Congratulations! You have accepted your seat in the upcoming DPT cohort! Now it’s time to celebrate and start getting ready for the journey that awaits you!
1. Set up your student access within the Baylor system.
Within a week of paying your seat deposit, you will receive an email from Baylor ITS with instructions for setting up your Bear ID, password, and DUO, which you will need to access all Baylor systems. This will be sent to the email address we have on file for you. If you are having difficulty setting up or activating your Bear ID or Duo, or if you do not receive an email from Baylor ITS, please visit the HelpDesk+ website or call the HELP desk at 254-710-4357.
2. Complete the Certiphi background check.
Within a week of paying your seat deposit, you will receive an email from Certiphi to initiate a background check. The email will provide clear instructions for you to follow. When the background check is complete, please save a copy of the final report for your records.
3. Add important dates to your calendar.
Your online New Student Orientation Course will open on April 5, 2027. This is when you will receive access to Canvas and start working through the Orientation Course to prepare for your official start date. Plan on completing the course to include all necessary submissions by June 14, 2027. Your summer term will begin with Onsite Orientation which will be held in Waco, TX on June 28-30, 2027.
The official, 26-month calendar for your cohort is available HERE. Please read through it carefully, making special note of all the lab immersion dates. Attendance at lab immersions is mandatory.
4. Apply for financial aid & explore scholarship opportunities.
Incoming students are encouraged to make use of the DPT Student Financial Aid Checklist which is available HERE. This tool will provide guidance on the financial side of the program, helping you maximize financial aid opportunities, navigate federal and private loan options, and track important deadlines.
One Stop Representatives are available to assist you through the One Stop Student Financial Services Office as you navigate the Financial Aid process (onestop.web.baylor.edu/contact-us).
Students are encouraged to browse a curated list of scholarship opportunities HERE. There is one scholarship offered directly from the Baylor DPT program: The Light the Way Scholarship. You will be able to apply for this during your first year in the program. Additionally, all Baylor students can access Baylor’s Scholarship Universe. Here, you can create an account and connect with a huge repository of scholarship opportunities.
5. Take necessary steps to meet Baylor DPT’s Health Requirements.
Once the DPT New Student Orientation course opens, students must submit a completed Baylor DPT Health Readiness & Immunizations Form. You can get a head start on this now by scheduling an exam with your primary care provider. Please note that this specific form is required – we cannot accept alternate versions of the required paperwork.
All students are required to obtain a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers. This cannot be a strictly online course. Students are required to complete BOTH the online and in-person hands-on components. If you are not currently certified, check with the American Heart Association for courses in your area.
As a Baylor student, you are required to have health insurance. You will be asked to submit proof of health insurance after you register for classes.
Please review our complete list of Health Requirements and start working toward completion now. The New Student Orientation course will guide you through submission of the required documentation. All requirements should be submitted by June 14, 2027. Please reach out to our Student Support team with any questions at ptstudentaffairs@baylor.edu.
6. Set up your study space and make sure you have the technology you need.
Since this is a hybrid program, it is imperative that you have a functional study space at home. Read through our Computer Requirements before you begin setting up your space and reach out to our Technology team at OTPT_Tech@baylor.edu with any questions.
7. Register for classes.
Registration instructions for the Summer 2027 term will be included in the Orientation course that opens on April 5, 2027. Additionally, an announcement with a course list and details on how to self-register will be sent through Canvas.
Information on required textbooks and equipment will be available to you in the Bear Cave (our student resource center) which you will be added to in Canvas on April 5, 2027.
8. Explore all that Baylor has to offer.
As a Baylor Graduate Student, you will have access to all that Baylor has to offer! This means you will be able to utilize a multitude of student services and take advantage of Baylor facilities while you’re in town for labs. We encourage you to get to know Baylor virtually before your official start date!
You will also receive emails from Baylor’s Graduate Student Association with information about orientation events that you can be a part of. These are geared toward local students, and not required for Baylor DPT students, but you are certainly welcome to participate and make use of all GSA resources.
We are excited to have you as part of the Baylor DPT Class of 2029! Feel free to contact ptstudentaffairs@baylor.edu. or call 254-710-8199 with any questions.
