Doctor of Physical Therapy | DPT

Program Information

• Important Updates

  Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Update: Admissions Transition, Requirements, and Cohort Planning

  The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of North Florida is entering a period of strategic transition and growth. As part of our continued efforts to align with workforce demands and regional healthcare expansion, the program is transitioning to a rolling admissions model and has submitted a request to increase cohort size.

  We have submitted a formal proposal to our accrediting body, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), seeking approval for potential cohort expansion. A final determination is anticipated between May and June 2026. Until that decision is confirmed, the program’s current approved cohort capacity remains in effect.

  Cohort Expansion Contingency
  If approval for an increased cohort size is granted, eligible completed applications will be reviewed for possible admission to the expanded Fall 2026 cohort. 

  Future Admission Requirements
  Admission requirements for Fall 2027 may change depending on the outcome of the cohort expansion request and programmatic needs associated with growth.

  We recognize that periods of transition can present challenges, but they also create meaningful opportunities. The continued growth of Jacksonville, including expansion of medical centers and hospital systems, has generated increased demand for highly trained physical therapists. These developments position our program to expand clinical partnerships, enhance training opportunities, and better serve the healthcare needs of our region.

  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes and remain committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process. Additional updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

  Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at ptadmissions@unf.edu.

• Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles

  Mission

  The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of North Florida is to create a thriving learning community where exemplary education is provided at every stage of a physical therapist’s career which prioritizes both the head (critical thinking) and the heart (compassion); to pursue community-engaged scientific inquiry; and to be responsive to the needs of our profession, community, and patients we serve.

  Vision

  The University of North Florida Department of Physical Therapy aims, through the education of students, to achieve the highest ideals of the physical therapy profession where physical therapists, working in partnership with their community, enable individuals to live life free from barriers to effective and enjoyable movement.

  Guiding Principles

  • Integrity – We can be trusted to act in a manner consistent with our professional obligations and ethics. 
  • Courage – We do the right thing, even when it is hard; we accept the uncomfortable in the pursuit of growth.
  • Excellence – We aim to achieve the pinnacle in all our pursuits.
  • Justice – We believe that all people are deserving of equitable opportunities to pursue education and health.
  • Connection – We recognize there is no relationship in which there is only a single person, that all relationships can be transformational with reciprocal engagement and effective communication.
  • Lifelong Learning – We are committed to fostering an environment where learners recognize that education is a journey and not a destination.
• Program Course Descriptions
  View the UNF Course Catalog for detailed descriptions of our graduate courses. Please search using the following: Courses - Graduate, College - Brooks College of Health, Department - Physical Therapy.
• What does the program cost?

  The DPT program will likely carry a tuition rate that differs from other UNF graduate programs. The 2024-2025 total tuition plus fees rate will be $522.64 per credit hour for in-state students and $1132.60 for out-of-state students. View the 2025-2026 information on tuition and fees can be viewed. The below link will open a word document.

  Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Financial Fact Sheet 2025-2026

• Financial Assistance

  As a first step, any form of financial aid will require a completed FAFSA application, we recommend ensuring that this has been submitted.

  While we are unable to assist directly with financial aid matters, below are several helpful resources to guide you:

  Student Financial Services Office - https://www.unf.edu/controller/student-financial-services/index.html
  This office provides guidance on viewing your student bill, payment processes, and related financial services.

  • Florida Prepaid College Program Policy: https://www.unf.edu/controller/student-financial-services/procedures/florida-prepaid-college-program.html
    (This resource is lengthy but very detailed.)

  Office of Student Financial Aid - https://www.unf.edu/financialaid/index.html
  This is the main hub for all financial aid information at UNF, including scholarships, grants, loans, and instructions on how to check your aid status.

  • Financial Aid FAQs: https://www.unf.edu/financialaid/faq.html

  Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid

  • Email: onestop@unf.edu
  • Schedule an in-person or phone appointment: https://413906.waitwell.us/locations?c=qr

  Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship (GA) Information
  Our program is part of the Brooks College of Health, which offers several additional financial support opportunities:

  • Brooks College Scholarships: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/scholarships/index.html
  • Brooks College Graduate Assistantships: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/scholarships/graduate-assistantships.html
  • UNF Graduate School Awards and Assistantships: https://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/assistants-awards/index.html
• Program Clinical Education Requirements

  Student Clinical Compliance Requirements, Accepted Documentation, and Submission Timeline for Year 1 and Ongoing Enrollment in the UNF DPT Program.

