Doctor of Physical Therapy Admissions
Completed applications for the Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy program are reviewed holistically on a multitude of factors including but not limited to: academic history, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and service and leadership in the community.
PTCAS Application Deadlines
Application opens: June 1, 2024
Priority application deadline: Aug. 31, 2024
Application closes: Feb. 17, 2025
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelors Degree - Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited Institution with a minimum of 120 credit hours and have all the prerequisite courses listed below completed prior to orientation. Additionally, students who have not completed one semester of Medical Terminology will be required to take a six-week online course.
- Academic Excellence - The recommended minimum GPA is a 3.0 overall GPA and a 2.9 prerequisite GPA. Applicants must earn a C or higher in all prerequisite courses.
- Strong Test Scores - GRE score of 150 for each component (quantitative and verbal) is strongly recommended.
- Strong References - Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from a licensed physical therapist, are required.
- Observation Hours - 50 hours of observation in at least two different physical therapy settings that focus on different physical therapy specialties are recommended. (Example: neuromuscular, orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric, sports, etc.)
- Admission Interview - The DPT admissions committee reviews applications as they are received, and those deemed most competitive will be invited to an on-campus or virtual interview. Following the interview, the Admissions Committee will do a follow-up review of applicant files and offer the most qualified candidates.
Prerequisite science courses must be designated for science majors or pre-medical or pre-health majors. Undergraduate science courses that are designated as courses for non-majors are not accepted as prerequisites for entry into the UIW DPT program.
Applicants must earn a C or higher in the following prerequisite courses
| Course | Semester(s) |
|---|---|
| General Biology I and II with lab (4 hours each) | 2 |
| Human Anatomy with Lab (4 hours) | 1 |
| Human Physiology with Lab (4 hours) or | 1 |
| Combined Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab (4 hours each) | 2 |
| General Chemistry I and II with Lab (4 hours each) | 2 |
| Medical Terminology | 1 |
| General Physics I and II with Lab (4 hours each) | 2 |
| Introduction to Psychology (3 hours) | 1 |
| Statistics (3 hours) | 1 |
The University of the Incarnate Word contracts a qualified provider to deliver a six-week online non-credit Medical Terminology course.
Below is a list of course equivalencies from Texas colleges and universities. Click on the links below to download a pdf form to be used by your undergraduate academic advisor.
Please use this list as a guide to plan your academic courses to meet the Doctor of Physical Therapy prerequisite requirements.
- University of the Incarnate Word
- Baylor University
- St. Mary's University
- St. Edward's University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Texas Lutheran University
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Woman's University
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Texas at Tyler
- Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Texas A&M International University
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University-Kingsville
- West Texas A&M University
- University of Houston (Main Campus)
- University of Houston-Downtown
- We will accept the pass and satisfactory grades for prerequisite courses taken in the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters for prerequisite requirements.
- We will accept the ETS at-home version of the GRE General Test, taken with a live, remote proctor. Learn more at the GRE General Test at-home site.
- We will accept the new ETS TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test, taken at home using live remote proctors and artificial intelligence technology. Learn more at the ETS TOEFL site.
- Applications are reviewed holistically, including a thorough review of writing submissions, coursework, achievements, service activities and test scores. We encourage you to be reflective in your writing and proofread all materials in your application.
- Applicants will be allowed to explain how they have been impacted (education, personally, or professionally) by COVID-19 on their application.
- Our current number of recommended observations is 50 hours. If you are having difficulty completing the requirement, please indicate this in your application. We may extend the time available to complete your shadowing hours on a case-by-case basis.
- The Admissions deadline is Feb. 15, 2024. Any applications submitted after Jan. 31, 2024, may not be verified through PTCAS by the deadline. Please be sure to submit your PTCAS application in advance, as unverified applications will not be considered for review. Learn more at the PTCAS site.
Following a holistic review of candidates, the Admissions Committee will invite those deemed most competitive to an admissions interview. Interviews are typically held on Saturdays throughout the fall and early spring semesters. Applicants may also choose to participate in a virtual admissions interview if they are unable to attend in person. During the interviews, applicants will have the opportunity to meet administrators, faculty, staff and current students. Additionally, candidates will learn more about the program's problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum, professional practice experience and tour the campus.
Articulate and professional communication is essential during the interview day. Interviews are an integral part of the application process, and expressing oneself effectively helps the faculty and staff get to know the candidate better. Candidates should consult with their career services office and/or health professions advisor to get interview strategies and tips. If offered, participation in mock interviews is also a great way to practice interview techniques.
Careful planning can help reduce stress on interview days. First impressions matter, so professional dress and punctuality are essential. To ensure a smooth start on interview day, candidates who are not currently living in the San Antonio area should plan to stay nearby to help avoid potential traffic or other unexpected delays. If possible, find the School of Rehabilitation Sciences the day before, so on interview day you know where it is located and how to get there.
Advanced preparation will help interview participants relax and put their best foot forward!
Accepted students will have two to three weeks to accept or decline their admissions into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Those who accept must submit their Acknowledgment of Acceptance and Confirmation Form along with a $500 deposit to secure their place in the incoming class. The deposit is non-refundable; $400 will be applied toward the first semester’s tuition. Additionally, admitted students will be responsible for sending official original transcripts from each college or university attended directly to the School of Rehabilitation Sciences prior to the start of class. Transcripts must be in a sealed envelope from the school to be considered official.