Fequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what school I get my Bachelor's degree from?
No, but the school must be accredited by an accreditation body recognized by UNTHSC.
Do I have to have a Bachelor's degree in order to be accepted for the PT program?
Yes.
What is the best major to have?
You can major in any area; we do not have a preference. Some of the more popular majors for those planning to continue to physical therapy school are kinesiology, exercise science, biology, and psychology.
Does UNTHSC offer any of the prerequisite courses?
No.
Can I take the academic prerequisites for the PT program at a community college?
Yes, as long as the course description adequately matches the description of our program's required academic prerequisites. Please note that all science classes must be for science majors and have a laboratory component. If you need assistance in determining if a specific course qualifies, please contact us.
Is there a time limit on the prerequisite coursework?
There is no time limit on prerequisite coursework.
How do I know if the course I am taking satisfies an academic prerequisite?
Consult with your school counselor or contact us. We will be glad to assist you.
From whom should I request recommendation letters?
We suggest that you obtain as many of your letters of recommendation as possible from physical therapists with whom you have worked or completed volunteer/observation hours. Other letters may be from professors, employers, or community leaders, etc.
Are volunteer hours or work experience in Physical Therapy required?
No, however, a competitive applicant will have exposure hours in a variety of settings.
How do I document my volunteer and work hours?
You will document your hours in the Volunteer Hours section of the application. If you have documentation from the sites, you may submit it along with your application.
Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
No.
How do I apply?
The application will be available online at my.hsc.unt.edu on May 1, 2009.
May I apply and interview even though I lack prerequisite credits?
You may apply and interview even if all of the prerequisites are not completed. If offered a position in the class, the offer will be "Conditional" upon completing all of the program requirements prior to the beginning date. We strongly recommend having the majority of your academic prerequisite work completed prior to interviewing.
What is the DPT program?
The DPT is an entry-level professional program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. It is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and are seeking a professional licensure as a physical therapist.
How many candidates are accepted to the Physical Therapy program?
20 candidates will be accepted the first year.
What are the characteristics of an ideal candidate for your program?
An ideal candidate must demonstrate that they have a strong work ethic and desire to enter the physical therapy profession. They will have a combination of life, work and academic experience that shows a commitment to perform under the demands of a challenging academic and professional program.
How do I make my application more competitive?
A competitive applicant will have met all of the prerequisites, and have obtained a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework prior to applying to UNTHSC. All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. As with other universities or colleges, higher GPA's make a more competitive candidate. Your goal is to be competitive and academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the program's curriculum. In addition to academics, the admissions committee evaluates the applicant as a whole. The quality and quantity of academic preparation, letters of recommendation, exposure to physical therapy, and community service activities reflected in your application materials and statements are all part of the evaluation process.
What is the application/interview time frame?
May 1 - Application opens
Mid November - Early interviews begin
January 15 - Application closes
January 1 – March 1 – Admission Interviews
What is the length of the program and what degree is awarded?
The DPT program is 30 consecutive months, beginning in July 2010. A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is awarded.
What are my chances of getting accepted into the program?
This question is difficult, if not impossible, to answer. There is no way to determine what the applicant pool will look like each year. A variety of people with various backgrounds will apply to the program each year, and a variety of applicants will be accepted. There is no way to say who will or will not be admitted, nor can any guarantee be made about anyone's admittance. A good beginning strategy is to present yourself as well as possible when completing your application.
Do you give preference to in-state applicants?
No.
Do you accept transfers from other DPT programs?
Not directly. All applicant must first compete for and be offered a position through the admissions process. If accepted, then syllabi from previous coursework can be submitted for possible transfer credit. Please contact the PT department for additional information.
What is the time commitment and can I work while in school?
You will be expected to be available for class from 8 am - 5 pm. Due to the time commitment necessary to attend classes and study, we recommend that you do not work while in the program.
Can you attend the DPT program part-time?
No. Due to the fixed sequence of the didactic curriculum, all students must enroll on a full-time basis.
How much is tuition?
Tuition will be in line with other state DPT programs and will be announced in mid-February 2010.
I have a degree from another country. How do I know if I meet your prerequisite requirements?
Note that original transcripts from each university attended must be submitted as part of the application process. Transcripts from all universities outside the United States must be converted to the United States equivalents by a recognized evaluation agency.
I already have a medical degree from another country. Do I have to complete all prerequisites?
Yes. Each applicant is viewed individually. Each applicant must complete all the program requirements as outlined in the official catalog.
What is the course load like? What courses will I be taking in this program?
The course load will vary from 13-15 hours per semester during the fall and spring, from 6-9 during the summer. For a description of the courses that are taken in the DPT program, please refer to our Curriculum page.
Is housing available on the UNTHSC campus?
No.
Is financial aid available?
Our Financial Aid department can assist you with obtaining further information about other financial aid that is offered through our University. Please contact them directly at 817-735-2505.
What is the Physical Therapy job market like?
The United States Department of Labor has current information about the physical therapy job market. Additionally, the American Physical Therapy Association should be able to provide you with further information.
What if I still have questions?
You may e-mail us at PTAdmissions@hsc.unt.edu or call us at (817)735-2204, or (800)535-8266 for more information.
This page last updated Sep 09, 2009
