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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapy

  • Is UNF's DPT program accredited? Is UNF accredited?

    Yes. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

    The University of North Florida (UNF) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.

  • When does the program start each year? What is the application window?

    The DPT program begins each Fall semester, typically in mid-August.

    Applications are usually accepted through PTCAS from June through January. Please review the program website each year for the official deadline. All materials must be received by the deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

  • Do I need a specific undergraduate major?

    No. Students from many academic backgrounds apply successfully. There is no preferred major.

    What matters most is:

    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
    • Completion of prerequisite courses
    • Meeting minimum GPA and GRE requirements

    Please note: meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission or an interview.

  • Can I transfer coursework from another DPT program?
    No. Graduate-level transfer credit from another DPT program is not accepted. Transfer applicants are reviewed using the same admissions criteria as all other applicants. And if admitted, would need to complete the program in its entirety.
  • How do I apply?

    Applicants must complete all steps listed on the DPT webpage, including:

    1. Submit an application through PTCAS
    2. Complete the UNF Supplemental Application AFTER the PTCAS application is submitted

    Your PTCAS application must be fully completed with all required documents and materials by the deadline to remain eligible.

  • If I have C's may I still apply?

    Yes, if both of the following prerequisite GPAs are at least 3.00:

    • Last 60 GPA
    • UNF DPT Science prerequisite GPA
    • UNF DPT Non-science prerequisite GPA

    Please note:

    • All course attempts are included in GPA calculations
    • Repeated courses are averaged
    • Applicants below a 3.00 in any category at final review will not be admitted
  • What are the average GPAs and GRE scores for those accepted into the DPT program?
    Please refer to our Fast Facts webpage to view the average scores for the past three years. 
  • How can I have my transcripts reviewed?

    Due to limited resources, transcript reviews are only completed for applicants who have submitted a PTCAS application to the program.

    If you have questions about one or two specific courses, you may email ptadmissions@unf.edu

  • Are prerequisite courses required?
    Yes, there are twelve (12) prerequisites to the DPT program, which are denoted in PTCAS and on the DPT program webpage. 
  • Is there a time limit on prerequisite courses?

    Yes. All second-level prerequisite courses (such as Biology II or the second Psychology course) must be completed within 7 years of your application submission date.

    Courses older than 7 years must be retaken.

  • Do all prerequisites need to be finished before I apply?

    No. You may apply with some courses still in progress if:

    • No more than 3 total prerequisites are outstanding
      • No more than 2 of those outstanding courses can be Science Prerequisites

    These pending/outstanding prerequisite courses must be completed before enrollment with a grade of B or higher (B- is not accepted).

    Any course still in progress at the application deadline will not be included in your prerequisite GPA calculation.

  • Can I complete prerequisites at another college or university?

    Yes. Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited institution.

    Please note: some schools may not allow students to repeat courses previously passed with a C or higher. Check with the institution directly before enrolling.

  • If I repeat a prerequisite course, is the highest grade used?

    No. UNF does not use grade replacement.

    If you repeat a prerequisite course within the 7-year window, all attempts are averaged together when calculating GPA.

  • Are there any acceptable substitutions toward any of UNF DPT prerequisite courses?

    Below is a complete list of our required prerequisite courses and their commonly accepted substitutions.

    Please note that inclusion on this list does not guarantee approval; all coursework is subject to final review and determination by the Admissions Committee.

    UNF DPT Prerequisite Courses

    Science Prerequisite Courses (32 credits):

    • CHM 2045/2045L General Chemistry I with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Unfortunately, there are no subs for this course. A General Chem 1 with Lab must be completed. 
    • CHM 2046/2046L General Chemistry II with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Unfortunately, there are no subs for this course. A General Chem 2 with Lab must be completed.
    • PHY 2053C Algebra-based Physics I with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Calculus-based Physics 1 with Lab or a General Physics 1 with Lab.
    • PHY 2054C Algebra-based Physics II with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Calculus-based Physics 1 with Lab or a General Physics 2 with Lab.
    • BSC 2085C Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Human Anatomy with Lab.
    • BSC 2086C Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Human Physiology with Lab.
    • BSC 1010C General Biology I with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Unfortunately, there are no subs for this course. A General Biology 1 with Lab must be completed.
    • BSC1011C General Biology II with Lab (4 credits)
      • SUBS: Genetics with Lab, Microbiology with Lab.

