If you’re an undergraduate student hoping to become a physical therapist, establishing the groundwork for DPT school begins right now. Getting ready for your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program during your undergraduate years helps you to prepare for the admissions process and transition smoothly.
Refining your current skillset, tackling PT prerequisites, and planning your application helps you stand out as a DPT applicant. Take these steps now to position yourself as a competitive candidate for DPT school and lay the foundation for a successful career in physical therapy.
Many DPT school requirements include specific prerequisite coursework that must be completed before applying. Looking past the application, however, taking courses that are directly related to a career in physical therapy can help affirm your career choice and energize you for the next step. As you start thinking about which school to attend, research each program’s requirements and plan your academic schedule to ensure that all of your prerequisite courses are completed by the application deadline.
Academic excellence is an easy way to boost your application and prepare for your DPT program. Try to aim for strong grades, especially in science courses, to meet or exceed your DPT school’s GPA requirements. Most schools require a minimum GPA of around 3.0, but competitive applicants often have GPAs of 3.5 or higher.
As you complete your undergraduate courses, focus on mastering foundational knowledge rather than simply passing courses. Delving past superficial learning helps you become a better student and sets a high standard for your career trajectory. Tutoring and study groups can also be a great resource for facing academic challenges and overcoming stress.
Hands-on experience is invaluable when applying to DPT programs. Developing a strong real-world portfolio increases your chances of success when applying, but it also gives you a crucial understanding of how the physical therapist profession works. You can initiate your pre-DPT training by reaching out to potential internship sites like:
A simple email or phone call introducing yourself and asking about potential shadowing opportunities can go a long way. Start by expressing your interest in physical therapy, your desire to learn from experienced professionals, and your willingness to be flexible with scheduling. You can also talk with your professors, academic advisors, or pre-health organizations, as they often have connections with physical therapists who welcome student observers.
By shadowing licensed physical therapists in diverse environments, you can better understand different practice areas and interact with experienced PTs. Meaningful mentorship relationships with seasoned physical therapists give you insight into the profession and serve as strong references for your application.
The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) is a web-based platform that streamlines the application process so that you can apply to multiple DPT programs at once. PTCAS opens annually around mid-June, but you can start preparing much earlier by gathering your application materials and completing prerequisites.
Crafting a stand-out submission begins with research. Find out the specific clinical exposure requirements, program goals, and GRE standards of any potential DPT schools before you begin the process and tailor your application to fit.
Keeping a detailed checklist to track important dates and required materials allows you to set reminders for key milestones, such as submission deadlines and transcript requests. The best way to guarantee success in your application process is to prepare well ahead of time.
Because physical therapy is a physically involved, patient-focused career, becoming a PT isn’t just about bolstering your head knowledge. Preparation for DPT school extends to your well-being and soft skills. Success in your future physical therapy career requires strong communication skills, leadership abilities, and physical resilience.
Every healthcare professional needs soft skills to communicate well with colleagues and patients. Right now, developing those skills could look like seeking out leadership roles or volunteering your time at a health clinic. Cultivating these skills now can help you stand out in the application process and in your career.
Staying physically active doesn’t just give you the strength you need to properly administer physical therapy techniques, it allows you to understand where your patients are coming from.
This doesn’t mean you have to take up a full-time sport or compete on the weekends. Staying active looks different for everyone, from developing an intense workout regimen to prioritizing low-effort daily habits like taking a walk or doing yoga. Preparing for the physical demands of being a PT will give you greater empathy for patients and prepare you for hands-on training down the road.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future in physical therapy. Neumann University’s CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy prepares students for dynamic PT careers defined by expertise and compassionate care. Our program offers a comprehensive DPT education, blending advanced coursework, immersive clinical experiences, and modern resources to develop skilled physical therapists with a patient-focused mindset.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to becoming a physical therapist, explore Neumann University’s DPT program in our digital guide.