  Requirement	Appropriate Documentation	Timing
  Varicella Immunity	Titer - Lab Report from Healthcare Provider  Note: If negative, must repeat series, can take 8 months to complete	One-time documentation in year 1.
  Hepatitis B Antibody	Titer - Lab Report from Healthcare Provider  Note: If negative, must repeat series, can take 8 months to complete	One-time documentation in year 1.
  MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)	Documentation from Healthcare Provider or Titer.	One-time documentation in year 1.
  COVID-19	Proof of vaccination – (Most clinical sites require per CMS Guidelines)	One-time documentation in year 1.
  Td Booster	Documentation from Healthcare Provider	Every 10 years
  Tb Test	Documentation from Healthcare Provider. Tb Skin Test (or chest x-ray if positive skin). Tb blood test can be substituted for skin test.	Yearly starting in year 1.
  Seasonal Flu	Proof of vaccination – (Most clinical sites require per CMS Guidelines)	Seasonal documentation.
  Physical Exam	“UNF Student Health Exam” form completed by healthcare provider	Yearly starting in year 1.
  BLS for Healthcare Providers from AHA	Copy of current certification card from American Heart Association	Renewal every 2 years
  Health Insurance	Copy of current insurance card (or letter) must reflecting your name	Yearly starting in year 1.
  Drug Screen	Completed via CastleBranch per UNF policy.	Yearly starting in year 1.
  Criminal Background Check - Level 1 and 2	Completed via CastleBranch per UNF policy.	Level 1, yearly starting in year 1.  Level 2, completed once in year 1.
  HIPPA Training	Completed via CastleBranch per UNF policy.	One-time documentation in year 1.
  HIV/AIDS Training	Completed in Clinical Skills UNF DPT course.	One-time documentation in year 1.

Admissions Information

• Prerequisite Courses

  The requirements listed below are prerequisite courses for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The course numbers shown under each requirement are University of North Florida (UNF) course numbers and should be just used for reference. If you completed coursework at another institution, equivalent courses may be accepted during the admissions review process. A list of commonly accepted course substitutions is available in our FAQ.

  If you still have questions about whether a course will meet a prerequisite requirement, please contact us at ptadmissions@unf.edu.

  Science Prerequisite Courses (32 credits):

  • CHM 2045/2045L General Chemistry I with Lab (4 credits)
  • CHM 2046/2046L General Chemistry II with Lab (4 credits)
  • PHY 2053C Algebra-based Physics I with Lab (4 credits)
  • PHY 2054C Algebra-based Physics II with Lab (4 credits)
  • BSC 2085C Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4 credits)
  • BSC 2086C Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (4 credits)
    • We will accept Anatomy with Lab (4 credits) along with Physiology with Lab (4 credits) as a substitution for the Anatomy & Physiology courses.
  • BSC 1010C General Biology I with Lab (4 credits)
  • BSC1011C General Biology II with Lab (4 credits)

  Non-Science Prerequisite Courses (9-12 credits):

  • PSY 2012 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
  • DEP 3054 Lifespan Development Psychology or CLP4143 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
  • STA 2023 Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
  • HSC 3537 Medical Terminology (3 credits) (optional, but encouraged)
• Admission Requirements

  Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the important dates page for the program, as well as the FAQs page.

