Admissions

The DPT program is designed for qualified individuals who wish to further their academic studies in the field of physical therapy. The program specifically targets traditional and nontraditional students with the demonstrated potential to navigate the academic rigors of an accelerated, hybrid model DPT curriculum.

Students accepted into the DPT program must meet the following criteria to be able to enroll in coursework:

• GRE is NOT required, but is highly recommended.
• Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution at least six weeks prior to classes. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.
• Complete all required prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) and prerequisite course GPA of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale, at least six weeks prior to classes. Admission may be granted with up to four (4) prerequisites in progress.
  • Grades below “C-” in prerequisite courses will not be accepted.
  • If a prerequisite course is repeated, the credit hours assigned to the course may be counted only once in fulfilling the required number of hours. The prerequisite GPA will be determined using the highest course grade recorded on the transcript; however, both grades, if recorded on the transcript, will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.
  • If the cumulative GPA is less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, an applicant may still be eligible for admission if a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or greater has been achieved over the last 60 semester or 90 quarter-hour credits of coursework.
• Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation: one from a licensed physical therapist and one from someone of the applicant’s choice. References cannot consist of family, friends, clergy, or politicians.
• Successful completion of a virtual admission interview after determination of eligibility has been finalized.
• Complete the DPT Program Preboarding Experience and Orientation by the established programmatic deadline.
• Ability to fulfill the Technical Standards for Physical Therapists.
• The Hanover College DPT/OTD programs accept applications from students who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. Students that are U.S. permanent residents must provide documentation, such the Permanent Resident Card (or Green Card) when applying.
• Submit the required seat deposit payment by the designated deadline, as identified in the contingent offer of admission letter. Requests for short term extensions for seat deposits should be submitted to the Director of Admissions and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The seat deposit will be credited towards the first semester tuition and fees.

• • General Biology* required (lab optional) (6 semester hours/8 quarter hours)
  • Chemistry with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
  • General Physics with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory (8 semester hours/12 quarter hours)**
  • Statistics (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
  • Any Psychology (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
  • Abnormal or Developmental Psychology (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)
  • English Composition or Writing (3 semester hours/4 quarter hours)

Note: Introductory-level science courses are not accepted. Human Anatomy and Physiology should be completed in the department of anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology and integrated physiology, and biology.

*Biology with laboratory recommended, but not required (6 semester hours/8 quarter hours). Botany and Zoology science courses are not accepted for the Biology requirement.
**Applicants must have completed Anatomy and Physiology courses within the last 5 years prior to application. If anatomy and physiology courses are taken >5 years prior to application, the student will be required to participate in an online asynchronous Anatomy and Physiology Bootcamp provided by Evidence in Motion, at no cost to the student. A score of 80% or higher must be obtained in the course. All other letter-graded prerequisite coursework is acceptable no matter when the coursework was completed. The DPT Program strongly recommends that applicants take refresher courses as needed to fully prepare themselves for the accelerated DPT program.

• Individuals working in health care facilities often must consent to and be cleared to work through criminal background investigations and/or drug screenings. Additionally, this is a common policy/requirement for physical therapy licensing boards and many corporate and individual physical therapy clinics.
• Students are required to complete an approved criminal background check prior to formal enrollment or matriculation into the program.
• Additional criminal background checks, registry checks, and/or drug testing may be required prior to clinical education experiences.

The DPT Program may enroll a cohort of up to 100 students.

All courses required for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, both didactic and clinical, must be completed with the Hanover College DPT program. The Hanover College DPT program does not grant advanced placement, credit for experiential learning, or transfer credits from another program or institution.

Click here for more information regarding the accreditation status of the Hanover DPT Program.