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.

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 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

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.

Applications will not be considered that do not meet or exceed the posted minimums.

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.)

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

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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.

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.

Each student must be able to meet the technical standards found in the student handbook.

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.)

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

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.

• 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

• 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)

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)

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.

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.

• 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.

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.