School of Health Sciences Physical Therapy

PT Admissions

Students applying to the program must obtain a Baccalaureate degree prior to entrance into the DPT Program though they may apply during their senior year of undergraduate study. In addition to the degree, certain prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to entrance into the program.

Application Information

The USD PT Department offers a clinical doctorate-level program for individuals seeking entry-level professional education. All applicants must have a baccalaureate degree. The course of study is offered in three consecutive years of coursework.

Enrollment is limited to 26 students. Students are selected through a competitive application process based on evaluation of the following factors (in no order of importance):

  1. Academic preparation (minimum cumulative and prerequisite grade point averages of 3.0 are required)
  2. Personal statement
  3. 50 hours of physical therapy observation and/or experience
  4. Recommendation letters
  5. A personal interview
  6. GRE scores

A PT Admissions Committee selects the 26 students for admissions. The committee may be comprised of any combination of the following individuals:

  1. PT faculty
  2. Members of the SD PT Association
  3. Faculty members from the Basic Sciences
  4. Alumni of the PT Program

Application Deadlines for Fall 2010 Program Entrance

  Early Admission General Admission

Application Deadline

   
Application material must be submitted to PTCAS & USD by this date; GRE Test must be taken PRIOR to this date & a request made to have the results sent to USD PT.

September 15, 2009

December 15, 2009

Scheduled Interview Dates (by invitation only)

Nov. 20-21, 2009

Feb. 26-27, 2010

Minimum Requirements for Interview Selection

Must meet all three of the following requirements:

  1. 3.5 Minimum Cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 Minimum Prerequisite GPA
  3. Minimum GRE of 1000

Must meet both of the following requirements:

  1. 3.0 Minimum Cumulative GPA
  2. 3.0 Minimum Prerequisite GPA

 

Application Instructions