Admissions Requirements

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

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.

Achieve an incoming 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.  
• To see average GPAs of admitted students, visit our Outcomes page.

Complete all required prerequisite courses with a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 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.
• To see average GPAs of admitted students, visit our Outcomes page.

Submit two letters of recommendation.

• Applicants must arrange for references to submit letters of recommendation electronically through the PTCAS system.
• One reference must be a licensed physical therapist.

Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. Applicants who believe their GRE scores provide additional context to their academic record may choose to submit them as part of their application. However, GRE scores are not required, and applicants who do not submit GRE scores will not be negatively impacted or disadvantaged in the review process. No preference is given to applicants who submit GRE scores.

Applicants who choose to include GRE scores as part of their application are required to submit official GRE scores to the Baylor DPT program through PTCAS using code 2219.

ETS offers free preparation materials, webinars, and testing day advice for the GRE. Applicants who decide to take the GRE are encouraged to take advantage of these resources here.

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.

Complete 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.

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.

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

The Baylor DPT program only 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 4 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.