DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

It is recommended that prospective DPT students meet with an academic adviser early to determine the prerequisite courses for upper-level classes such as anatomy, exercise physiology, physiology, psychology, and other baccalaureate degree requirements. Applicants must be able to complete their baccalaureate degree and all prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program. 

Important Admissions Date and Early Assurance

Oakland University will be using a rolling admissions process. All applications must be completed and e-submitted on PTCAS by October 15 unless that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, in which case it is the following business day. Verified applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee as they are received. However, if an applicant submits a fully completed application to PTCAS by August 15 (unless that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, in which case it is the following business day) and meets the following criteria, they will receive an early assurance decision response by mid-September.

• Overall GPA: at least 3.5
• S/M GPA: at least 3.4
• Verbal GRE: 148 or greater
• Quantitative GRE: 148 or greater

All other applicants who meet the eligibility requirements for the program will receive a decision response no later than Mid-December.

Late applications will not be reviewed. The DPT program accepts 36 students each year and the program begins in the fall.  

GPA and GRE Requirements

Grade point averages, as calculated by PTCAS, that are considered in the admissions process include the overall GPA, the math/science GPA and the prerequisite GPA. An overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, an overall science and math GPA of 2.7 and an overall prerequisite GPA of 3.0 are required. A minimum grade of a C must be earned in all program prerequisite courses. Foreign-educated students must meet all University requirements for proficiency in English. Applicants will be considered for admission if they will be completing their baccalaureate degree and all prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program. 

The average overall GPA for the class graduating in 2027 was 3.75, the average verbal GRE score was 150 and the average GRE quantitative score was 151. 

Applicants looking for an early assurance decision should take the GRE before July 31 and all others should take the exam before the end of September of the year the application is being submitted, so that test scores are received by the application deadlines.

The PTCAS OU GRE code is 0650.

Additional Application Requirements and Recommendations

1. Completion of an application through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) found at ptcas.org.
2. Official transcripts from all universities attended.
3. Two letters of recommendation, one from a physical therapist required.
4. Completion of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The PTCAS OU GRE code is 0650.
5. Report having read the Essential Functions of Physical Therapy, the minimum physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities required for students to successfully complete the DPT program and to practice safely once student graduates. Essential functions guidelines can be found on the OU Doctor of Physical Therapy program web page.
6. Observation of physical therapists in different settings is considered and highly recommended. Documentation of hours by a physical therapist is not required and there is no minimum number of required observation hours.

Program Course Prerequisites

• Introductory Biology: One lab is required in the biological sciences and it may be taken in any of the following prerequisite courses: biology, human anatomy or physiology.
• Anatomy: One course is required. Combined human anatomy and physiology course accepted however must take two semesters or be a minimum of 6 credits.
• Physiology: One course is required. Combined human anatomy and physiology course accepted however must take two semesters or be a minimum of 6 credits.
• Chemistry I and II: Two-course sequence is required; inorganic, organic or Biochemistry courses accepted; lab is required for one semester only.
• Physics I and II: Two-course sequence is required. Lab is required for one semester only.
• Exercise Physiology: One course is required.
• Introductory Statistics: One course is required.
• Introductory Psychology: One course is required.
• Developmental Psychology: One course is required. Child or lifespan psychology courses may be used to fulfill this prerequisite.
• Math: One course is required. One semester of precalculus, one semester of college algebra or one semester of analytical trigonometry. AP credit or placement into calculus is accepted.

Questions regarding admissions should be directed to [email protected].

Attend an information session to learn about Oakland's DPT program, the application requirements, our facilities and more.

Upcoming Sessions
Tuesday, June 10 at 12:30 p.m. (Human Health Building)
Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. (online)
Friday, July 11 at 12:30 p.m. (Human Health Building)
Wednesday, July 30 at 7 p.m. (online)
Friday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. (Human Health Building)
Wednesday, August 27 at 7 p.m. (online)

Please email [email protected] to attend.

The DPT program includes theoretical, clinical practice, and research courses and experiences to prepare clinicians with the evaluation and examination skills necessary to make physical therapy differential diagnoses of movement-related impairments affecting the neuromusculoskeletal system. In addition, this degree prepares you to provide effective care in the areas of prevention, screening, rehabilitation and community reintegration for clients. Finally, you will be able to interpret and conduct research related to physical therapy. 

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a three-year curriculum. Coursework occurs during the fall, winter, and portions of the summer semesters in the first two years. The final year is year-round and includes a 14-week full-time clinical experience. The curriculum progresses from basic sciences to clinical sciences, followed by system-based physical therapy sciences.

For information regarding the application process, admission, degree requirements and curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog (see curricular requirements).

All potential students should be aware of the Essential Functions Guidelines, additional qualities and standards necessary to be successful in the field of physical therapy.

Helpful Links

Graduate Student Physical Therapy Association
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
Oakland University Pre-Physical Therapy Handbook