Admission requirements

Post-professional doctor of physical therapy menu

  1. Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program and U.S. licensure as a physical therapist
  2. Physical therapy practiceAlthough not required, employment as a physical therapist over the course of your enrollment would facilitate discussion of case studies and application of required projects to a physical therapy practice setting. Six months of full-time employment as a physical therapist must be completed prior to finishing the curriculum. Foreign-trained physical therapists must have at least six months work experience as a physical therapist in the United States prior to applying to the program.
  3. TOEFL ScoresIndividuals who earned their physical therapy degree outside of the United States must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL). A total score of 100 (Internet-based test) is recommended, and a writing score of 27 (Internet-based test) is recommended. Waivers of the TOEFL requirement are automatically given to applicants who completed their physical therapy degree in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding French Quebec), New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Graduates from English-speaking countries in Africa are also included in the waiver.
  4. Complete application process

Technology and computer use

The web-based instructional system is compatible with Macintosh computers. Students who use them, however, may need to save their word processing documents or presentations in a format that is compatible with the current Microsoft Office Suite for the PC. Macintosh users may find that some of the functions within the DMU Student Portal are limited. Des Moines University offers limited technical support for Macintosh users.

You should have:

  • A personal computer (Pentium or equivalent) with Windows XP
  • Minimum of 256 MB RAM, CD Drive, and audio capability is required.
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or above.
  • Modem with a minimum of 56 K connectivity speed.
  • Internet access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  • Ability to access plug-in resources for course work, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0.
  • Word processing, spreadsheet, and slide presentation software comparable to Microsoft Office.

Computer competencies

You should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of word processing.
  • Demonstrate fluency with Windows XP operating system. This is demonstrated by the ability to file, save, retrieve, and manipulate documents within the system.
  • Access, file and respond to e-mail.
  • Log onto the Internet with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  • Navigate the Internet, including the World Wide Web (www), using the appropriate browser.
  • Attach, receive, and send files/documents to others; download and open files sent to students.
  • Conduct an Internet search.

Technical standards

Please see our technical standards page.

Top of page