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, Occupational Therapy or Athletic Training. 

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 Pathway

The Direct Admit Program helps high-achieving high school students start their journey toward a healthcare career. Students earn their undergraduate degree at the University of the Incarnate Word while receiving early consideration for select graduate programs in Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OTD), or Athletic Training (MSAT).

Students selected for the program receive academic support, professional development opportunities, and a clear pathway to help them prepare for graduate school. Eligible students are invited to participate during the undergraduate admissions process and must continue to meet program requirements throughout their undergraduate studies.

Direct Admit Pathway Steps

Students interested in the Direct Admit Program must submit an undergraduate application to the University of the Incarnate Word and select their desired health profession pathway on the application and meet the following requirements: 

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)
  • 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

Students who meet the requirements will be sent a supplemental application they are required to complete and submit within one week for a final review and selection. 

Decisions are made at the end of the Fall semester, the week before Spring Break, and the end of the Spring Semester

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
  • Actively participate in a professional, pre-professional or rehabilitation-related student organization, such as STRS or a similar organization related to your career goals
To fulfill the requirements for admission to the graduate program, Direct Admit/SOAR students must complete the following during their final year of undergraduate study:
  • Submit a successful graduate application through the appropriate Centralized Application Service (CAS).
  • Successfully complete an interview for admission to the graduate program, if required by the program.

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 (must be in at least two clinical settings for the physical therapy pathway).

 

 

Cardinal Soar Pathway

The Cardinal SOAR pathway is intended for current UIW students who have already begun their undergraduate studies and have demonstrated success at the college level and are interested in pursuing a career in rehabilitation sciences (physical therapy/occupational therapy/athletic training). 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 selected for the SOAR pathway receive academic support, professional development opportunities and a clear pathway to help them prepare for graduate school. 

Cardinal Soar Pathway 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, Occupational Therapy or Athletic Training.

  • 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
  • Submission of a cardinal SOAR application
  • 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.

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
  • Actively participate in a professional, pre-professional, or rehabilitation-related student organization, such as STRS or a similar organization related to your career goals

To fulfill the requirements for admission to the graduate program, Direct Admit/SOAR students must complete the following during their final year of undergraduate study:

  • Submit a successful graduate application through the appropriate Centralized Application Service (CAS).
  • Successfully complete an interview for admission to the graduate program, if required by the program.

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.