How do I apply?
Apply on-line using the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) website. Do not apply directly to the University of South Florida. ** We do not have a supplemental application, and do not require you to apply to USF.**

When can I apply?
The application process is open between July 1st and November 15th of each year. Generally applicants will want to apply when they are close completing all admissions requirements.

When is the application deadline?
Priority Deadline is September 15, final deadline is November 15

Who should apply?
Qualified students (those with at least the minimum required GPA and either a) having completed all degree and course requirements or b) with no more than 2 course prerequisites and degree in progress - no exceptions) are encouraged to apply for admissions consideration.

Where do I send my GRE scores?
You should submit all GRE scores directly to PTCAS via code 4083.

What additional materials are required with the DPT application?
All application materials must be submitted directly to PTCAS. Once you have completed your online PTCAS portfolio and directed it to USF your submission is complete. Do not send any documents to USF.

When will I hear if I have been accepted?
Students will be notified of acceptance on or before February 1st. If you apply Early Decision you will be notified prior to the PTCAS deadline.

What GPA is required to apply to the DPT program?
The minimum GPA required to apply to the DPT degree program is an overall minimum of 3.2 (out of 4.0), a minimum 3.2 (out of 4.0) science coursework, and a minimum 3.2 (out of 4.0) prerequisite GPA. We use the GPA's calculated by PTCAS.

What is a competitive GPA for students applying to the DPT program?
Admission to the DPT Degree Program is highly selective and competitive. Our average GPA for incoming cohorts is usually around a 3.7.

Are transfer credit hours accepted?
No, transfer credits from other DPT programs are not accepted from any institution.

What is the "best" undergraduate major preparation for a student?
The "best" major of study is ANY area in which the student would enjoy working after receiving his or her undergraduate degree. The major should be selected based on the student's interests. The School of Physical Therapy does not have a preferred major area of study for the baccalaureate degree as long as prerequisite courses are completed.

Which backgrounds have shown to provide students with the best preparation for the DPT program?
Students with a strong science background have generally been most successful in our program.

What are the pre-requisites for the course?
Visit our website for a complete list of prerequisite courses.

My school doesn’t offer a course that you require. What do I do?
Submit a course catalog description for review and authorization for substitution.

How much does the program cost?
Estimated cost for the current year is updated at the cost webpage. Cost may increase from year to year and are also dependent on your spending habits and financial aid. The cost is "professional tuition”, this is a flat rate tuition for each year of the program, not a per-course or per-credit hour fee.

Is Financial Aid available?
Yes and we are very fortunate to have our own financial aid office. Visit the financial aid website for more information.

Is employment permitted while enrolled?
No. Working while enrolled in the DPT Program is not permitted due to the intense and time-consuming demands of clinical and class work.

What are the significant impacts on other life experiences while in DPT school?
Because the pressures and demands are very different from other college experiences, an extremely high level of commitment is necessary for success. Students must give careful consideration to activities that may interfere with the time needed for successful completion of assignments and degree requirements, as well as the time needed for study groups and other program-related activities. Students need to identify the inherent risks in activities such as: enrollment in other formal or informal courses or programs, participation on athletic teams and other campus organizations, commitments to family and friends for social events such as weddings, reunions, etc., and other major personal life changes.

Can the DPT Degree Program be completed on a part-time basis?
No. The curriculum is designed for completion on a full-time basis as each semester builds on the courses of the previous semester. As a professional degree program preparing individuals for practice, there are extensive out-of-classroom and clinical coursework assignments.

How long is the program?
The DPT degree program is a 2 years and 10 months in length program.  

What semester does the DPT program begin?
A new DPT class begins in late July or early August.

Do you get to choose your courses?
You don’t get to choose courses or enroll part-time but rather must enroll full-time in a set of courses each semester.

What is the size of the class?
The DPT degree program is currently enrolling up to 48 students per class each year.

What is unique about the USF curriculum?
Our innovative, integrated, interprofessional DPT curriculum, which places physical therapy students alongside medical students in foundational basic and clinical science courses, is one of the many reasons students are choosing to come to Tampa for their professional education. 

Who can I contact for more information or to get an application?
Send an email to dpt-admissions@usf.edu or call (813) 974-2748. Email contact is the preferred method. Please allow up to 3 business days for a reply.