Admission

1. Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution;
2. Minimum grade requirements: 3.000 GPA in the last 60 semester credit hours; 3.000 GPA in prerequisite courses; and 3.000 overall GPA. Receive a grade that generates at least 2.000 credit points per credit hour in all prerequisite courses;
3. Students with more than 12 outstanding prerequisite credit hours MUST apply during the following application cycle;
4. Prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester prior to the beginning of summer courses in the curriculum:
   • Biology — one semester of introductory biology with a laboratory, or microbiology with a laboratory, or an upper level biology course with a laboratory;
   • Anatomy and physiology — minimum of 5 credit hours with a laboratory;
   • College chemistry — two semesters with laboratories, or organic chemistry with laboratories;
   • College physics — two semesters with laboratories;
   • English composition — two semesters;
   • Exercise physiology — one semester;
   • Medical terminology — one semester hour minimum;
   • Speech or public speaking — one semester;
   • Mathematics — college trigonometry or equivalent;
   • Statistics — one semester;
   • Social sciences — psychology, one introductory course and one advanced course;
5. Math/science prerequisite coursework can be no more than six years old at the time of application to the DPT program. Coursework more than six years old will need to be repeated for a letter grade;
6. If a prerequisite course has been repeated, the highest course grade will be used for admission purposes;
7. Physical therapy clinical observation of 20 hours in one or more physical therapy departments; and
8. International students must submit either an official TOEFL minimum score of 100 (internet-based), or IELTS with an minimum overall band score of 7.5, or a PTE-Academic with a minimum score of 73.

To be reviewed for admission, applicants must:

1. Review the application process at the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)¹;
2. Submit a complete graduate school admission application, including supplemental questions, with application fee and supporting materials in the application portal by the published deadline. Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended are required. Official transcripts are not required prior to admission;
3. Submit the designated application to PTCAS by the published deadline²

Any applicant who has completed entry-level physical therapist education, regardless of degree or location of program, will not be considered for admission to the entry-level DPT program at Wichita State University.

Complete applications are reviewed by the physical therapy department in a timely manner. Applicants will be notified of their admission status by the Graduate School. Once an applicant has been admitted, they will be asked to submit a $500 nonrefundable tuition deposit to reserve a space for summer admission. Once the student enrolls, these funds will be credited toward the payment of tuition.

Students are advised to contact the department for any changes in the program course requirements or in prerequisite requirements. Information is also available on the department website¹.

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²

To ensure timely application verification, we recommend submitting the PTCAS application 7-14 days prior to the deadline.

Program Requirements

The program requires full-time study for a period of 36 consecutive months. Students enter the program in the summer semester only. The student must maintain a 3.000 cumulative GPA as required by the Graduate School and achieve a grade that generates at least 2.000 credit points per credit hour in each of the following courses:

Please contact the physical therapy graduate program office for the most recent information regarding curriculum.

Elective(s)

Students are required to take 3 credit hours of elective coursework. Additional electives are optional with departmental consent. The courses include:

Special Requirements

Students will be required to purchase uniforms and other clinical apparel, professional and general liability insurance, health insurance coverage, and specified immunizations, as well as submit evidence of an annual physical examination while in the program. Students must also be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to entering the program, and must maintain that certification during their enrollment in the curriculum.

Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from the health care facilities used for clinical experiences. During clinical assignments outside Wichita, students may be required to pay all living and travel expenses.

Students are referred to the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook for more details on special departmental policies and procedures.

Applied Learning

Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met with successful completion of PT 751, PT 771, PT 851, PT 871, PT 852, PT 953, PT 954 and PT 990.