Physical Therapy (DPT)

Due to the impact of COVID-19, several requirements have been updated for the 2020-21 application cycle and are noted in the "Admission Requirements" section below. 

How to Apply

Applicants to Chatham University’s entry-level physical therapy program must use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Beginning in mid-June, applications may be submitted through the PTCAS application with all relevant materials: official transcripts, PT volunteer experience, and references. Please note official GRE scores are required, but there is not a supplemental application requirement.

Important Dates for Fall 2021 Admission

Application Deadline: October 1*
Virtual Admission Interview Date: Saturday, November 7, 2020 (by invitation only)

In order to be eligible for invite to the admission interview:

1. Applicants need to have at least 60% (24 credits) of the ten prerequisites complete by August 31
2. PTCAS applications must be e-submitted by October 1*
3. Applications must be complete and include all other Chatham admission requirements (see below) by October 15

*It is highly recommended that you submit your application to PTCAS on or before September 15. PTCAS’s verification process occurs once an applicant e-submits the application and all official transcripts have been received. Verification involves some processing time, so it is in your best interest to submit all materials as early as possible to ensure your complete, verified application is available for us to review.

Admission Requirements

• A completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to the beginning of classes.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended sent directly to PTCAS
• Overall combined GPA of 3.0 or better on a scale of 4.0 as calculated by PTCAS
• Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, grades less than a “C” are not acceptable, and prerequisite courses must have been completed no more than ten years prior to the anticipated start date of the program.

2020-21 CYCLE UPDATE: A "Pass" or “Satisfactory” grade for prerequisites will be accepted for coursework completed during the Spring 2020 semester. However, such grades do not impact GPA calculation. 

• At least six of ten completed prerequisite courses by August 31st of the application year. Prerequisite courses:
  • Biology with lab - two terms
  • Chemistry with lab - two terms
  • Physics with lab - two terms
  • Physiology with lab (prefer human) - one term**
  • Human Anatomy with lab - one term**
    • **If taking anatomy with physiology, both anatomy & physiology I and II with labs are necessary to fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirements.
      
  • Statistics or Research Methods – one term
  • Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Development – one term
    • A combination of developmental psychology courses that cover the lifespan —birth to death— are also acceptable
• Official GRE scores sent directly to PTCAS using school code 0412
  • GRE scores will only be accepted if taken within three years of the application date. 
  • There is not a cutoff or minimum GRE score; however, a competitive score is considered a 300 combined with an analytical writing score of 4.0.
  • Chatham will use your highest section—quantitative, verbal, writing—scores across all GRE test dates.

2020-21 CYCLE UPDATE: The GRE Exam will be waived.

• Evidence of volunteer/work experience in a minimum of two different physical therapy locations OR two different physical therapy settings included in the PTCAS application. Please note verification of this experience is not required. Examples of different settings include:
  • Inpatient 
    • Acute Care/Hospital Nursing
    • Home/Skilled Nursing Facility/Extended Care
    • FacilityAcute/Sub-acute Rehabilitation
  • Outpatient 
    • Free-standing PT Clinic/Hospital-based Clinic
    • Industrial/Occupational Health
  • Home Health
  • School/Pre-school

2020-21 CYCLE UPDATE: We understand volunteer/work experience may not be accessible due to COVID-19 and are advising affected students to develop insight into the PT profession through alternative ways: interview a PT (may be virtual) or research the field via the American Physical Therapy Association website. Students will not be required to verify their interview or research experiences.  

• Three letters of reference included in the PTCAS application: two academic (faculty or advisor) and one licensed physical therapist OR one academic and two licensed physical therapists.
• Attendance at virtual interview.

Integrated Degree Program

Admission Review Process

Articulation Agreements

Admitted Student Profile

Students Beginning Fall 2019

Students Beginning Fall 2018

Students Beginning Fall 2017

PTH704: Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology

Students will learn the basic principles of exercise physiology using a firm understanding of both anatomy and physiology. These principles stem from how the human body’s normal structure and physiological functioning alters with physical activity. Understanding these adaptations is critical to the understanding of the physiological demands of rehabilitation programs.

PTH703: Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy

This course will provide in-depth preparation required to perform the examination, evaluation, and management of musculoskeletal conditions commonly encountered in physical therapy practice. The course includes the physical therapy diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis and development of evidence-based physical therapy plans of care.

PTH741: Principles of Practice I: Intro to PT Practice

This course introduces the novice professional student to the roles of the physical therapist as a professional, a communicator, and as a scholar. There is a heavy emphasis on patient-practitioner communication skills, especially during the patient interview. Fundamentals of evidence-based practice help students embrace the role of scholarly clinician.

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