  For specific information about admissions statistics, you can look at the program Fast Facts. For additional application information please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

  Admission Requirements

  Below you will find the basic requirements for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of North Florida. Please note that satisfaction of the below factors does not guarantee admission to the program, as the application process is highly competitive. Applicants to the UNF DPT Program must have:

  1. Applications
     • PTCAS
       • Completion of PTCAS Application is required to be considered for admission. All required documents must be sent by the application deadline. We are not responsible for receiving and processing times so please plan accordingly.
       • Please note this is the main application used for admissions. All updates, correspondence, and reviews will be conducted through the PTCAS application. 
     • Supplemental UNF Application
       • AFTER submitting your PTCAS application, you MUST also complete a UNF Graduate School Application. This step is quick and seamless, as ALL your information from PTCAS will carry over and be awaiting you in the UNF application portal. This application can only be accessed after you have submitted your PTCAS application.
       • Please note that this supplemental application is not intended for application updates or communication; all updates and correspondence are through PTCAS.
  2.  Degree
     • A baccalaureate degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
     • All official transcripts must be received by PTCAS for grade verification by the application deadline.
  3.  GPA
     • 3.0 Cumulative GPA or higher for all terms consisting of the last 60 credit hours of degree-earning course work (undergraduate and/or graduate) is required to be considered eligible for admission.
     • 3.0 GPA or higher in all work attempted toward UNF DPT Science prerequisite GPA
     • 3.0 GPA or higher in all work attempted toward UNF DPT Non-Science prerequisite GPA.
     • Please note that ALL attempts at a prerequisite course will be averaged together when calculating the prerequisite GPA score.
  4. Prerequisite Course Work
     
     • All second-level prerequisite courses (e.g., Biology II, second Psychology course) must be completed within 7 years of the application deadline.
       • Example: For a November 16, 2026, deadline, only courses completed in 2019 or later will be accepted.
     • Online coursework is accepted from any accredited 2- or 4-year U.S. institution recognized by UNF’s approved institutional accreditors. However, we strongly recommend completing science and lab courses:
       • In person
       • At a 4-year university
     • Test Credit (e.g., AP, CLEP):
       • Accepted for the first course in a sequence only (e.g., Biology I, first Psychology course) 
       • Not accepted for the second course in a sequence (e.g., Biology II, second Psychology course) 
     • Applicants may apply with outstanding coursework under the following conditions:
       • No more than three (3) total prerequisite courses may be pending.
         • No more than two (2) of those pending courses may be from the Science Prerequisites.
       • Courses in progress at the application deadline:
         • Count toward your outstanding course limit.
         • Are not included in your prerequisite GPA calculations. 
       • If admitted, all outstanding courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher (B- is not accepted).
     • All prerequisites must be fully completed before start of term if accepted. Final official transcripts must be received before entering the program if admitted.
     • It is strongly encouraged to complete course sequences at the same institution.
     • Introduction-level courses are not accepted in place of any required science prerequisite.
  5.  GRE
     • An Analytical Writing Score of 3.5 or higher is required to be considered eligible for admission.
     • GRE General Test scores are required to be sent directly to your PTCAS application. DPT PTCAS GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code 0994.
       • !DO NOT send official test scores to UNFs GRE Designated Code!
       • Self-reported scores as part of your PTCAS application are NOT ACCEPTED!
     • GRE scores must be received by PTCAS prior to the application deadline. Please take this into consideration when selecting your test date as it can take a minimum of 14 days for GRE scores to be received by the recipient institution. We strongly recommend you take the GRE no later than October of the year you plan to apply. Consult ETS (the testing agency administering the GRE) on the frequency limits of testing.
     • GRE test scores must be within 5 years of application submission.
     • UNF DPT does not super-score the GRE.
     • Competitive Verbal and Quantitative scores are generally in the 151 range. There is no minimum for these sections.
  6. Observation Hours
     • It is highly recommended that a minimum of 40 hours of observation under the direct supervision of physical therapists be completed before the application deadline. It is recommended hours be in at least three types of settings.
     • Verification of observation hours should be submitted directly to PTCAS.
     • UNF DPT does not have a specific document to be signed for observation hours. Any verification documentation provided by the organization you are conducting observation hours with should be sufficient and will need to be uploaded to your PTCAS application.
  7. Recommendation Letters
     • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation are required using the PTCAS recommendation forms and should be submitted through the PTCAS evaluation system by the application deadline.
     • Recommendation letters should come from the following individuals:
       • At least one (1) from a Course Instructor/Professor/Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in your major and identify the associated course you took.
         • It is preferred if the letter comes from your instructor in one of the following courses: Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
       • At least one (1) from a Licensed Physical Therapist with whom you have worked with, received treatment from, or completed Observation Hours with. 
       • Letters submitted directly to the UNF DPT department will not be considered.
     • Letters of recommendation are subject to our application deadline. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write and post the letter. We recommend you start working on this immediately and ask for the letter to be submitted at least 2 weeks before the application deadline.
     • Important! Make sure you communicate to your recommenders that they need to respond to the following questions in the "Evaluator Information" section:
       • Evaluator Detail Occupation
         • Select the role that best describes your primary action with the applicant.
         • If the evaluator is any type of instructor (see acceptable categories above), they must include either the course title or course # in the space for "If you selected 'Professor' or 'Professor in Major'; above, list all courses in which you have had the applicant." It is also a good idea for evaluators to reference the course in their actual letter.
         • If the evaluator answers 'yes' to, "Are you a licensed Physical Therapist?", they need to enter their PT licensure number in the space provided.
  8. Essential Functions
     • Applicants are required to have the ability to perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, each of the physical therapy essential functions in order to fully participate in the program and successfully complete the degree requirements.
  9.  Interview
     • An interview may be required for competitive candidates. Candidates selected for an interview will be assigned by the admissions chair. 
     • Please note that, at this time, interviews do not impact an applicant’s chances of admission.

