Admissions

Program Menu

Nondiscrimination Statement

SHRS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment to create a more equitable health care system by welcoming applicants of all abilities/disabilities, religions, marital statuses, familial statuses, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, national origins, all ethnic and racial backgrounds, genetic information and gender identities and expressions.

Application

Application Opens

June 15, 2025

Application Closes

October 2025

Application System

Apply through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

The application fee is set by PTCAS.

Applicants that need help with the application system, please visit the PTCAS Applicant Help Center.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum credit hours listed are based on a semester system.
The program does accept Advanced Placement® (AP) credit for prerequisite coursework that appears on a college/university transcript.

Prerequisite Coursework

A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for each of the following: sciences, prerequisites and overall GPA. Reference should be a 4.0 scale.
Pass/Fail grades accepted for Spring 2020 through Spring 2021 semesters. All prerequisite coursework completed before or after this timeframe must be for a letter grade.
At the time of application, no more than 4 courses can be outstanding and must be completed prior to starting the program. No exceptions will be made.
A ‘C’ grade or higher in all prerequisite coursework listed below.
- Chemistry I and II sequence with labs*, 8 credits
- Physics I and II sequence with labs*, 8 credits
- Biology I and II sequence with labs*, 8 credits
- Anatomy**, 3 credits
- Physiology**, 3 credits
- Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits
- Additional Psychology course, 3 credits
- Statistics, 3 credits
- English Writing, 3 credits
Courses are recommended to be completed within the past five years; exceptions can be discussed by contacting the student services administrator.
Undergraduate degrees and prerequisite coursework MUST be conferred and final transcripts received July 1 prior to the start of the program. Academic performance on outstanding coursework should not deviate from the performance reflected in the application materials.
Students will benefit from having completed an exercise physiology course prior to enrolling in the program.

*Science courses must be for science majors or pre-med majors. Preparatory courses (i.e., any course preceding a 101-level course) leading up to Biology 101, Chem 101, Physics 101 will not fulfill the pre-requisite requirement

**A two course sequence of anatomy/physiology may meet the anatomy and physiology requirements if there are a total of 6 credits. Anatomy and Physiology coursework (including Exercise Physiology) cannot be used to fulfill Biology prerequisite requirements.

Prerequisite Self-Assessment

If after the self-assessment applicants are still unsure if their coursework meets the prerequisite requirements, applicants may request a Prerequisite Program Assessment. To request a program assessment of prerequisites, please complete and email the following items to the DPT enrollment specialists at ptinfo@shrs.pitt.edu.

Prerequisite Rubric/Worksheet
Course syllabus for course in question (maximum of two courses)

NOTE: SHRS may request applicants provide additional course descriptions and/or transcript if needed, and that once the program has received all required materials the approximate response time is one week.

Transcripts

Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.

Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

Format Selection

Applicants will select the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the PTCAS application portal.

In the portal, applicants will be asked to select the specific program format (on-campus or hybrid) to which they wish to apply.

Hybrid and Online Learning

If students are interested in the hybrid option, it is vital that students assess their skills and readiness for online learning as hybrid is not suited for all learners. Here are some characteristics of successful online learners in the hybrid option:

Strong organizational skills
Good time management
Self-driven learner
Ability to work independently and within small groups
Excellent communication skills
Comfortable with online technology
Goal-oriented
Comfortable in a “virtual environment”
Persistent even when confronted with obstacles
Good problem-solving abilities

Experience

Forty hours (40) of physical therapy clinical observation are required. Observation hours should include at least two clinical settings.

Demonstrated evidence of adequate exposure to the field of physical therapy and an appreciation of the breadth, depth and scope of practice. This can be accomplished through either volunteer or paid work experience in a physical therapy setting. It is preferable for applicants to show evidence of their willingness to work with a variety of patients in different physical therapy settings.

Current Pitt Students: View this SharePoint Site for more information about local Pittsburgh shadowing, volunteering and other hands-on opportunities. Pitt Passport required.

Personal Statement

PTCAS Personal Statement
University of Pittsburgh Essay Question (included in PTCAS application)

Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation:

One letter must be from an academic reference (a professor/instructor from a course(s) for which the applicant was enrolled).
- The course must either be a pre-requisite for the DPT program or a course associated with the student’s major area of study.
- The letter should include insights regarding the applicant’s potential for successful navigation through a graduate-level professional degree program and provide specific examples of observed characteristics that support such insights.
The additional two letters of recommendation may be completed by any of the following:
- Physical therapist
- Professor/instructor
- Academic advisor
- Minister
- Employer/supervisor
- Life coach/mentor
- Research faculty
- Internship supervisor/faculty
- Athletic coach

While it is preferred that the letters of recommendation be completed by individuals from a variety of settings, it is permissible to submit two letters from a similar source (i.e. two different physical therapists, or two different employers/supervisors, two different professors, etc…).

