Physical Therapy Admission Requirements
The University of Evansville (UE) offers an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The curriculum enhances the graduate's ability to work in a complex and changing health care environment. Through the careful integration of the liberal arts, an undergraduate degree, and professional studies, students acquire the necessary knowledge base and critical thinking skills to promote optimal human health and patient function. High school students interested in the DPT program follow normal University admission procedures. Three or four years of undergraduate course work must be completed prior to beginning the professional program. Students who plan to pursue physical therapy are required to declare an undergraduate major.
Direct Entry (DE) Admission to the DPT Program
A limited number of positions are available to students who have displayed superior academic performance in high school. A minimum of 26 on the ACT or a combined critical reading and math SAT score of 1200 is required for consideration. Applications to the University are due by November 1. Selected students will be invited for an on-campus interview, which will take place on November 23, 2009. Students who wish to be considered for DE must meet all application requirements and complete the interview process by December 18, 2009.
Options for Students to Complete an Undergraduate Degree and the DPT Program
Option I/3+3 Track
Three years of undergraduate course work is best suited for students who meet direct entry admission criteria (26 or above on the ACT or a combined score of 1200 on the critical reading and math portions of the SAT) and seek an undergraduate degree in either exercise science or interdisciplinary studies.
Option II/4+3 Track
Four years of undergraduate study may promote a richer educational experience for students who (1) do not meet direct entry admission criteria; (2) wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in biology, athletic training, or another area; (3) desire to study abroad for a full semester; or (4) want to participate in NCAA Division I athletics.
Both the 3+3 and 4+3 options are followed by three years of professional study and culminate in the awarding of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Acceptance to the University does not necessarily guarantee acceptance into the DPT program.
Maintaining Direct Entry Status
Students who are selected for direct entry are guaranteed a position in the DPT program as long as the following criteria are met.
- Must have a 3.35 GPA at the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year (3+3 track) or junior year (4+3 track) and earn a grade of C- or higher in all courses
- Must be involved in at least one campus activity each semester
- Must complete 60 hours (3+3 track) of exposure to physical therapy (20 hours each academic year) during years 1,2, and 3 through volunteer work or employment (employment does not mean direct patient care, but experience in a physical therapy setting); at least two different physical therapy settings must be represented in the 60 hours (direct entry students on the 4+3 track must complete 80 hours of exposure to physical therapy prior to entering the DPT program)
Junior or Senior Year Selection and Admission
Students apply to the professional program during the fall semester of their junior year (3+3 track) or senior year (4+3 track). This also applies to direct entry students who do not maintain direct entry requirements. For additional information visit the Physical Therapy Web site.
Additional Information:
- Application materials may be accessed on the Physical Therapy Web site
- Students are selected to the program on a rolling basis.
- Enrollment in the University of Evansville does not necessarily guarantee enrollment in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
- Admission criteria are subject to change.
- The University of Evansville reserves the right to exercise judgment in the selection process for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. All decisions are final.
- The University of Evansville operates under a non-discriminatory policy with regard to race, color, creed or religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
