Applications
Applications for the summer 2026 start term are currently open. The deadline to submit applications is October 1, 2025. Please see our DPT Admissions Process for more details.
Degree and GPA
A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required; any undergraduate major is acceptable. We look at multiple GPAs as a part of our admissions process, including overall, last 60 semester units (90 quarter units), and prerequisite courses. There is no minimum GPA required to be considered; however, the application process is competitive, so it is in your best interests to apply with a strong overall GPA - we recommend a minimum of 3.0.
Recommendation Letters
Letters of recommendation are required from three individuals who personally know the applicant and their abilities. At least one letter must be from a licensed physical therapist. Instructors of basic science coursework, health professionals, or employers are suggested for the other two. Letters must be submitted through PTCAS by the application deadline. See PTCAS References instructions for more information (by clicking on the link, you will be exiting the UCSF site).
Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants are encouraged to complete all prerequisite courses prior to the application deadline. However, applicants may take up to three prerequisite courses after the summer term of the application cycle (e.g., after the summer 2025 term for students applying for summer 2026 entry), including a maximum of two prerequisite courses after the fall semester/quarter of the application cycle. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. For detailed information on prerequisite and recommended courses, please use the following link:
Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly to PTCAS in order for your application to be verified and finalized. If an application is not verified by the application deadline, it will impact our ability to review an application and could lead to delays or denial due to incomplete information at the time of review. Because it can take up to 4-5 weeks for PTCAS to process an applicant's file once it is complete, we encourage you to send ALL official transcripts from every US and Canadian college and university attended to PTCAS by September 1. See PTCAS Transcripts instructions for more information (by clicking on the link, you will be exiting the UCSF site).
Clinical Experience
All applicants must be able to demonstrate understanding of the physical therapy profession by completing a minimum of 50 clinical observation hours (paid or volunteer) under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. These hours can be completed in one or more physical therapy settings (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, rehab) - see our FAQ page for more details. Clinical observation hours must be completed and electronically verified in PTCAS by the application deadline. See PTCAS Observation Hours instructions for more information (by clicking on the link, you will be leaving the UCSF site).
Additional Criteria
As a part of our comprehensive application review process, we consider an applicant’s experiences, both in the academic environment and beyond it. We review each applicant’s responses to our essay prompts, as well as extra-curricular involvement during an applicant’s collegiate career. That can include, for example, intercollegiate athletics participation, work experience, research experience, or leadership roles in organizations. A successful application does not require those life experiences, but they are additional factors that can strengthen an application beyond the academics and observation hours.
International Applicant Requirements
International applicants must meet the same admissions requirements as domestic students. In addition, applicants from non-English-speaking countries must also demonstrate proficiency in English. Please visit the International Admission Requirements website to learn more about satisfying the English proficiency requirements and about submitting international transcripts.