We recommend an overall GPA and science GPA of at least 3.0.
Oftentimes, the difference in GPAs between what PTCAS calculates and what appears on a university transcript has to do with re-taken courses. If a student re-takes a course for a better grade, many universities will only count the higher grade in its GPA calculation. PTCAS, however, counts both the original grade and the re-taken grade when it calculates a GPA. DMU only uses the GPAs provided by PTCAS.
Submission of GRE scores is highly recommended. The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service GRE code for Des Moines University is 0463.
Please note, for the 2023-24 application cycle submission of GRE scores will be required.
No. Students must be prepared to finish all admission requirements prior to orientation in August, but they can apply before all prerequisites are completed. This includes both coursework and physical therapy observational experiences.
The doctor of physical therapy program participates in the web-based Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. The application opens in early July each year for the class that begins the following August. The annual deadline is December 15. Because of the rolling admission policy, it is in your best interest to apply early.
It varies, but in recent years we have received between 400 and 500 applications.
In addition to a high GPA and lots of varied experiences in physical therapy, 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.
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the United States is required for entrance into the program, but you can apply prior to receiving the degree. The physical therapy 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.
Applicants are required to observe physical therapists at work for at least 25 hours. The most competitive applicants will have observed in a variety of inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings.
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.
Do You Have Other Questions?
If you have additional questions, contact the admission office at 515-271-1499 or ptadmit@dmu.edu.