Frequently Asked Questions — DPT

To be considered for admission to our Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, students must satisfy the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. You can apply before receiving the degree.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 science GPA recommended
• No grade lower than C in prerequisite courses

See DPT Admission Requirements for full details.

No. The GRE is not required for admission to DMU’s DPT program.

The courses below are required for admission to the DPT program:

• Anatomy (1 course with lab)
• Physiology (1 course with lab or a two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology with lab)
• Biology (2 courses with labs)
• General Chemistry (2 courses with labs)
• Physics (2 courses with labs)
• Psychology (2 courses)
• Statistics (1 course)
• Recommended Courses:
  • Biomechanics
  • Kinesiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Abnormal/Developmental Psychology
  • Trigonometry/Calculus

You can apply for DMU’s DPT program through PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service). You’ll need to submit your official transcripts and two letters of recommendation.

Applications open in June for the following August start. The DPT program has rolling admissions, but early application is strongly recommended.

Yes. A minimum of 25 hours observing licensed physical therapists is required. At least 15 hours must be completed by the time of your application. In-person or virtual experiences are accepted.

DMU’s DPT program follows a two-part interview process:

• The first interview uses the Kira Talent Virtual Interview Assessment — a competency-based, holistic asynchronous assessment.
• The second is a live interview conducted either in person or on Zoom.

Admission decisions — including “admit,” “alternate” or “release from consideration” — are sent via email throughout the admissions cycle.