Application Requirements
What degree do I need to have in order to enroll in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program?
All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Although any undergraduate major is acceptable, for students in the initial stages of undergraduate preparation, a major in Kinesiology or the biological sciences tends to be the most direct route into a physical therapy program.
What is the minimum grade point average (GPA) required for admission?
We look at the following GPAs as a part of our admissions process: Overall Undergraduate, Last 60 Semester / 90 Quarter Units, Prerequisite GPAs, and Science GPA. We recommend a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Are repeated courses included in the GPA calculation?
Yes. Information regarding GPA calculation can be found on the PTCAS website in the GPA section or in the FAQs section.
Am I required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
No, the GRE is no longer required for our program, though applicants may still include their scores if they would like. Submit to PTCAS program code #7591 U CA San Francisco Phys Therapy no later than the application deadline. Scores sent to any other code will not be included in the application.
Is volunteer or work experience in physical therapy required in order to apply?
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 a variety of physical therapy settings (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, rehabilitation). To be included in your application review, the clinical observation hours must be completed and electronically verified in PTCAS by the application deadline. There are no exceptions.
We feel these hours are important for understanding the breadth and depth of the field, and to ensure that you are selecting a profession that is the best fit for you.
While only one observation setting is required, applicants are strongly encouraged to plan ahead to obtain both inpatient and outpatient experiences. Keep in mind that many inpatient facilities have long waiting lists for volunteers which can range anywhere from 6 months to over a year. All applicants are encouraged to contact facilities in their area for more opportunities to obtain clinical observation experiences under a licensed physical therapist. Applicants may also contact skilled nursing facilities that may have opportunities to work under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Although, there is no requirement to work as a Physical Therapy Aide prior to applying to our program, many applicants seek this opportunity in order to obtain more hands-on experience and guaranteed hours of clinical work.
What other factors are evaluated beside academic ability?
Other factors reviewed besides academic ability include: research experience, community service, extracurricular activities, leadership activities, strong letters of recommendation, and a personal interest in why physical therapy is the right career for them.
Do all prerequisite courses need to be completed before applying?
Applicants are encouraged to complete all prerequisite courses prior to the application deadline. However, up to three prerequisite courses may be taken after the summer term of the application cycle, (e.g., after summer 2024 for students applying for summer 2025 entry), including a maximum of two prerequisite courses after the fall semester/quarter. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. In addition, for prerequisite courses taken in Spring 2020 through Spring 2022, we will waive the letter grade requirement. For classes taken during that particular timeframe, we will accept courses that meet the unit and content requirements as listed on our Prerequisite Coursework page but are graded on a Pass/No Pass or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Courses completed prior to Spring 2020 and after Spring 2022 must be completed for a letter grade.
Do all prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and physics need to have a laboratory component?
Yes.
Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits in lieu of a letter grade to fulfill science prerequisites?
The program will apply AP credit to satisfy prerequisite requirements for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Statistics if the following criteria are met:
Advanced Placement credit is accepted by the undergraduate institution and the undergraduate intuition has granted a waiver for the course equivalency (i.e. General Biology, General Chemistry, General Physics, Introductory Statistics). Elective credit or units are not applicable.
Advanced Placement credit and course equivalency must appear on official transcripts.
Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?
No. All letter-graded prerequisite coursework is acceptable, no matter when the coursework was completed. However, it is highly recommended that students take refresher courses when needed to be prepared to take full advantage of the curriculum.
Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
Yes. General Chemistry w/lab, General Physics w/lab, General Biology w/lab, Abnormal Psychology, and Statistics prerequisites can be taken at any community college. Check www.assist.org to determine the equivalence of community college courses to similar courses at either a CSU or UC school. It is preferred, though not required, that Anatomy and Physiology be taken at a four-year institution.
Can I take online courses to fulfill the prerequisites requirements?
While we recommend that labs be taken in person whenever possible, online lectures and labs from regionally accredited institutions completed Spring 2020 and later are acceptable. Online lectures completed prior to Spring 2020 are acceptable, as well, but labs completed prior to Spring 2020 are required to be in person.
Do you accept transfers of credit to satisfy courses in the DPT curriculum?
No, we do not accept any transfers of credit. Every course in the curriculum is required to be completed by each student in order to successfully complete the program.
Admissions Process
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 1, 2024, for the Summer 2025 start term.
Are interviews a required part of the application process?
Yes, top applicants are invited for an interview in January.
How many applications do you receive each year?
We receive between 400-600 applications each year.
If admitted, do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your space in the class.
If admitted, can I request a deferral to a future term?
Under extreme circumstances, the Admissions Committee will review requests for deferred admission. Written requests for deferral must be received by March 1 of the year of expected entry. Students will receive notice of acceptance or denial of deferment by April 1 of the year of expected entry. We typically consider deferrals that are based on either physical illness/medical condition of the applicant or immediate family member or an unexpected, extenuating circumstance that precludes the student from starting classes at the start of the academic year. While we understand that students may wish to defer admission for financial reasons, personal development, employment opportunities, or family needs, we are unlikely to grant deferrals for these reasons.
If I am denied admission, can I reapply?
Yes, applicants who are denied admission are welcome to reapply in subsequent years. If an applicant reapplies, they must resubmit a new PTCAS application and pay the PTCAS and UCSF application fees again. Repeat applicants should highlight what they have done to improve their eligibility for the program since the previous application and are encouraged to submit at least one new or updated letter of recommendation. Applicants may only apply three times for admission. Information on reuse of application materials can be found on the PTCAS Reapplicants information page.
Can I receive feedback on my application?
No. The program does not offer individual feedback on applications.
Can my parent, friend, significant other, etc. contact the program on my behalf?
No. The program will discuss application requirements with applicants only.
Program Information
What is the size of a DPT class?
Each DPT class is 50 students.
Is the DPT program accredited?
Yes, the program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Phone: (703) 706-3245
[email protected]
https://www.capteonline.org
What is the acceptance rate for the program?
The acceptance rate is around 10%.
What is the graduation rate? Ultimate pass rate on the national licensure exam? Employment rate?
99% Average DPT Graduation Rate for Classes of 2023 and 2024
97% Average Ultimate Pass Rate on the National Licensure Exam for Classes of 2023 and 2024
100% Average 12-Month Employment Rate for Classes of 2022 and 2023
When does the program begin?
The program begins in early June.
How is the DPT degree different from the PhD in Rehabilitation Science?
The DPT program is designed to matriculate clinicians in the practice of physical therapy, with a combination of didactic and clinical skills-based coursework and clinical experiences spaced throughout the three years of the program. The curriculum is designed to prepare collaborative and expert clinicians who will advance the quality of health care through a currency in the relevant literature and a commitment to evidence based practice.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Science is a research-based degree program that leverages the vast expertise at UCSF in the basic and clinical sciences. The program educates new investigators on the latest advancements in musculoskeletal biomechanics and neuroscience, and prepares them for careers in research in academia and industry.
How long is the program?
The DPT is a 3-year program (36 months full-time, including summers).
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Does the program offer scholarships?
Yes. There are a limited number of competitive, merit-based scholarships as well as need-based awards for students throughout the 3-year program. Current students are considered for these awards, and there is no need to submit a formal application.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
All enrolled students are eligible to be considered for need-based financial aid through UCSF. For more information, see the UCSF Financial Aid website.