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

    • PSY 2012 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
      • SUBS: General Psychology. An intro/gen/basic psychology course must be completed.
    • DEP 3054 Lifespan Development Psychology or CLP4143 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
      • SUBS: Developmental Psychology, Psychopathology, Human Development, Human Growth and Development, Abnormal Psychology, Lifespan Development, or Lifespan Developmental Psychology.
    • STA 2023 Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
      • SUBS: Generally, any statistics-heavy course must be completed.
    • HSC 3537 Medical Terminology (3 credits) (optional, but encouraged)
  • Are Sociology or Anthropology courses accepted in place of the Psychology prerequisites?
    No. Sociology and Anthropology courses do not fulfill Psychology prerequisite requirements.
  • Can I apply before taking the GRE?

    Yes. You may submit your application before taking the GRE. However, official GRE scores must be received by the application deadline. Late scores cannot be accepted.

    Please plan your test date carefully to allow time for ETS and PTCAS processing.

  • Can I retake the GRE if I want a higher score?

    Yes. Applicants may submit multiple GRE attempts according to ETS policies.

    Please note:

    • All scores you want considered must be officially received by the application deadline.
    • Scores received after the application deadline are NOT accepted. 
    • Self-reported scores are NOT accepted.
    • Scores sent to the wrong GRE DI Code are NOT accepted. 
    • The minimum required Analytical Writing (essay) score is 3.5
  • Does UNF combine scores from multiple GRE attempts?

    No. UNF DPT does not superscore the GRE.

    This means section scores from different test dates are not combined. Instead, the program will use the highest complete score from a single exam attempt the best helps your application. 

  • How do I submit GRE scores?

    Official GRE scores must only be sent directly through PTCAS using the UNF DPT GRE code: 0994

    Scores sent to any other code, including UNFs, will NOT be accepted. 

    UNF DPT only accepts scores reported officially by ETS through PTCAS. The following are not accepted:

    • Self-reported scores
    • Screenshot copies
    • Transcript notations
    • Unofficial reports

    Candidates are encouraged to read the requirements for GRE score submission via PTCAS or UNF DPT homepage.

  • How old can GRE scores be?

    ETS keeps GRE scores on file for 5 years.

    If your previous scores are older than 5 years and cannot be officially reported, you must retake the GRE and submit new scores by the application deadline.

  • Is a supplemental application required?

    Yes. AFTER submitting your PTCAS application, you must also complete the UNF Graduate School Application.

    This step:

    • Is required for all applicants.
    • Important! Should be completed AFTER your PTCAS application is submitted.
    • This supplemental application will automatically pull from your PTCAS information, so the process is quick and streamlined
  • Are letters of recommendation required?

    Yes. Two (2) recommendation letters are required and must be submitted through PTCAS by the application deadline.

    Required letters:

    • 1 from a licensed Physical Therapist
      (someone you have worked with, received treatment from, or completed observation hours with)
    • 1 from a college instructor or professor
      (must include the course you took with them)

    Preferred academic areas:

    • Anatomy & Physiology
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
  • Are interviews required?
    Currently, an interview is not required for admission, but may be requested for highly competitive applicants.
  • How many Observation Hours are required?

    Observation hours are not required, but they are strongly recommended and should be reported in PTCAS.

    Guidelines:

    • Minimum recommendation: 40 hours
    • Should include experience in at least 3 different PT settings
    • Must be completed under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist
    • Must be finished before the application deadline

    Common settings include:

    • Orthopedics (musculoskeletal)
    • Neurology (neuromuscular)
    • Cardiopulmonary
    • Wound care (integumentary)
    • Geriatrics
    • Pediatrics
    • Sports
    • Aquatics
    • Women’s health
    • Other specialty areas

    Documentation:

    UNF does not require a specific form. Any official verification provided by the facility is acceptable and must be uploaded to PTCAS.

  • Can I use hours from a job or internship?
    Yes. Observation hours completed during employment or internships may be counted if they were directly supervised by a licensed physical therapist.
  • Do I have to submit transcripts to the UNF Graduate School as well as PTCAS?

    No! All official transcripts should only be sent through each candidate's PTCAS application only. 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.

     

  • How will I know my application status?

    You can track your application progress through PTCAS, which shows the status of required materials such as:

    • Transcripts
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Observation hours

    You will also receive periodic email updates sent to the email address listed in your PTCAS application.

    Please note the PTCAS application is the main application used for admissions. All updates, correspondence, and reviews will be conducted through the PTCAS application. 

  • How will I know about my admissions decision?
    All official admission decisions are sent by email only to the email address provided in PTCAS. Please monitor your inbox (and spam/junk folder) regularly once decisions are being released.
  • Is there a waitlist?

    Yes. Applicants who are not initially accepted may be placed on a waitlist.

    Important notes:

    • Alternates may be contacted if a seat becomes available
    • There is no guarantee of admission from the waitlist. But applicants are pulled from the waitlist every year.
    • Applicants not admitted may reapply in a future cycle