Application Deadline:

Summer I:

• June 15 - Application Cycle Opens
• November 1 - Application Cycle Ends

All applicants to the DPT program must apply via the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). The system can be accessed at https://ptcas.liaisoncas.com/. It is recommended that the PTCAS application be completed by early October so PTCAS has ample time to fully verify the application, which must be done prior to review by Temple University.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from individuals who can judge the applicant's ability to succeed in a professional graduate program in Physical Therapy. Individuals typically positioned to provide such assessment include university faculty members, physical therapy clinicians, and employers. One reference must be from a physical therapist who can provide perspective on your ability as a student and future physical therapist. The second letter of reference must be from an academic professor who can provide an assessment of your ability to succeed with the academic rigor of a doctoral-level program. Notify the references to expect an online reference form from PTCAS once you begin the application process.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants must complete 10 prerequisite courses totaling 37 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and no grades below a "C" (2.0). An applicant is permitted to apply with 6 of the 10 required prerequisite courses completed. If outstanding coursework exists, the admitted student must provide proof that sufficient grades were earned in all courses upon completion. Pass/fail for prerequisite courses is acceptable on a case-by-case basis due to COVID-19. Laboratories for science-based courses should not be online, but rather in-person traditional laboratories. Online lecture components are acceptable.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A master's degree is not required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must possess a completed baccalaureate degree in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or be designated as matriculating in an internal articulation agreement (i.e., Temple 3+3 applicant) between approved undergraduate departments at Temple University and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Statement of Goals: Three essay opportunities are presented within the PTCAS application for the applicant to respond to program and profession-specific questions.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Not required.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 53
• Duolingo: 110

Interview: Qualified applicants are invited to interview with faculty and students of the DPT program. In-person interviews are preferred, and virtual interviews are available in certain cases.

Physical Therapy Observation Hours/Experience: In the interview process, applicants are expected to demonstrate physical therapy professional experience/knowledge either through unpaid volunteerism or a paid clinical position. It is recommended that an applicant seek out service and leadership opportunities and have completed observation/volunteer hours in a variety of physical therapy settings. No minimum number of hours is required, but it is recommended that applicants consider a sufficient number of hours to ensure they have an understanding of that area of the profession.

Laptop: All incoming students in the College of Public Health are required to have a laptop. Academic programs in the college are technology intensive. They incorporate statistical and database analyses; utilize specialized tools for athletic training, kinesiology and physical therapy; stream audio and video for communication sciences; facilitate online interactive counseling for social work; and foster clinical experiences and online assessments. The laptop requirement enables the College of Public Health to improve opportunities for active learning and provide greater access to specialized software and required tools in and out of the classroom, better preparing students for the workforce. Learn more about device specifications and suggested vendors. Students can use excess financial aid (i.e., funds that are reimbursed after all tuition and fees are paid) to meet student needs, including the purchase of a laptop. Scholarships may also provide funding.

Clearance Requirements: Students attending Temple University College of Public Health are required to submit to Temple University Student Health Services proof of immunizations and proof of immunity for MMR, Varicella and hepatitis B, proof of being fully vaccinated to COVID-19, TB screening, and a physical exam prior to matriculation. Annually, an influenza vaccine is required, some affiliates may also require annual TB screening and urine drug screenings.  Students who are in fully on-line programs with no in person class or practicum experience can request a waiver for the above health requirements.  
Prematriculation Requirements | Student Health Services | Student Health Services (temple.edu)

All students who attend programs, which have a clinical / practicum / field education experience, will be required to purchase access to EXXAT - APPROVE compliance module.  This module to order, store and maintain compliance documents, required for participation in a learning experience at an affiliate site.

Students who attend CPH programs which have a clinical / practicum / field education experience which are completed at affiliate sites both on and off the Temple University campus, are required to comply with minimum standard compliance metrics which include the above health requirements in addition to a national criminal background check, Act 33/34clearances in the state of Pennsylvania, FBI fingerprinting through DHS or DoE.  FBI fingerprints is a national check, which can be performed through any of the 50 states.

The results of these requirements may limit and potentially eliminate placement options for the student, thus resulting in their inability to meet graduation requirements. Additionally, conviction of a misdemeanor, felony, or felonious or illegal act may prevent the individual from becoming credentialed and/or licensed to practice depending on the field of study.  

In addition to the above, students who attend the Doctor of Physical Therapy program are required to show proof of health insurance annually, proof of current American Heart Association CPR certification for Healthcare Professionals and first aid.