Technical Standards and Skills

The faculty have outlined the Technical Standards deemed essential for successful completion of the DPT curriculum. Students admitted to the DPT program must review the Technical Standards and submit a signed form at the time of matriculation.

Application Review Process

The program recommends that applicants review the application process completely in PTCAS before entering data or filling out forms so that they are aware of all the information they need to gather and how much time the entire process will take.

Once PTCAS has verified the individual’s application, they are no longer able to make edits or updates to their application materials. The program will not be accepting supporting materials such as updated transcripts with additional prerequisite courses after the application has been submitted. Applicants should keep this in mind as they plan to submit their application so that they can include all information and coursework that they would like the Admissions Committee to review.

All verified applications undergo a 1st-level review, completed by two program reviewers. Applicants recommended to move forward undergo a 2nd-level review, completed by the program’s Admissions Committee leadership–who make final recommendations program invitations.
The admissions process requires the review and scoring of five basic categories of the application. While each category receives an individual score, reviewers also provide an overall recommendation based on all categories.
1. Academic history
2. Letters of recommendation
3. Personal statements/Essays
4. Observation hours
5. Engagement in extra-curricular, service, and/or employment activities
Application decisions will be made starting mid-October and will continue until all seats in the incoming class have been filled.

Other Requirements

Felony Statement

A prior criminal record may negatively impact the applicant’s ability to fully participate in the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. Prior to participating in clinical rotations and during the state licensure process, students admitted to the program will be required to complete a criminal background check. Certain convictions may prevent students from entering clinical facilities, which may hinder a student’s ability to successfully complete the program. In addition, certain criminal convictions may prevent a graduating student from being licensed. If applicable, the program encourages applicants to check with the appropriate State licensing board(s) to determine whether their background may be a barrier to completion of the program and obtaining future licensure. Additionally, the University may require an internal investigation to determine if the conviction would preclude the candidate from successfully completing the education requirements for graduation, including the clinical education requirements.

International Student Information

The following requirements are necessary for applicants from outside of the U.S.

For questions about the international student requirements, please reach out to the SHRS Admissions Office.

DPT Hybrid Option

International applicants should know as DPT hybrid students, they may be required to move to the Pittsburgh area for the didactic portion of the program due to Visa restrictions. Clinical education experiences may be completed outside of the Pittsburgh area but must be completed within the United States.

The hybrid option prepares students for licensure and practice within the United States. International students interested in either DPT program format should confirm that the degree will meet the requirements for licensure in the state or country in which they seek licensure.

Academic Credential Evaluations

Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.

A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.

Verification of English Language Proficiency

The University of Pittsburgh accepts the official results of the Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a measure of English language proficiency.

Verification is required unless the following apply:

The applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English.
The applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
The applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.

Minimum Scores by Program

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 115 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOFEL: 80

Athletic Training (MS)
Health Informatics (MS)
- Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
- Health Information Cybersecurity (Certificate)
- Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
- Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)
Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
Physical Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS)
Sports Science (MS)

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOFEL: 100

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Communication Science and Disorders (Post-Baccalaureate)
Communication Science (PhD)
Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
Rehabilitation Science (PhD)
Speech Language Pathology (MA/MS)

Hybrid and Online Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOFEL: 100

Hybrid
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT)
Online
- Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy (CScD)
- Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice (Certificate)
- Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
- Health Informatics (MS)
- Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
- Health Information Cyber Security (Certificate)
- Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
- Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)

How to Submit Scores

Duolingo English Test: Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.

Physical Therapy (DPT)

Have Questions?

Admissions

Nondiscrimination Statement

Application

Application Opens

Application Closes

Application System

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Self-Assessment

Transcripts

Format Selection

Hybrid and Online Learning

Experience

Personal Statement

Letters of Recommendation

Technical Standards and Skills

Application Review Process

Other Requirements

Felony Statement

International Student Information

DPT Hybrid Option

Academic Credential Evaluations

Verification of English Language Proficiency

How to Submit Scores

Related Programs:

Physical Therapy, Post-Professional (MS)

Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical Therapy and Bioengineering (DPT/PhD)

Have Questions?

Related Programs:

Physical Therapy, Post-Professional (MS)

Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical Therapy and Bioengineering (DPT/PhD)

Get More Information

Get More Information

SHRS RESOURCES:

It's Possible at Pitt