Frequently Asked Questions | Physical Therapy

What type of degree does this program offer? Is the program accredited?

Upon the successful completion of the three-year program, graduates will receive a doctor of physical therapy degree.

Yes, the Physical Therapy Program offers education for entry into the profession and for advanced study. The doctor of physical therapy (DPT) is the degree granted to students who complete the entry-level program and to clinicians who complete the transition program. The school has been graduating professional physical therapists since 1977. The school is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Does Pacific University require the PTCAS application?

Yes, in order to apply to the Physical Therapy Program at Pacific University you will need to complete the PTCAS application. Learn more about how to apply.

Do I need a completed bachelor's degree to apply?

Yes, all prospective students applying to the program must have a completed bachelor's degree or be in process to complete a bachelor's degree by the start of the program, if admitted.

Is there a time limitation on the required prerequisite coursework?

All science and statistics prerequisite coursework must have been taken within the last seven years. All other required prerequisite coursework in psychology and English/writing may be completed at any time.

To ensure prerequisite coursework will fulfill our requirements, we recommend completing and submitting the prerequisite worksheet with a copy of your transcripts (official or unofficial) for review by the Graduate Admissions Counselor for the program. Learn more about required coursework and the prerequisite worksheet.

Does all of my prerequisite coursework need to be completed by the time I apply to the program?

You can still apply if you have pending prerequisite coursework. Please be aware that due to the fall deadline for PT applications, grades from fall classes (courses taken during the application cycle) will not be used in the evaluation of the application, nor will they be used in the GPA calculations. It is recommended to have as many of the sciences prerequisites either started or completed when you apply. If admitted into the program, all pending prerequisite coursework must be completed with a “C” or higher grade before the start of the program in August.

Is the GRE required to apply to the program? Will my application be more competitive if I take the GRE and do well on the exam?

No, the GRE is not required or used in the evaluation of the application.

Do you require a minimum GPA to apply to the program?

The overall cumulative GPA and prerequisite GPA must each be a 3.2 or higher at the time of application to move forward in the review process. The overall cumulative GPA is calculated by PTCAS and includes all graded courses from every college or university attended in North America. The prerequisite GPA is based on the graded prerequisite courses at the time of application. Applicants can use the highest grade if a prerequisite course has been retaken.

Is there a difference in tuition if I am an in-state resident or an out-of-state resident?

Pacific University is a private liberal arts institution which does not require in-state residence or hold a preference for in-state candidates. Our tuition fees are the same for all applicants, in-state or out-of-state.

*International students must obtain a valid and current F-1 visa or have permanent residency in the United States to apply to our program.

If I am an internationally trained medical professional, what steps must I take to apply?

We require all international students to obtain a valid and current F-1 visa or have permanent residency in the United States to apply to our program. In addition, all international based education must be evaluated by either the World Education Services, Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, or the Education Credential Evaluators. In addition, all international students must provide official TOEFL exam documentation. A minimum paper-based test score of 600 or an internet-based test score of 105 is required. International applicants whose primary speaking language is not English will need to demonstrate an advanced level of writing, speaking, spelling and comprehension in the English language to be admitted into the program.