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Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Congratulations on choosing Northern Arizona University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program to pursue your passion for helping others. Demand for physical therapists is growing rapidly, and the highly ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Northern Arizona University will prepare you to evaluate and treat diverse populations of patients.
This program is available at our Flagstaff Mountain Campus and at the Phoenix Bioscience Core. The DPT program prepares students to be life-long learners, critical thinkers, and competent practitioners functioning autonomously within the healthcare system. Please review the technical standards found in the student handbook. Information and tours are offered at both campuses. Due to availability please contact us to schedule a campus visit!
The program features:
- Nationally and internationally recognized faculty committed to your success
- A long track record of students success on the national physical therapy licensure examination
- Commitment to the professional development of its student through a wide range of activities and opportunities
- Part time and full time clinical experiences to enhance your time in the classroom and provide critical experience working directly with patients
Please visit our Program Data page for information on admissions, graduate performance, costs, and demographic information.
How To Apply
PTCAS Accordion Closed
The NAU DPT program utilizes PTCAS for our admissions process. Please visit their website for more information on how to utilize this system. More in-depth information about our program, application process, required prerequisites, and supplemental materials can be found on the PTCAS website.
All communication regarding your application will be through email. Please ensure that PTCAS has the most accurate email address for you and follow their technical requirements. Please keep the following dates and deadlines in mind to ensure your application process goes smoothly. Please read the detailed instructions for Admission Requirements and Important Dates which can be found on the PTCAS Website.
NAU Graduate College Accordion Closed
In addition to the PTCAS application you must also apply to the NAU Graduate College to be eligible for acceptance to the program. This application has the same deadline as the PTCAS application. If you have questions about this application please contact them at Graduate@nau.edu or 928-523-4348.
GRE Testing Accordion Closed
GRE test scores are still a part of the application process. ETS is temporarily providing an at home test; we will accept the scores from this format. Click this link to obtain information on the test.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. All candidates must take the general test and have their official scores sent using the code 7668 to PTCAS.
(Please note this code is different from that of the general university)
Official GRE scores must be posted in PTCAS. Scores must be submitted by October 1st and verified by October 31st of each application year. NAU utilizes the highest score achieved in each category for evaluating your application and when considering multiple GRE tests. The below minimums must be met or exceeded in order to be considered for admission. Exceptions are not granted and applicants are encouraged to retake the GRE until they achieve a qualifying score. Please review the PTCAS testing page for their submission guidelines.
- Verbal Reasoning 149
- Quantitative Reasoning 146
- Analytical Writing 3.5
Important Deadlines Accordion Closed
The PTCAS application opens in July of each year and closes in October. Please visit the PTCAS website for current dates for this application cycle.
A supplemental application to the NAU Graduate College is also required to be considered for admission. This application has the same deadline for submission as the PTCAS application.
Application Requirements
GPA and GRE Requirements Accordion Closed
Applications will not be considered that do not meet or exceed the posted minimums.
Program Requirements | |||
---|---|---|---|
GPA | |||
Minimum | 3.0 | ||
Average | 3.68 | ||
GRE | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Analytical Writing |
Minimum | 149 | 146 | 3.5 |
Average | 155 | 154 | 4.0 |
Prerequisites Accordion Closed
Prerequisite course requirements can be found in more detail on our admissions requirements page, in the NAU course catalog, under course prerequisites on our PTCAS page, and on our prerequisite advising form. The NAU DPT Program does not have an adviser. Please work with your current undergraduate adviser to plan for entering the NAU DPT program. If you have specific questions regarding a course meeting our prerequisite requirements please complete the Prerequisite Inquiry Form for our evaluation. (Please note PTCAS requires official transcripts from every college and university you have attended in order to process your application. Please review their transcript policy prior to applying.)
Letters of Recommendation Accordion Closed
3 letters of recommendation are required to be submitted in PTCAS. These must be submitted by the application deadline. Please visit the PTCAS references page for more information.