  Graduate School Admission Requirements

  For international admission requirements and information on how to apply, please visit

  The UNF Graduate School's Website

• How to Apply

  To be considered for admission, applicants must submit both a complete Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) application and a UNF Supplemental Application by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We are not responsible for receiving and processing times so please plan accordingly.

  Applicants should follow each of the steps below: 

  Step 1: Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) Application

  Complete your main application through Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) at ptcas.org and submit all required materials directly to PTCAS, including:

  • Submit all necessary items/documentation directly to PTCAS by application deadline. All of these necessary items/documentation will directly be transferred to the UNF Supplemental Application.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions ever attended (including AP, CLEP, IB, dual enrollment, grade forgiveness, transient, military, and foreign transcripts)
  • Official GRE scores using UNF DPT PTCAS Designated Institution Code 0994.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation submitted through the PTCAS evaluation system. One Academic and One Physical Therapy.
  • Submit Observation Hours verification documentation provided by the organization to PTCAS application (if completed). Not required but highly recommended. 
  • If you are having issues uploading materials to the PTCAS Application you will need to reach out to PTCAs Applicant Customer Support as they handle the background work for the PTCAS applications. You can reach them via phone or email: (617) 612-2040 or Ptcasinfo@ptcas.org

   

  Step 2: UNF Supplemental Application (UNF Graduate School Application)

  AFTER submitting your PTCAS application, complete the University of North Florida Graduate School application. This step is quick and seamless, as ALL your information from PTCAS will carry over and be awaiting you in the UNF application portal. This application can only be accessed after you have submitted your PTCAS application.

  • This step must be completed AFTER you have completed your PTCAS application.
  • Create your UNF application account using the same email address used for your PTCAS application.
  • When logging in, locate the already created Physical Therapy application under “Your Applications”
    • Do NOT create a new application, as this may delay processing and prevent your file from linking properly
  • Open the already existing Physical Therapy application and complete the remaining steps:
    • Complete the supplemental questions
    • Pay the $30 application fee
    • Submit the application

   

  Admissions Requirements Checklist

  To be considered for admission to the University of North Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, applicants must meet the following:

  • Have any Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in the following (cumulative last 60 credits, UNF DPT science prerequisite, and UNF DPT non-science prerequisite GPAs)
  • All second-sequence/level prerequisite coursework must be completed within 7 years of application (e.g., Biology 2 with Lab, etc.).
  • Up to 3 prerequisites may be pending/outstanding at application submission (max 2 UNF DPT science prereqs)
  • Official GRE scores (DI Code: 0994, Analytical Writing ≥ 3.5 required)
    • Do NOT send scores directly to UNF. Our program has its own designated GRE code. 
  • 2 letters of recommendation (1 academic, 1 licensed PT)
  • UNF Supplemental Application submission

   

