PT School: How To Get Accepted into a DPT Program

[@sarahpearce1317]

Thank you for the advice and informatiin about how to get into a PT school. This was very helpful for me. I'm a junior in high school right now. I'm already looking at colleges for undergrad and graduate school. I'm also looking at the cost of tuition and comparing the costs of other colleges.

[@caden937]

Im currently a senior in High School and I have been thinking about doing my first two years of undergrad at a community college and then transferring to a university to save money. Can this somehow hurt my chances getting into PT school? I’m aware of the requirements and all that but can the community college make me look less qualified?

[@PTProgress]

That’s a great idea to keep costs low! No PT school should interpret it as you being less qualified. I personally completed physics, and biology prerequisites from a community college and also a random online state school and got into a “top rated” PT school. Do whatever you can to save money with these rising tuition costs. You’re smart for thinking ahead like you are! I wish I would have planned ahead like you! Keep it up and let me know if you have any other questions.

[@sash6063]

I'm doing the exact thing...it is a really great way to save money

[@nomsantsoane3984]

Hey guys I'm currently in south africa doing PT . After my course I want to pursue DPT in another country how do I go

[@priyankapillay6827]

How do you complete you pre-req If your course doesn't havev those subjects

[@seema7925]

what if an international student wants to apply to dpt in states if they have completed their graduation in pt in their own country

[@jadenarne7744]

This is what I am trying to figure out too

[@Andrew-mz3rw]

is a health sciences degree good for this or should I Stick to Biology? I know you said it is good to maybe stay away from bio or kinesiology in certain cases, and my school does not offer kinesiology. Im stuck between Bio, Psychology, and Health sciences.

[@gedenirfiorese3523]

The only thing I’m not so strong is GRE. Everything else I’m above average, but I’m still nervous to apply

[@maitecanala-echevarriaholg4511]

Hey Tim, I'm currently in High School. My plan is to get Advanced Placement courses in different fields like biology, chemistry, etc. When I graduate from High School I would have to do and do a bachelor of 4 years in kinesiology, physiology, etc. Then, enter the DPT for 3 years? Is that the correct curriculum structure? 7 years total?

[@contactjohn5011]

As a high-schooler if you really want to pursue PT, there are some colleges that offer a 4+2 or 4+3 program which will already guarantee you a spot for the DPT program at that school entering as a freshmen. Depending on the school, I believe you can get your bachelors in any degree you desire while in this program.

[@Corn22]

how can i ensure i stand out if the program i’m applying to does not conduct interviews?

[@squatme15]

make sure you write good essays if the school offers them. including your PTCAS essay.

[@jessicaglowacki7777]

You emphasized trying to pick an undergraduate major outside of kinesiology or exercise science etc. I am currently majoring in Environmental Earth Science, some of the pre-reqs for pt school overlap like physics, chemistry, sats, and other gen eds. So, do you think it is a good idea to continue with this major, or should I switch to a major with more focused classes to better prepare me for pt school?

[@Timgoesgym]

if you have a bachelors in psychology would you automatically fulfill all the prerequisites?... do i really have to do MORE school before dpt?...

[@haydenot]

Yea, unfortunately you have to meet the schools prereqs even if you have a degree already. Some things may substitute. Best to check with school you wanna go to.

[@0110jess]

Yes unfortunately, I was a kinesiology degree and had to add over 20 extra hours to get all of the pre-reqs

[@annachow5858]

Do you suggest to major in psychology or biomedical sciences for bachelor's?

[@PTProgress]

Do what you would enjoy studying more. your major isn’t going to get you into PT school. 👍

[@TheWoundedNinja]

Do you think the schools you apply for will determine the outcome of your success? (name brand schools vs non name brand schools)

[@PTProgress]

No I don’t think that’s the case at all. Your success as a PT depends on your willingness to put in the work and develop your skills. Are some schools better than others? Of course there are differences and some programs excel in certain areas. But just because you attended a “top” rated program, doesn’t mean you’ll be a successful PT. Thanks for your comment!

[@OGB_-ni8eh]

Can i complete the pre-requisites at a community College?

[@jessicaglowacki7777]

yes

[@MiahB513]

Thanks for the general advice and tips! Luckily PTCAS released the essay prompt early for students to work on.

[@maibelhana8329]

hey do you know if they released the essay prompt for fall 2021?

[@RewindsFeed]

Do they count your cumulative gpa or prerequisite gpa?

[@kevincorrigan1754]

Both

[@calernoodle2730]

The debt to income ratio is poor unless your parents are paying your way, reimbursements are declining (CMS proposing 8% cut to reimbursement in 2021)...You would be better off looking toward Physician Assistant

[@PTProgress]

You make a great point Christina. It’s something I plan on talking about in a future video. While I do think people can still enter Physical Therapy with a decent debt to income ratio, it requires planning ahead and pursuing state programs, etc. It’s absurd to graduate with 200k and to start with a 65-75k salary with minimal raises unless you do per diem or go into home health.