Direct Admit and Cardinal Soar Program

Admission Information

UIW invites exceptionally qualified high school students to pursue our Direct Admit Program, which leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, or Master of Science in Athletic Training degree. The four-step process includes general admission to UIW; application and acceptance to Direct Admit; satisfactory completion of undergraduate degree; acceptance into the School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

Students who meet the qualification criteria listed below when applying to the University will receive an email invitation shortly after admission. Students will be asked to select which program they are interested in and to complete a survey. Responses are shared with the respective schools that interview and admit students at their discretion. Please contact the Office of Admissions at admission@uiwtx.edu or (210) 829-6005 with any additional questions.

Direct Admit Program Qualifications

The Doctor of Physical Therapy direct admit program leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The DPT program educates physical therapists who, through skilled, reflective, holistic patient-centered practice and scholarly activities, optimize movement and wellness for the common good of society.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy direct admit program leads to a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. The OTD program educates occupational therapists who are immersed in a community network that serves the physical, social, wellness and mental health needs of a diverse health and wellness community.

DPT and OTD Direct Admit Qualifications:

  • Cumulative high school GPA of 3.7
  • High school math and science GPA of 3.7 (minimum of three years each)
  • Students must meet minimum requirements to be placed into Pre-Calculus in the first semester of their freshmen year.
    • A grade of B or better in high school Pre-Calculus
  • Volunteer and community service involvement
  • Successful interview with DPT/OTD faculty

**Optional submitted test scores will be considered and, if above 580/23 math, we will consider interviewing under 3.50 high school GPA applicants.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training direct admit program leads to a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree. The MSAT program seeks to empower change agents in developing safer participation environments for active individuals. Athletic trainers respond to emergency situations as well as combine holistic, patient-centered care to manage injuries and return individuals to participation.

MSAT Direct Admit Qualifications:

  • Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5
  • High school math and science GPA of 3.33 (minimum of four years of each)
  • Volunteer and community service involvement
  • Successful interview with Department of Athletic Training faculty

The Direct Admit program is designed to provide guidance and enhanced opportunities in preparation for application and acceptance into one of UIW School of Rehabilitation Sciences programs.

Upon selection as a Direct Admit student, the following expectations shall be adhered to:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word
  • Maintenance of a 3.3 or higher prerequisite and overall GPA at the conclusion of each academic year
  • Successful completion of 30 credit hours per undergraduate academic year
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C
  • Completion of 50 minimum observation hours
  • Completion of the GRE with a minimum 150 verbal score/ 300 total score (DPT direct admit only)
  • Active participation as a member in the Society for Therapeutic Rehabilitation Students
  • Minimum of three letters of recommendation to include two from a licensed PT/OT/AT and one from an academic advisor or faculty member
  • No conduct violations as an undergraduate student
  • Successful report on a background check
  • Application to respective program through CAS system. The university will reimburse the cost of the CAS application fee equivalent to applying to one PT/OT/AT program via a transfer of funds into the student account as part of the student’s first semester of tuition in the program. Students who do not matriculate into the a SRS program will forfeit this reimbursement.
  • Successful interview with program faculty in the fall semester of the senior year of undergraduate study
  • $500 enrollment deposit to be paid to SRS by Jan. 15 in the spring semester of senior year

UIW Cardinal Soar Program

A Pathway to the School of Rehabilitation Sciences

The UIW Cardinal Soar Program will allow current UIW freshmen and qualified transfer students to have a pathway to our Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Much like the Direct Admit Program, the UIW Cardinal Soar Program invites exceptionally qualified UIW freshmen and transfer students to pursue a direct admit option, which leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Current students who meet the qualification criteria listed below should reach out to the Office of Academic Success and Student Affairs at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences for a UIW Cardinal Soar Program application. Interested students can contact the Office of Academic Success and Student Affairs at dptadmissions@uiwtx.edu or (210) 283-6477.

Designed for current UIW freshmen and transfer students:

  • Completion of at least two sciences courses with lab
  • Overall GPA of at least 3.5 for college-level work
  • Overall math/science GPA of at least 3.5 for college-level work
  • Two letters of recommendation from current university/college faculty
  • Successful interview with DPT/OTD faculty
  • Active membership in a health professions student group

The UIW Cardinal Soar program is designed to provide guidance and enhanced opportunities in preparation for application and acceptance into the Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Upon selection as a UIW Cardinal Soar student, the following expectations shall be adhered to:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word
  • Maintenance of a 3.3 or higher prerequisite and overall GPA at the conclusion of each academic year
  • Successful completion of 30 credit hours per undergraduate academic year
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C
  • 50 observation hours in a minimum of two physical therapy settings
  • Completion of the GRE with a minimum 150 verbal score/ 300 total score (DPT only)
  • Active participation as a member in the Society for Therapeutic Rehabilitation Students
  • Minimum of three letters of recommendation to include two from a licensed PT/OT and one from an academic advisor or faculty member
  • No conduct violations as an undergraduate student
  • Successful report on a background check
  • Application to UIW DPT/OTD program through PTCAS/OTCAS. The university will reimburse the cost of the PTCAS/OTCAS application fee equivalent to applying to one PT/OT program via a transfer of funds into the student account as part of the student’s first semester of tuition in the DPT program. Students who do not matriculate into the UIW DPT/OTD program will forfeit this reimbursement.
  • Successful interview with program faculty in the fall semester of the senior year of undergraduate study
  • $500 enrollment deposit to be paid to SRS by Jan. 15 in the spring semester of senior year