- One letter from a licensed Physical Therapist
- One letter from a Professor you have taken a class from
- The third letter can be from a Physical Therapist, Professor, Supervisor/Employer, Pre-PT Adviser, or Health Care Professional
- Evaluations from Teaching Assistants, Politicians, PTAs, Friends, Family Members, Co-workers, or Clergy members will not be considered
Application to the Northern Arizona University Graduate College Accordion Closed
Admission to the NAU Graduate College is required to be considered for the DPT program. This application must be submitted by the same date as the PTCAS application deadline.
Please note: Both PTCAS and the Graduate College will require transcripts. Please follow their rules and guidelines to ensure your application is process in a timely manner. If you have questions about this application please contact them at Graduate@nau.edu or 928-523-4348.
Observational Hours Accordion Closed
100 observational hours are recommended but not required. They can be paid, volunteer, inpatient or outpatient but must be under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. We recommend a breadth of experiences and settings rather than a depth of one experience. Please visit the PTCAS website for information on submitting your observational hours.
Veterans Accordion Closed
For information on utilizing your benefits at NAU, fee waivers, and other military-connected questions please visit nau.edu/vets or email VETS@nau.edu
International Students Accordion Closed
The Northern Arizona University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program accepts international students. We do not accept transfer credits from other programs. Please visit the NAU Graduate College’s international graduate admissions page for more information and requirements. The TOEFL is required for international students but is waived if you have earned a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. university or college.
Requirements for admission
Please refer to the Northern Arizona University Program page on PTCAS.
Background Check Accordion Closed
- Applicants must have and maintain the statutory requirements that will be needed for licensure. While requirements vary from state to state, the NAU DPT program requires that students meet background clearance requirements of the State of Arizona to permit their participation in clinical experiences in AZ as part of the program.
- Applicants must be able to obtain a LEVEL 1 IVP Fingerprint Clearance card from the state of AZ. For more information, please review the Arizona Statute.
- A criminal background check may also be requested depending on clinical site requirements or probable cause.
PTCAS Application Accordion Closed
As part of the PTCAS application, you will be required to submit a personal statement in response to the prompt for the essay and 3 letters of recommendations. For the requirements for individuals writing recommendations, please refer to the Northern Arizona University Program page on PTCAS.
Technical Standards Accordion Closed
Each student must be able to meet the technical standards found in the student handbook.
GPA Accordion Closed
An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to be considered for the program per the NAU Graduate College policy.
Only undergraduate level courses will be factored in to your GPA. Master’s and doctoral level courses are not considered.
(Please note PTCAS requires official transcripts from every college and university you have attended in order to process your application. Please review their transcript policy prior to applying.)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Accordion Closed
GRE test scores are still a part of the application process. ETS is temporarily providing an at home test; we will accept the scores from this format. Click this link to obtain information on the test.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. All candidates must take the general test and have their official scores sent using the code 7668 to PTCAS.
(Please note this code is different from that of the general university)
Official GRE scores must be posted in PTCAS. Scores must be submitted by October 1st and verified by October 31st of each application year. NAU utilizes the highest score achieved in each category for evaluating your application and when considering multiple GRE tests. The below minimums must be met or exceeded in order to be considered for admission. Exceptions are not granted and applicants are encouraged to retake the GRE until they achieve a qualifying score.
- Verbal Reasoning 149
- Quantitative Reasoning 146
- Analytical Writing 3.5
NAU Graduate College Application Accordion Closed
In addition to the PTCAS application you must also apply to the NAU Graduate College to be eligible for acceptance to the program. This application has the same deadline as the PTCAS application. If you have questions about this application please contact the NAU Graduate College at Graduate@nau.edu or 928-523-4348.
Please note that no exceptions will be made for these requirements.
