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Admissions Requirements

Update for NSU DPT Admissions for 2021-2022

Dear prospective students,

The NSU DPT program's requirements for admission remain the same for the 2021-2022 application cycle.

We do realize the pandemic has impacted people in many different ways so we wanted to clarify how we will be reviewing applications for the Class of 2025.

• We have rolling admissions meaning we will start reviewing and processing applications beginning July 15.  However, notifications for acceptance and hold status will be sent by early December.
• At the time of application, you should only have two courses in progress.
• Regarding PT observation hours, we strongly recommend you get as many hours as you can preferably in various settings.  
• The GRE may be taken in any format (online or traditionally).
• We do accept online courses.
• We will only consider courses taken Pass/Fail if they were taken during the Winter, Summer or Fall terms of 2020 due to COVID-19.  If you have the option to take a course for a grade, is strongly suggested you do so. 

The Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program selects students based on the following general requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university

• A minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a four point scale

• A minimum of 3.0 prerequisite and science grade point average (GPA) on a four point scale and a grade of C or better in each prerequisite course. List of required prerequisite courses

• Three professional recommendations completed on the required PTCAS evaluation form (one must be from a physical therapist)

• GRE* (Graduate Record Examination) scores from the ETS (Educational Testing Service) no later than January 31st of the entry year. 

• Official Test of English** (TOEFL) for international students, where the course of study was not in English 

• Submission of PT observation/experience hours (multiple settings preferred)

• Completion of 3 unique and distinct essays as part of application process. 

• Demonstrate evidence of a well-rounded applicant such as leadership, community service, research experience, etc.

*The Admission Committee will not consider the application until the official GRE scores are received.

**The scores required on the TOEFL are 550 on the written examination, 213 on the computer-based examination, or 79 on the Internet-based examination. Students may also submit an IELTS score of 6.0

IMPORTANT NOTE: Upon review of a student's individual record, the Admissions Committee may require additional course work and testing as a condition of acceptance. The PDPT Program does not accept transfer credits.

Dual Admission

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Clinical Education Requirements 

While matriculating through the program, students are required to attend full-time clinical education experiences at off-campus locations. Students are assigned to clinical sites by the Director and Assistant Director of Clinical Education. Students are not allowed to recruit their own clinical sites. Placement in a particular geographical location is not guaranteed. Students are financially responsible for travel, housing, and other living expenses associated with the full-time clinical experiences. Students are responsible for coordinating housing and travel to and from clinical sites.   

Background Checks

Level I and Level II background checks are required for clinical practicum and internship placement.  Some citations on the background checks may prevent a student from being assigned to or result the student being denied placement at clinical sites.  A student who cannot be placed at required clinical sites due to information of concern on his/her background check(s) may not be able to complete the program. Students are required to inform the Program Director immediately if any circumstance has happened in the past or occurs during the student’s tenure in the program, which may impact the background check.

How do I apply? 

Admissions procedures can be found here.