The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy recognizes that students completing courses in the spring and summer of 2020 may complete part or all of their coursework on a pass/fail basis, either as an individual choice or due to an institutional decision. We support our future DPT students and their institutions in making the best decision for their unique situations. Courses, including prerequisites, for the DPT program taken as pass/fail during the time of the COVID-19 response will be accepted and will not negatively impact admissions decisions for prospective students.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the DPT degree program, you must have:
- Completed majority of the prerequisites courses listed below
- Achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in science, combined math and science, and prerequisite coursework
- Demonstrated a commitment to a career in physical therapy
Prior to beginning the DPT, you must earn a baccalaureate degree from an institution that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Prerequisite Coursework
- One year chemistry sequence with labs (8 semester credits)
- One year physics sequence with labs (8 semester credits)
- One year of biology courses (6 credits). Course content should include cell structure and function and function of macromolecules
- One course in anatomy with lab and one course in physiology with lab OR a two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology with labs (8 semester credits)
- One course in psychology (3 semester credits)
- One course in statistics (3 semester credits)
At the time of application, you must have no more than 5 prerequisite courses outstanding and provided a plan for how all requirements will be met prior to enrollment. All outstanding prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
*If you have completed coursework that you feel is comparable to the prerequisite coursework listed above please contact ptadmissions@email.wustl.edu to find out if you have an acceptable substitute prior to submission of your application.
Additional coursework that demonstrates competence in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific inquiry, communication, and movement sciences better prepares students for the rigor and expectations of the Program, but are not required. Examples may include trigonometry; calculus; upper-level psychology; human anatomy with an emphasis on origins, insertions, actions and innervations of muscle; exercise physiology; and biomechanics.
The Washington University School of Medicine program in Physical Therapy does not accept transfer credits from other physical therapy programs. All Doctor of Physical Therapy coursework must be completed at Washington University in St. Louis.