We are here to help you through your application process. Below is a list of questions from prospective students about applying to the Physical Therapy program.
Frequently Asked Questions for Physical Therapy DPT
Do you accept online courses for prerequisites?
Yes, we accept both online lectures and labs as long as they are from a regionally accredited institution. Courses completed through online education companies such as straighterline, portage learning, or study.com will not be accepted. Online education companies are not considered regionally accredited institutions, as students are unable to receive an official transcript from these companies.
Can I transfer from another PT program?
As our curriculum varies greatly from other PT programs, we cannot accept transfer credits from other PT programs. Applicants looking to join our program will need to apply and start in year 1 as a new student.
Are GREs required?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program has decided to make the GRE optional. The admissions committee is piloting the use of alternative criteria in an effort to decrease barriers to admission. However, if you have already taken the GRE or have scheduled to take the test, we encourage you to submit your official scores. GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date on the official score report.
Do you superscore GREs?
Yes, we will take the highest score from each section of the GRE from any test date within 5 years of applying. As noted above, GREs are optional.
Do I need inpatient observation hours?
We strongly recommend obtaining inpatient observation hours, however, since the pandemic has made this more challenging we will accept observation hours from a diversity of outpatient settings (orthopaedics and geriatrics, pediatrics and sports, etc). Please note, we consider “inpatient” to be a place where the patient stays the night (skilled nursing facility, home health care, inpatient rehab, acute care). This is subject to change.
Do you require the COVID vaccine in order to enroll in the program?
Yes. Arcadia's DPT program vaccination requirements are a reflection of the requirements of clinical sites with which we partner. The majority of clinical sites require COVID vaccination in order to participate in clinical experiences at the site, and many do not accept exemptions to the requirements. Clinical site requirements are outside of the University's control. Therefore, while the Program may grant exemptions to allow students to participate in didactic content, we cannot require clinical sites to grant exemptions. As a result, a student with an approved exemption to the Program's vaccination requirements can expect to have limited clinical site opportunities at which to complete the required clinical experiences. Because clinical rotations are required to fulfill Arcadia's degree requirements, as required by our accrediting body CAPTE, an unvaccinated student may face delays in completing the degree requirements.
Can I apply to both the hybrid and residential pathway?
Yes, all applicants can apply to both our hybrid and residential pathway. If accepted, we will notify you and ask for your preference.
How many prerequisite courses can be outstanding at the time I apply?
Applicants can have up to four outstanding prerequisites at the time that they apply. All outstanding prerequisite course work must be completed with a grade of “C” or better by the time classes begin in August.
Do you accept CLEP or AP courses for prerequisites?
Yes, with the exception of our upper level biology requirement, we will accept AP courses. The courses will need to appear on your college transcript as the course it is being used to fulfill and will not be calculated into your content/prerequisite GPA.
Can prerequisite courses be older than ten years?
Three of the eleven courses must be taken within the current ten years (for example, if applying in the 2023-2024 cycle, courses must be taken after 2013), including physiology and statistics.
Does it matter if I take my prerequisite courses at a two-year college instead of a four-year university?
Prerequisite coursework is required to be completed from a regionally accredited institution, whether that be a two year or four year college or university. Please note that Upper Level Biology coursework must be completed at the 300 level or above. This level of coursework can only be completed at a four year institution.
What if I attended an institution where college credit is awarded in quarter hours?
Applicants must complete all courses in sequence as outlined by our prerequisite guideline (3 quarters of physics, 3 quarters of chemistry, etc.)
Are there students that work while they are in the program?
We strongly discourage students from working while enrolled in the program due to the requirements of our rigorous, compressed curriculum.
Are hybrid students able to access cadaver labs during their time on campus?
Yes. In addition, there are anatomy live sessions from the cadaver lab.
For local students, where do they reside?
Locally in houses and apartments. Once enrolled in our program, current students will provide a suggested housing list.
For hybrid students - where do they stay when they come for immersion?
Students primarily rely on Airbnbs and hotels (at a discounted rate) for immersions.
Average hybrid immersion costs (for those that need transportation, room and board)?
Depending on the duration of the immersion, the type of accommodations, if you need a rental car, etc. it can range between $1500-$3000 per immersion. That number only includes people who need all three: accommodation/transportation/food - not people who stay with family or share accommodations.