Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physical Therapy

There are two avenues to be admitted into the University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Direct Entry and PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service).

Direct Entry

Incoming freshmen who have been officially admitted to the University of Jamestown's undergraduate program in a pre-physical therapy track major (e.g. biology, biochemistry, chemistry, exercise science, or nursing) may apply for Direct Entry to the University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Current undergraduate students at the University of Jamestown may apply for Direct Entry to the University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prior to October 1 of their final year of undergraduate studies.

Direct Entry application criteria are as follows:

• For incoming freshman, acceptance to the University of Jamestown and high school transcripts showing minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
• For current University of Jamestown undergraduate students, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)

To apply to Direct Entry, the following items must be submitted: 

• Completed application for Direct Entry into Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
• Official transcript(s)
• Essential Function Requirements form
• Interview with a University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program admissions representative or faculty member.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until each cohort is filled. A maximum of 24 students will be accepted for Direct Entry in each Doctor of Physical Therapy Program cohort.

Maintenance of Eligibility in Direct Entry

Once accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Direct Entry Program students are required to:

• Maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale) in all undergraduate coursework*
• Maintain the standards set by the Essential Function Requirements signed when applying
• Exhibit appropriate pre-professional behavior consistent with the philosophies and expectations of the University of Jamestown. These include, but are not limited to, a positive attitude, sensitivity to differences, and the ability to manage conflict. 

To enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, the following criteria must be met:

• Graduate from the University of Jamestown with a bachelor's degree
• Complete all prerequisite coursework with a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)**
• Accept position by signing the Acceptance Form and paying the position deposit by the deadline listed on the acceptance materials sent by the University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program in the fall prior to graduation
• Sign and return a new copy of the Essential Function Requirements
• Complete a criminal background study and pay the associated fee

*If a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.00, the student has one semester to raise his or her cumulative GPA to 3.00 or higher. If the student is unable to raise his or her cumulative GPA above 3.00 after one semester, he or she is dismissed from the Direct Entry Program but is eligible to remain at the University and is eligible to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program through PTCAS.

**If the student's prerequisite GPA falls below 3.00, the student has one semester to raise his or her prerequisite GPS in those courses to 3.00 or higher. If the student is unable to raise his or her prerequisite GPA in those courses to 3.00 or higher after one semester, he or she is dismissed from the Direct Entry Program but is eligible to remain at the University and is eligible to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program through PTCAS. If prerequisite courses are retaken, the highest grade will be used to calculate the new prerequisite GPA.

Students are encouraged to complete their prerequisite courses at the University of Jamestown to best prepare for the knowledge and rigor required in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Prerequisite Course Table