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F.A.Q.
If you have additional questions, contact Admission Coordinator at 515-271-7864 or ptadmit@dmu.edu.
What is your minimum GPA?
We recommend a minimum GPA of 3.0 for cumulative as well as prerequisite course work. The average GPA for incoming students is approximately 3.50 for both cumulative and prerequisite course work.
Do you require the GRE?
Yes. All applicants to the DPT program must submit GRE scores. The GRE institution code for Des Moines University is 2256.
Do I need to finish all of the requirements before I can apply?
No. Students must be prepared to finish all requirements prior to orientation in August, but they can apply before all prerequisites are completed. This includes both course work and PT observational experiences.
When is your application deadline?
The DPT program participates in the web-based Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Applications begin August 1 for the class that begins the following August. The deadline is January 15 of the year you anticipate beginning the program. Because of the rolling admission policy, it is in your best interest to apply early.
How many applications do you get each year?
It varies, but in recent years we have received between 275 and 315 applications for the 50 seats in the class.
What can I do to be a more competitive applicant?
In addition to a high GPA and lots of varied experiences in PT, we like to see a strong background in the hard sciences. The admissions committee also looks for applicants who are knowledgeable about the field and are truly motivated to become Physical Therapists.
What kind of scholarships do you offer?
The College of Health Sciences offers scholarships to incoming students based on previous academic performance. In the past, most of these scholarships have ranged from $1,000 to $5,000 for selected students. All students who are accepted into the program are automatically eligible for these scholarships; there is no separate application required.
I don't have a bachelor's degree, can I still apply?
A bachelor's degree is required for entrance into the program, but you can apply prior to receiving the degree. The PT program is an entry level doctorate program and requires that all students have a bachelor's degree when they matriculate in August. We will accept students with bachelor's degrees in any field.
Can I earn my bachelor's degree from Des Moines University?
No. DMU does not offer bachelors programs. You must complete a BA or BS degree from another accredited institution before starting at DMU.
What kind of observational experience is required and what kind of experiences count?
A minimum total of 80 hours of observation is required. Applicants are required to observe physical therapists at work in various settings. We require that you spend time observing at least three different patient populations for at least 20 hours each. You may consider observing physical therapists in settings such as: acute care/hospital, neurological rehabilitation, outpatient/sports medicine, home health, nursing home or pediatrics.
What is your placement rate for graduates, and what is the average salary?
We have traditionally had a 100% placement rate upon graduation for most of our classes. Students often receive job offers from the sites where they completed clinical rotations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is expected to grow faster than average for the next decade. They estimate that the median annual earnings of physical therapists were $60,180 in May 2004.
Do you have a preference for Iowa applicants?
No. We do not have an in-state preference. Because we are a private institution, we do not take applicants' state of residence into consideration when making acceptance offers. We are looking for the best and brightest applicants, regardless of their state of residence.
