{"id":49,"date":"2020-05-28T14:52:25","date_gmt":"2020-05-28T18:52:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/chpscms.smca.ucf.edu\/devpt\/?page_id=49"},"modified":"2026-04-06T14:06:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T18:06:26","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/healthprofessions.ucf.edu\/physicaltherapy\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\tGeneral Program Information\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[vc_tta_accordion style=”modern” shape=”square” gap=”10″ active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Where can I find more information on becoming a Physical Therapist?” tab_id=”1544201849571-be16ebbe-10bc”][vc_column_text]The professional association for physical therapy, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) provides detailed information about the profession on their official web site www.APTA.org<\/a>. Information specifically geared for potential physical therapy students can also be found at: www.APTA.org\/ProspectiveStudents\/<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Does UCF offer anything other than a doctorate degree in physical therapy?” tab_id=”1544201849604-047148a4-043d”][vc_column_text css=””]UCF only offers a doctorate degree in physical therapy (DPT) after transitioning from a master\u2019s program in 2008. Students must have obtained a baccalaureate or higher degree, prior to the start of the term for which the student is admitted, from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF or from a recognized foreign institution.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What should I get my bachelor\u2019s degree in?” tab_id=”1544201956907-c2c36ddb-5b78″][vc_column_text]The UCF DPT program does not require a specific undergraduate degree as a prerequisite for admission; however, there are some undergraduate majors that may better prepare students for DPT coursework and the profession as a whole. Some of the common majors of past applicants have included health sciences, exercise science, biology\/microbiology, athletic training, health services administration, kinesiology\/exercise physiology, nursing and physical education\/ exceptional education.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program only offered on the main campus?” tab_id=”1593016617650-3f23a91c-d594″][vc_column_text css=””]Yes, the DPT program is offered on the main campus, with courses primarily offered on the second floor of Health Sciences I (HS 1).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Can I take courses online?” tab_id=”1593016639537-5003c9a7-7183″][vc_column_text css=””]The DPT program is primarily offered face-to-face in a lecture or lab format. Some faculty may choose to incorporate mixed-mode content. The coursework is taken in a prescribed sequence over nine semesters, as outlined in the Graduate Catalog, and all coursework is required.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How long is the DPT program?” tab_id=”1593016676843-a9cffab0-c193″][vc_column_text css=””]The DPT program is a full-time, three (3) year professional graduate program composed of 114 credit hours instructed across nine consecutive semesters.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”When does the program start?” tab_id=”1593016697051-b3120421-3840″][vc_column_text]Admissions decisions will be made only once per academic year. Incoming students will begin the program in the summer C semester. Check the UCF Academic Calendar for the specific date each year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Who can I talk to for more information?” tab_id=”1593016730566-3051c60d-ac41″][vc_column_text css=””]There are several ways to connect with our team regarding the UCF Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.<\/p>\n
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  1. For General Questions about the Program:<\/strong>\u00a0We recommend starting with our webpage,\u00a0https:\/\/healthprofessions.ucf.edu\/physicaltherapy\/<\/a>, for general questions about the program. Admission information can also be found under the \u2018Admissions\u2019 tab. Stay informed by following our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. You can then send any general questions to the team by emailing PTinfo@ucf.edu.<\/li>\n
  2. UCF Undergraduate Students:<\/strong>\u00a0If you have questions regarding undergraduate advisement and enrollment in prerequisite courses, please visit your Academic \u00a0Success Coach: https:\/\/academicsuccess.ucf.edu\/ssa\/advising-offices\/<\/a>. Once you have your timeline to graduation mapped out, you can then email the team with any UCF DPT specific questions you may have: PTinfo@ucf.edu.<\/li>\n
  3. Questions on How to Apply:<\/strong> The UCF DPT program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS. For questions regarding the PTCAS application system or materials submitted to PTCAS, please contact them directly at\u00a0www.PTCAS.org<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0617-612-2040<\/a>. For specific questions about the UCF DPT admission requirements, please contact our team by emailing PTinfo@ucf.edu.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    \n\t\t\t\tAdmissions\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[vc_tta_accordion style=”modern” shape=”square” gap=”10″ active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”When is the application deadline?” tab_id=”1544202013701-fd8dd1f1-12b3″][vc_column_text css=””]The application deadline for the 2025-2026 PTCAS cycle is October 15, 2025. The PTCAS application will open to applicants on June 16, 2025. Applications are only accepted for summer admission and applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications early. You must also submit an application to the UCF College of Graduate Studies by November 1, 2025 http:\/\/www.admissions.graduate.ucf.edu\/<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Does the UCF DPT program use the PTCAS system?” tab_id=”1544202013762-a43b2047-8613″][vc_column_text]Yes, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, visit www.ptcas.org<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What is the GPA requirement to apply?” tab_id=”1544202111131-4ba25213-6eb9″][vc_column_text css=””]The DPT program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in the Last 60 Credit Hours of Degree Completion of your bachelor’s degree, and a minimum 3.0 GPA for the required prerequisite courses. Grades less than \u201cC\u201d (including C-) in the required prerequisite courses will not be accepted. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”If I repeat a prerequisite course, will the Admissions Committee take the average of the two or is the highest grade accepted when calculating my prerequisite GPA?” tab_id=”1544202136178-0cd72e3d-2a2d”][vc_column_text]If you elect to repeat any of the required prerequisite courses, the highest grade for that course will be calculated for your prerequisite GPA.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Does the DPT program require the GRE?” tab_id=”1593017344538-b1dadbdf-b6c6″][vc_column_text css=””]Yes, the UCF DPT program requires applicants to submit scores from the GRE within the last five years from the date of application. GRE scores must be sent directly to PTCAS using the UCF DPT program code: 3871.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Does UCF require a biographical essay?” tab_id=”1593017426214-da64bea8-a487″][vc_column_text]We no longer require a biographical essay for admission, however PTCAS does require an essay portion that is also required by our program. For more information please refer to www.ptcas.org<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What courses are recommended to prepare me for a Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy?” tab_id=”1593017469213-bdd966dc-c16e”][vc_column_text css=””]The following courses are recommended for students hoping to enter a physical therapy program (course numbers are specific to UCF). This list of courses may not be required for entry into a PT program, but simply a list of recommended courses that the DPT faculty believe will prepare a student for success in a graduate physical therapy program. It is strongly recommended to include some of these courses in your undergraduate degree program or as elective courses, if possible.<\/p>\n