• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
Baylor University
Physical Therapy
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • About
    • Mission & Goals
    • Research
    • Faculty
    • Staff
    • The Spotlight
      • Past Issues
    • News
  • DPT Program
    • About
      • Professional Licensure Disclosure
    • Accreditation
    • Admissions
      • Admissions Requirements
      • Application Procedures
      • Technical Standards & Accomodations
      • Health Information
      • Computer Requirements
    • Why Baylor DPT?
      • Adaptability of Our Hybrid Model
      • Belief-based Community and Culture
      • Commitment to Academic Excellence
      • Diverse Career Pathways
      • Engaging Personal and Professional Connections
      • Fast-Track to Licensure
    • Connect with Baylor DPT
      • Baylor OT/PT Open House
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
      • Light the Way Scholarship
      • Resources & Scholarships
    • Curriculum
      • Curriculum Overview
      • Clinical Education Overview
      • Degree Plans
      • Course Descriptions
      • Academic Calendars
    • Career Outlook
    • Outcomes
    • FAQ
    • Alumni
  • Residency & PhD Programs
    • Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
      • About
      • Application and Selection
      • Program Structure & Expectations
      • Program Outcomes
      • Faculty and Residents
      • Contact Us
    • Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
      • Current Residents
    • DPT to PhD Program
      • Potential Faculty Mentors
      • Current PhD Students
  • Adjunct Faculty Opportunities
    • FAQ
    • Interest Form
  • Contact Us
  • Apply Now
    • Hybrid DPT Admissions
    • Orthopedic Residency Admissions
  • Make a Gift
Baylor BU Physical Therapy DPT Program Admissions Admissions Requirements
  • About
  • Accreditation
  • Admissions
    • Admissions Requirements
      • Background Checks and Drug Testing
      • Prerequisite Courses
    • Application Procedures
    • Technical Standards & Accomodations
    • Health Information
    • Computer Requirements
  • Why Baylor DPT?
  • Connect with Baylor DPT
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Curriculum
  • Career Outlook
  • Outcomes
  • FAQ
  • Alumni

Admissions Requirements

Baylor Physical Therapy Student

The Baylor DPT Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to admitting qualified applicants to the program. 

A holistic approach to admissions means that we view the entire student application packet before making a decision regarding admission to the program. This process is driven by the University’s mission and vision to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Apply Now!

Program Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy Program must meet the admission requirements and prerequisites outlined below. Baylor does not grant advanced placement credit for experiential learning, or transfer credits from other programs or institutions.

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to the program start date. Admission may be granted pending completion of the degree.

  • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
  • If 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. 

While Baylor's Doctor of Physical Therapy program does require specific pre-requisite courses, it does not require applicants to have completed a particular major. Students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds have been successful in Baylor's physical therapy program.

2. Complete all required prerequisite courses with a C- or above.

Complete all required prerequisite courses with a C- or above

  • Minimum prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
  • Grades Below "C-" in prerequisite courses will not be accepted.
  • ALL prerequisite coursework must be completed at regionally accredited colleges and universities. For a list of regional accrediting organizations and accredited institutions, please visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website here.
  • 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 achieved; however, both grades will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.
  • Baylor DPT will accept passing (P) coursework for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters in instances where Pass/Fail grades were given due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the Baylor DPT program, but may still be in progress when the application to the program is submitted.
3. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the last five years.

Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the last five years. While the DPT program does not require a minimum GRE score, we encourage you to submit your best scores as the GRE is factored into applicant ranking.

  • The GRE must be completed within five years of the anticipated program start date. The oldest GRE test date considered for this admissions cycle is January 1, 2021. Applicants with a documented graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution may report earlier GRE scores. Transcripts of graduate education must be provided.
  • ETS offers free preparation materials, webinars, and testing day advice for the GRE. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of these resources here.
4. Submission of two references.

Submission of two references.

  • Applicants must arrange for references to submit letters of recommendation electronically through the PTCAS system.
  • One reference must be a licensed physical therapist.
5. Observation hours are strongly recommended but not required.

Observation hours are strongly recommended but not required. Observation hours help applicants make an educated decision about pursuing a career in physical therapy.

  • The Baylor DPT Admissions Committee recommends the completion of 100 observation hours, volunteer hours, or work hours with a licensed physical therapist in at least two different practice settings. Examples of practice settings include: outpatient clinics; acute care hospitals; inpatient rehabilitation facilities; skilled nursing facilities; home health care; and hospice care.
6. The Baylor DPT program accepts applications from U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

The Baylor DPT program accepts applications from U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

  • An applicant must have a US Social Security number to complete the background check prior to matriculation.
  • Students who have completed coursework outside of the United States will be required to submit a World Education Services report along with international transcripts to PTCAS for all coursework completed outside the U.S.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English or who have completed a degree and prerequisite courses outside the U.S. must demonstrate English language proficiency through completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. A minimum score of 80 must be achieved on the internet-based test. Test scores should be sent to the Baylor Graduate School using the Institution Code 6032. Exemptions to this requirement will be given if the applicant meets one of the following criteria:
    • The applicant has conferred bachelor's (or higher) degree from an accredited institution in the United States.
    • The applicant has conferred bachelor's (or higher) degree from an institution where English is the only language of instruction.
7. Successful completion of an admission interview.

