Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physical Therapists (PTCAS; ptcas.org). The program does not utilize a supplemental application.
The PTCAS application opens in June each year, 14 months before our start date. The program accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis and encourages applying early.
Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry prerequisite courses must have been completed within 10 years of the application. Work experience or graduate-level education in a related field (e.g., athletic training, exercise physiology) may be accepted at the discretion of the admissions committee instead of the 10-year prerequisite course time limitation.
Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited university. Applicants can major in anything if the required prerequisite courses are completed and meet standards.
No, the program does not require the GRE.
Yes.
The program does not require observation hours but strongly encourages them. Typically, students admitted to the program have at least 100 hours across multiple settings.
Yes.
Yes. A $ 1,000 non-refundable deposit is due within two weeks of acceptance into the program.
The program offers 40 seats per cohort.
No. Methodist University is a private institution and is not mandated by our state to give preference to or accept only N.C. residents.
The DPT program offers a doctoral degree that covers all general aspects of physical therapy. While the program does not offer specialties, there are opportunities to pursue interests in specialty areas through clinical affiliations, scholarly projects, and research.
Yes. Please visit the Graduate Housing webpage for more information.
Housing is in the Village Houses on the north end of campus near Sink Field. The Village Houses have double-occupancy rooms, their own bathrooms, and a shared living space, with a large kitchen on the first level.
Yes. Students participate in a White Coat Ceremony as they transition from the didactic portion of the curriculum into full-time clinical rotations. Many health science programs have a tradition of presenting students with a white coat during this transition, as it symbolizes professionalism, responsibility, and readiness for clinical practice.
Yes. Please get in touch with the director of admissions at [email protected] to set up a meeting and time to visit the program.
Yes. Students are required to complete a group research project as part of the DPT program’s curriculum. DPT faculty are involved in various research projects, and students may assist current faculty members with projects that interest them.
The MU DPT requires a background check after acceptance and before matriculation. Once matriculated into the program, students may complete additional background checks to participate in classroom activities and clinical education rotations.
Students need to be aware that felony related charges and convictions may prevent participation in clinical education rotations. In addition, a criminal record may prevent the student from taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and from obtaining a physical therapy license. A student should contact the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and a state jurisdiction board (licensing board) if there is a prior criminal record that might interfere with eligibility to sit for the national exam or obtain a license.