Strength of letters of recommendation
• Personal Interview
• Professionalism and communication demonstrated throughout the admissions process and interview
• Demonstration of leadership abilities
• The quantity and quality of extracurricular and community activities
• Demonstration of cultural awareness and diversity
• Understanding of the physical therapy profession
• Quality of writing ability as demonstrated in the application essay responses

More Information

• The GRE is not required or evaluated
• The Physical Therapy Program does not grant advanced standing or accept transfer students from other physical therapy programs

Guaranteed Grad School Admission

Pacific University undergraduate students can save a seat in the physical therapy program through the Pacific Priority guaranteed grad school admission program. Apply as soon as you deposit to become a Pacific undergraduate student or during your undergraduate years. Learn how.