Direct Admit and Cardinal Soar Program

Pathway Programs

The School of Rehabilitation Sciences offers pathway programs that help students prepare for future graduate study in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training. These programs provide academic guidance, professional development opportunities, and a structured pathway toward your career goals in healthcare.

Direct Admit is designed for outstanding high school students entering UIW and offers an early pathway to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), or Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) programs.

Cardinal Soar is designed for current UIW freshmen and qualified transfer students who have demonstrated academic success and are interested in pursuing graduate study in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy.

Both programs connect students with resources, mentorship, and opportunities that support their journey from undergraduate study to graduate education within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

 

Direct Admit Program

The Direct Admit Program is designed for high-achieving high school students who are ready to begin planning for a career in healthcare. Through this pathway, students receive early consideration for select graduate programs while completing their undergraduate degree at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Students may pursue a pathway to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), or Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT). The program provides a structured roadmap, academic guidance, and professional development opportunities that support students as they work toward their graduate education and career goals.

Qualified students are identified during the admissions process and invited to participate in the Direct Admit Program. While students must continue to meet all progression requirements throughout their undergraduate studies, Direct Admit provides a clear pathway and additional support as they prepare for their future profession.

Direct Admit Program Steps

Students interested in the Direct Admit Program must complete and submit an undergraduate application to the University of the Incarnate Word and meet the eligibility requirements for their intended pathway.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) & Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

  • Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.7
  • Minimum math and science GPA of 3.7 (minimum three years of each)
  • Eligible for placement into Pre-Calculus during the first semester at UIW
  • Grade of B or higher in high school Pre-Calculus
  • Demonstrated volunteer and community service involvement

Optional SAT/ACT scores may be considered. Students with math scores above 580 SAT or 23 ACT may be considered for review even if their cumulative GPA is below 3.50.

Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)

  • Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5
  • Minimum math and science GPA of 3.33 (minimum four years of each)
  • Demonstrated volunteer and community service involvement

Application Review & Direct Admit Selection

Direct Admit Program selections will be made at the end of the fall semester and at the beginning of the spring semester.

Students selected for the program will receive an offer of admission into the Direct Admit pathway and will have two weeks to accept their offer.

Direct Admit offers are contingent upon enrollment at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Direct Admit Orientation

Students accepted into the Direct Admit Program are required to attend a mandatory orientation hosted by the graduate program within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences.

This orientation is separate from the undergraduate student orientation and is designed specifically for Direct Admit students.

Academic Requirements

  • Complete a bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word
  • Maintain a minimum 3.3 overall GPA
  • Maintain a minimum 3.3 prerequisite GPA
  • Successfully complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year
  • Earn a grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses
  • Remain in good standing with no conduct violations

Professional Development Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 50 observation hours
  • Actively participate in a professional, pre-professional, or rehabilitation-related student organization, such as STRS or a similar organization related to your career goals
  • Successfully complete a background check

Letters of Recommendation

  • One recommendation from a licensed PT, OT, or AT professional, depending on the student's pathway
  • Two additional recommendations from a faculty member in a related field, an academic advisor, or another licensed healthcare professional

Graduate Program Application

Upon completion of a bachelor's degree at UIW, students must submit a formal application through the appropriate application service:

  • DPT: PTCAS
  • OTD: OTCAS
  • MSAT: ATCAS
  • Complete the GRE with a minimum 150 Verbal score and 300 combined score (DPT pathway only)
  • Submit a $500 enrollment deposit by January 15 of the senior year spring semester

Application Fee Reimbursement

Students who matriculate into a graduate program will receive reimbursement equivalent to one application service fee during their first semester of enrollment.

Is admission to the graduate program guaranteed?

No. Students must continue to meet all Direct Admit requirements and successfully complete the graduate admission process.

Do I still need to submit a graduate application?

Yes. Students must apply through PTCAS, OTCAS, or ATCAS depending on their pathway.

Can I lose my Direct Admit status?

Yes. Students who do not maintain academic, professional, or conduct requirements may lose eligibility.

Do I need observation hours?

Yes. Direct Admit students must complete at least 50 observation hours.

When is the enrollment deposit due?

The $500 enrollment deposit is due by January 15 of the senior year spring semester.

 

Cardinal Soar Program

The Cardinal Soar Program is designed for current UIW freshmen and qualified transfer students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and are interested in pursuing a career in rehabilitation sciences. This pathway provides students with additional guidance and support as they prepare for graduate study while completing their undergraduate degree at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Students may pursue a pathway to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. Through Cardinal Soar, students receive a structured roadmap, professional development opportunities, and access to resources that help them stay focused on their long-term academic and career goals.

The program is intended for students who have already begun their undergraduate studies and have demonstrated success at the college level. By meeting program expectations throughout their time at UIW, students can strengthen their preparation for admission into their desired graduate program.

Cardinal Soar Program Steps

The Cardinal Soar Program is designed for current UIW freshmen and qualified transfer students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and an interest in pursuing graduate study in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy.

  • Complete at least two science courses with laboratory components
  • Maintain a minimum overall college GPA of 3.5
  • Maintain a minimum math and science GPA of 3.5
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from current college or university faculty
  • Maintain active membership in a health professions student organization

Cardinal Soar students may pursue a pathway to one of the following graduate programs:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

A program that prepares future physical therapists to help individuals improve movement, function, and quality of life through evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

A program that prepares future occupational therapists to help individuals participate fully in meaningful daily activities through holistic care and advocacy.

Students selected for the Cardinal Soar Program must continue to meet the following requirements throughout their undergraduate studies at UIW.

  • Complete a bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word
  • Maintain a minimum 3.3 overall GPA and 3.3 prerequisite GPA
  • Successfully complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year
  • Earn a grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses
  • Complete 50 observation hours in appropriate rehabilitation settings
  • Actively participate in the Society for Therapeutic Rehabilitation Students
  • Remain in good standing with no conduct violations

As students approach graduation, they must complete the final graduate admission requirements.

  • Complete the GRE with a minimum 150 Verbal score and 300 combined score (DPT pathway only)
  • Obtain three letters of recommendation:
    • Two from licensed PT or OT professionals
    • One from a faculty member or academic advisor
  • Successfully complete a background check
  • Apply through the appropriate centralized application service
  • Submit a $500 enrollment deposit by January 15 of the senior year spring semester

Application Fee Reimbursement

Students who matriculate into a graduate program will receive a reimbursement equivalent to one application service fee during their first semester of enrollment.