Course prerequisites
Courses listed below can be found in more detail in the NAU course catalog, under course prerequisites on our PTCAS page, and on our prerequisite advising form. The NAU DPT Program does not have an adviser. Please work with your current undergraduate adviser to plan for entering the NAU DPT program. If you have specific questions regarding a course meeting our prerequisite requirements please complete the Prerequisite Inquiry Form for our evaluation.
- You may have up to 3 required prerequisite courses outstanding when you apply to the program.
- Outstanding courses refers to any course that will not appear on the official transcripts you are required to submit to PTCAS with your application.
- By the spring semester before beginning the program, you must complete the following course requirements and your bachelor’s degree must post.
- You are required to submit official transcripts showing your posted degree to the NAU Graduate College before starting classes in the fall.
- NAU does not require any specific major/minor for the undergraduate degree, just the required prerequisite courses.
- All prerequisites are required to have been completed within the last 10 years. An application in the Fall of 2021 can include coursework as far back as the Fall of 2011.
- All prerequisites must be completed at a 2 or 4 year regionally accredited institution.
- Community college coursework is accepted.
- Degrees and coursework from Pima Medical Institute are not accepted as they do not hold regional accreditation.
- Online courses are accepted.
- Community college coursework is accepted.
- AP courses that appear on your college/university transcript may be used to fulfill a DPT prerequisite for NAU. Note that the AP course will not be used in calculating your prerequisite GPA.
One year of these courses required Accordion Closed
- laboratory and lecture-based anatomy and physiology courses
NAU courses BIO 201, 202 - laboratory and lecture-based general chemistry
NAU courses CHM 151, 151L, 152, 152L - laboratory and lecture-based college level physics
NAU courses PHY 111, 112
One semester of these courses required Accordion Closed
- general psychology
NAU course PSY 101 - statistics
NAU courses STA 270 or PSY 230 or EPS 525 - abnormal OR developmental psychology
NAU courses PSY 240 OR PSY 215 - exercise physiology
NAU course BIO 338, 338L- example of alternate option: EXS 125 – Introduction to Exercise Physiology
- Glendale Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, Scottsdale Community College (also available online)
- example of alternate option: EXS 125 – Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Quarter Hour Conversion Accordion Closed
Convert quarter credits to semester credits: Divide quarter credits by 1.5
Convert semester credits to quarter credits: Multiply semester credits by 1.5 (three academic quarters equal two academic semesters)
International Students Accordion Closed
The TOEFL is required for international students but is waived if you have earned a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. university or college. Please visit the NAU Graduate College international graduate admissions page for more information. We do not accept transfer credits from other programs.
Admissions Process
Interview Invitation Accordion Closed
The final stage of the application process is an interview. Individuals with complete PTCAS and NAU Graduate College Applications are invited for interviews based on their overall grade point average and Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing GRE scores. You must meet the minimum requirements to be considered for an interview. Additionally, in accordance with the DPT program mission and goals, the program will give preference to applicants who indicate a high potential for remaining in the state of Arizona to work following graduation.
Because of the significant competition for admission, meeting these minimums does not guarantee you will be invited for an interview or admitted to the program.
Interview Process Accordion Closed
- If invited for an interview, you will receive notice and detailed instructions in mid-November.
- The interviews will be completed through a software platform made available to you; they will be completed asynchronously and submitted to the program for review.
- If you are offered admission or are placed on an alternate list, you will receive an e-mail notification between mid-December and mid-January.
- Alternates are contacted as class placements become available and may continue through summer.
Final selection for admission Accordion Closed
The final selection for admission to the program will be based on a holistic review including consideration of the overall grade point average, Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing GRE scores, the strength of the letters of recommendation, personal statement, and the ratings received from the interviews.
At the time applicants are notified regarding their acceptance into the NAU Physical Therapy Program, the campus assignment will be communicated. Again, applicant preference concerning the campus they wish to attend as indicated at the time of application will be carefully considered but cannot be guaranteed.