  Other Important Notes during Admissions Process

  • Applicants who fail to complete both the PTCAS and UNF Supplemental applications will be disqualified.
  • All required materials must be submitted to PTCAS by the application deadline.
  • PTCAS is the primary portal used for application review, communication, and updates. 
  • Do not submit materials directly to the UNF DPT program or UNF Graduate School unless specifically instructed. Materials sent directly to the program or by email will not be reviewed.
  • Electronic submissions may take up to 72 hours to populate, so please plan accordingly.
  • The following are exceptions to admission requirements due to COVID-19:
    • Pass/Fail coursework: Prerequisites for the DPT program taken as pass/fail during the Spring and/or Summer 2020 semesters will be accepted and will not negatively impact admissions decisions for prospective students.
    • GRE Testing: We will accept scores from GRE testing done remotely or on-site at a testing center.
• Application Timeline and Admissions Decision Process
  Mid-June (Annually) – PTCAS Application Opens
  

  The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) application portal becomes accessible, allowing prospective applicants to begin the submission process for the upcoming cycle.

  Mid-November (Annually) – PTCAS and UNF Supplemental Application Deadline
  

  All required application materials must be provided by application deadline. Both the PTCAS and UNF supplemental applications must be completed by this date. Applications that are incomplete or missing documentation by the application deadline will be disqualified. After this point, applications are considered "frozen" to allow for a thorough review and evaluation. 

  Mid-November to Late-Jan (Annually) – Application Review Process
  

  During this period, the admissions committee will review all submitted application. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of academic records, recommendation letters, GRE scores, and other relevant documents. 

  Late-Jan to Mid-Feb (Annually) – Decision Letters Sent
  

  Admission decisions are communicated late Jan to Mid Feb via the primary email provided in the PTCAS application. To ensure careful review, decision letters are sent in batches. Denial are issued first, followed by admission offers, and waitlist notifications are only released after the cohort is finalized. Being placed on the waitlist still provides a meaningful chance of admission, as applicants are pulled from the waitlist each year.

  March to August (Annually) – Waitlist Activity & Final Cohort Confirmation
  

  Applicants placed on the waitlist may still receive an admission offer as seats become available. The final cohort is confirmed before the start of classes. 

  Please note that all deadlines are firm, and late submissions will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to start their applications well in advance to ensure all documentation is complete and submitted on time.

Additional Information

• DPT Student Learning Outcomes

  Graduates of the UNF Physical Therapy Program:

  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relevant to physical therapy, both in fundamental context and in application to the discipline of physical therapy.
  • Understand, correlate, and apply theoretical foundations of knowledge to the practice of physical therapy, and evaluate and clarify new or evolving theories relevant to physical therapy.
  • Demonstrate the behaviors of the scholarly clinician by developing and utilizing the process of critical thinking and inquiry, particularly focused on the improvement of the practice of physical therapy and the delivery of healthcare.
  • Engage in reflective practice through sound clinical decision-making, critical self-assessment, and commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Demonstrate mastery of entry-level professional clinical skills. The provision of these services is based on the best available evidence and includes physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, prevention activities, wellness initiatives, and appropriate healthcare utilization.
  • Are prepared to influence the development and enactment of ethical, humane healthcare regulations and policies that are consistent with the needs of the patient and society.
  • Demonstrate leadership, management, and interpersonal skills to effectively participate in physical therapy practice and the healthcare team.
  • Demonstrate the professional and social skills to adapt to changing healthcare environments to effectively provide physical therapy care.

  DPT Outcomes Data

  2024 - 2025

  Year	Graduation Rate	NPTE Pass Rate/Ultimate	Employment Rate
  2024	93.3%	100%	100%
  2025	100%	82.8%	N/A
  Two-Year Average 2024-2025	96.6%	91.4%	N/A

• Graduate Academic Learning Compact
  Visit the Office of Institutional Effectiveness's website to view the DPT Graduate Academic Learning Compact. 
• Important Dates
  Students are encouraged to view the Important Dates website.
• Additional Resources

  Essential Functions 

  Fast Facts

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Graduate Advising

  Scholarships

  Resources