Successful completion of an admission interview. Interviews are offered based on an assessment of each applicant's academic success. Final admissions decisions are the result of a holistic evaluation of applicants following the completion of their interview.

8. Ability to fulfill the technical standards for admission.

Ability to fulfill the technical standards for admission. Technical standards for the Baylor DPT program reflect those abilities that a physical therapist must possess for safe and effective clinical practice. Prospective and current students must meet the technical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation for admission, progression, and graduation in the DPT program.

9. Complete an approved background check prior to matriculation.

Complete an approved background check prior to matriculation before matriculation. Admitted students will be directed to complete the background check through an approved resource.

If you have any questions about the Baylor DPT program or admissions requirements, please contact us today at Robbins_Grad@baylor.edu or 254-710-4400. Admissions information is also covered during our monthly webinars, sign up now!

Prerequisite Courses

Human Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
Chemistry with laboratory8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
General Physics with laboratory8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
Biology, laboratory optional but recommended6 semester hours/8 quarter hours
Statistics3 semester hours/4 quarter hours
Any Psychology3 semester hours/4 quarter hours
Abnormal or Developmental Pyschology3 semester hours/4 quarter hours
English Composition or Writing3 semester hours/4 quarter hours

ALL prerequisite coursework must be completed at regionally accredited colleges and universities. For a list of regional accrediting organizations and accredited institutions, please visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website here.

All letter-graded prerequisite coursework is acceptable, no matter when the coursework was completed. However, we strongly recommend that applicants take refresher courses as needed (especially for Anatomy and Physiology) to fully prepare themselves for Baylor's DPT program.

To download a complete list of accepted courses for program prerequisites, click here.

Physical Therapy

Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences

One Bear Place #97193
Waco, TX 76798-7193

DPTadmissions@baylor.edu
254-710-8999
About
Apply
Connect
Give

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Baylor University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

ABPTRFE accreditation logo

The Orthopedic Residency at Baylor University is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).

Baylor BU Physical Therapy DPT Program Admissions Admissions Requirements
  • About
    Back
    • Mission & Goals
    • Research
    • Faculty
    • Staff
    • The Spotlight
      Back
      • Past Issues
        Back
        • 2024
    • News
  • DPT Program
    Back
    • About
      Back
      • Professional Licensure Disclosure
    • Accreditation
    • Admissions
      Back
      • Admissions Requirements
        Back
        • Background Checks and Drug Testing
        • Prerequisite Courses
      • Application Procedures
      • Technical Standards & Accomodations
      • Health Information
      • Computer Requirements
    • Why Baylor DPT?
      Back
      • Adaptability of Our Hybrid Model
      • Belief-based Community and Culture
      • Commitment to Academic Excellence
      • Diverse Career Pathways
      • Engaging Personal and Professional Connections
      • Fast-Track to Licensure
    • Connect with Baylor DPT
      Back
      • Baylor OT/PT Open House
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
      Back
      • Light the Way Scholarship
      • Resources & Scholarships
    • Curriculum
      Back
      • Curriculum Overview
        Back
        • Class of 2027
        • Class of 2028
      • Clinical Education Overview
      • Degree Plans
        Back
        • Class of 2027 and Prior
        • Class of 2028 and Following
      • Course Descriptions
        Back
        • Class of 2027 and Prior
        • Class of 2028 and Following
      • Academic Calendars
    • Career Outlook
    • Outcomes
    • FAQ
    • Alumni
  • Residency & PhD Programs
    Back
    • Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
      Back
      • About
      • Application and Selection
      • Program Structure & Expectations
      • Program Outcomes
      • Faculty and Residents
        Back
        • Residency Faculty
        • Current Residents
        • Past Residents
      • Contact Us
    • Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
      Back
      • Current Residents
    • DPT to PhD Program
      Back
      • Potential Faculty Mentors
      • Current PhD Students
  • Adjunct Faculty Opportunities
    Back
    • FAQ
    • Interest Form
  • Contact Us
  • Apply Now
    Back
    • Hybrid DPT Admissions
    • Orthopedic Residency Admissions
  • Make a Gift
  • General Information
  • Academics & Research
  • Administration
  • Admissions
  • Gateways for ...
  • About Baylor
  • Athletics
  • Ask Baylor
  • Bookstore
  • Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Directory
  • Give to Baylor
  • News
  • Search
  • Social Media
  • Strategic Plan
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary
  • Graduate School
  • Hankamer School of Business
  • Honors College
  • Law School
  • Louise Herrington School of Nursing
  • Research at Baylor University
  • Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Computer Science
  • School of Music
  • University Libraries, Museums, and the Press
  • More Academics
  • Athletics
  • Compliance, Risk and Safety
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Operations, Finance & Administration
  • Senior Administration
  • Student Life
  • University Advancement
  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • goBAYLOR
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Baylor Law School Admissions
  • Social Work Graduate Programs
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary Admissions
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Virtual Tour
  • Visit Campus
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Parents
  • Prospective Faculty & Staff
  • Prospective Students
  • Students
  • Anonymous Reporting
  • Annual Fire Safety and Security Notice
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Digital Privacy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Notice of Non-Discrimination
  • Report It
  • Title IX
  • Web Accessibility
 
Baylor University
Copyright © Baylor® University. All rights reserved.
Baylor University • Waco, Texas 76798 • 1-800-229-5678