By Cody Davis, PT, DPT at Foothills Ahwatukee
Physical therapy is a booming profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for the next decade is a whopping 21%. Applicants for PT schools are on the rise as well. With Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs becoming more competitive, it’s a good idea to plan for the application process.
1. Do well in undergrad school
Use your time in your bachelor’s degree wisely. If you’d like PT school to be in your future, you need to research to learn what undergrad prerequisites your preferred DPT programs want. The required classes can vary from school to school, but standard courses include:
- Anatomy with lab
- Physiology with lab
- Biology 1 and 2
- General chemistry 1 and 2 with lab
- General physics 1 and 2 with lab
- Psychology
- Statistics
Your GPA matters, too. Most students accepted to DPT programs have a GPA of 3.5 or better.
What doesn’t matter so much is your undergraduate major. There is no single, specific major that leads into PT school. As long as your degree program allows you to take the classes listed above, it will be fine. The sciences tend to be common majors, such as biology, kinesiology, psychology, and exercise science.
2. Take the GRE
Most DPT programs require the Graduate Record Examination. The GRE is a standardized test to measure your graduate school readiness. It’s similar to the SAT and measures reading, writing, and math competency.
You will need to set time aside to study for this exam. Begin about six months before you plan on taking it. Use GRE practice materials to prepare and spend a few hours each week reviewing the content.
The GRE is offered on select dates at various locations across the country. You can sign up for your preferred location and date online. In addition, due to the pandemic, there is now an at-home version of the exam you can take online.
3. Research your options
Not all PT schools are the same. So do some research and find the ones that will help you achieve your goals. You should consider location, cost, clinical requirements, and class size. Check out what GPA and GRE score the program expects applicants to have.
Narrow the list down to three to six DPT programs that look like a good fit for you. Take a deeper dive into their application process. If they still appeal to you and can give you the education and training you want, keep them on the list. Feel free to swap any of them if you discover a better option.
It may be tempting to apply to many schools, but there’s no need. Most applicants get accepted into a program with three to six schools. Remember, applications cost money and take a lot of time, and you probably don’t want to waste either.
Most schools use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Offered by the American Physical Therapy Association, the PTCAS is a common application that allows you to apply to multiple DPT programs. If your prospective schools offer it, be sure to use it. Also, refer to every school’s DPT program’s home website to review other possible applications and fees specific to the program and graduate school.
4. Get those observation hours
Make sure you have enough observation hours. While some programs don’t require any, the most competitive programs may require as many as 100 or more. These hours should be in a variety of settings, such as:
- Orthopedic clinic (Shameless self-plug: We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for opportunities to work as a physical therapist technician.)
- Sports medicine clinic
- Skilled nursing facility
- Hospital
- Rehabilitation center
- Home health
- School system
Programs differ on whether a licensed physical therapist must verify the hours or not. Once again, check with the schools to which you are applying to ensure you complete these hours to their satisfaction.
5. Use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
This is a service offered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) that allows applicants to use a centralized application to apply to many different PT programs. There is a fee (approximately $155) to apply to your first school and then an additional fee ($60) to apply to any additional programs. Not every US-based school participates in the PTCAS, so double check to ensure the schools you are interested in participate.
6. Start early
Don’t treat your DPT applications like cramming for an exam. Begin the process early. Thoughtfully consider your essays. Give those you’ve asked to write your recommendation letters plenty of advance notice. You can also ask a current professor or PT you know if they would be willing to read your essay and give pointers. A fresh view can be helpful.
The PT professionals at Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy love encouraging young students to pursue a DPT. You can achieve an exciting physical therapy career with dedication and hard work.
