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:

• No GRE required!
• Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution at least six weeks prior to classes, by July 17, 2023. 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, by July 17, 2023. 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.
• Completion of a minimum of fifty-hours (50) of volunteer or work experience with a licensed physical therapist is recommended, but not required.
• For all applicants for whom English is not their first language, or those who have completed a degree and prerequisite courses in a foreign country, demonstration of English language proficiency is required through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the last 5 years. The minimum preferred TOEFL scores are internet based > or = 80, computer based > or = 213, paper-based test > or = 550. The minimum preferred IELTS is 6.5.
• Successful completion of an 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.

• Biology with laboratory recommended, but not required (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.

*Applicants must have completed Anatomy and Physiology courses within the last 5 years prior to application, or demonstrate ongoing work experiences that have kept this knowledge current (e.g. physical therapist assistant, athletic trainer, etc.). 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.