If you want to get the best education in PT schools with the easiest admission requirements, you must select a college or university that will provide you with the best education. The best Physical therapy schools (PT schools) with good reputations are sometimes a little hard to find.
However, pursuing the best PT education implies that you are or strive to be an excellent student. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of 15 physical therapy schools with the easiest admission requirements where you can broaden your horizons and become a professional in this field of study.
The easiest pt schools to get into in this article will prepare you with the best curriculum to become an exceptional Physical therapist in your career journey.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a dynamic medical degree dedicated to the promotion of optimal health, prevention of disability, and the restoration and maintenance of physical activities that contribute to a successful life. A physical therapy service is provided in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, outpatient clinics, and hospitals.
PT professionals can assist clients in recovering from an injury, relieving pain, preventing future injuries, and managing chronic conditions. It is applicable at any age or stage of life. The ultimate goal of this profession is to improve health and quality of life.
What Does a PT Do?
Your PT will examine and assess your needs during your first therapy session.
They will inquire about your pain or other symptoms, your ability to move or perform daily tasks, your sleeping habits, and your medical history. The goal is to determine a diagnosis for your condition, why you have the condition, and any impairments caused or exacerbated by the condition, and then develop a plan of care to address each.
The physical therapist will administer tests to determine:
- Your ability to move around, reach, bend, or grasp
- How well do you walk or climb steps
- Active heartbeat or rhythm
- Posture or equilibrium.
They will then collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan.
It will include your personal goals, such as functioning and feeling better, as well as exercises or other treatments to assist you in achieving them.
You may take less or more time than other people in physical therapy sessions to achieve your goals. In addition, you may have more or fewer sessions than others.
It all depends on your requirements.
Best Reasons Why you Should Study Physical therapy
Here are the most compelling reasons to pursue a career in physical therapy:
- People benefit from the services of physiotherapy
- Job Security
- PT courses are highly practical
- PT is an excellent way to pursue a sporting interest.
People benefit from the services of physiotherapy
Studying PT provides the opportunity for a rewarding, challenging, and satisfying career. Physiotherapists improve their patients’ quality of life by restoring functional movement and improving their health and wellbeing.
Job Security
Physical therapists are in high demand all over the world. Why? Aside from sports and other injuries, there is a growing aging population, particularly among baby boomers, that requires physical therapists.
Furthermore, PT graduates typically go on to work in the following fields: physiotherapy, sports and exercise science, rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, or academic research.
PT courses are highly practical
As a PT student, you will have the opportunity to go on clinical placements and apply your classroom learning in a real-world setting.
PT is an excellent way to pursue a sporting interest
Sporting careers are notoriously difficult to come by, but students who study PT stand a good chance of finding work in this field. Professional sports teams require physiotherapists, who are well compensated at high-level clubs.
About PT Schools
PT Schools with the easiest admission requirements provide students with the opportunity to study the in-demand field of physical therapy.
There are numerous kinds of physiotherapist schools.
It is best if a student considering attending a school to study this aspect of medical science thoroughly researches all of their options before making a decision. You might even be fortunate enough to receive a college full-ride scholarship to study this program.
How to become a PT professional
You can become a physiotherapist by enrolling in and graduating from a physical therapy school near you.’ To be a good physical therapist, however, you must be accepted into a good PT institution. If you anticipate financial difficulties during your program, you can apply for a scholarship that will enable you to study effectively.
Keep in mind that physical therapy is not the same as other medical school programs. It is impossible to become a competent physiotherapist without proper guidance, experienced faculty members, well-planned projects, and appropriate coursework.
List of 15 Easiest PT schools to get into
Here are the PT Schools with the easiest admission requirements:
- University of Iowa
- Duke University
- Daemen College
- CSU Northridge
- Bellarmine University
- AT Still University
- East Tennessee State University
- Emory & Henry College
- Regis University
- Shenandoah University
- Southwest Baptist University
- Touro University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- The University of Delaware.
#1. University of Iowa
In a leading medical education centre, the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences provides a one-of-a-kind learning environment.
The department is made up of faculty members who are dedicated clinical educators and scientists who believe in the department’s mission to advance human health.
Their students are mentored to meet the challenges facing health care today in physical therapy.
#2. Duke University
The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an inclusive community of scholars engaged in the discovery, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge in the optimal care of patients and instruction of learners.
Its mission is to develop the next generation of the profession’s leaders, committed to health equity and expertly prepared to integrate the best available evidence in the patient-centered management of function and quality of life within a dynamic health system.
In addition, the faculty conducts research in areas such as innovative clinical practices, educational research, and improving diagnostic accuracy, among others.
Furthermore, Duke University has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
#3.Emory University
Emory University is an Atlanta-based private research university.
The Methodist Episcopal Church established Emory as “Emory College” in 1836 and named it after Methodist bishop John Emory.
However, many prospective physical therapy students have chosen to study at the Department of Physical Therapy.
Something about the program fosters exceptional skills, creativity, reflectivity, and humanity while instilling self-confidence in students as they develop into outstanding professionals.
Furthermore, the Department of Physical Therapy’s mission is to promote individual and global community well-being through exemplary leadership in physical therapy education, discovery, and service.
#4. CSU Northridge
The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to:
- Prepare competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence-based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing health care environment,
- Cultivate a faculty committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring, scholarship and research, clinical expertise, and service to the University and community, and
- Develop clinical partnerships and professional alliances that improve ITS ability to promote health, well being, and quality of life for local and global communities.
#5. Bellarmine University
The Bellarmine University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares students for licensure and practice in the field of physical therapy.
This program is an integral part of the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, the physical therapist professional community, and the local health care delivery system.
Bellamine embraces the heritage of Catholic higher education excellence in undergraduate liberal arts and quality professional education programs.
Dedicated to excellence in physical therapist education and service by providing comprehensive academic and clinical experiences for diverse and talented students.
#6. AT Still University
ATSU physical therapy department faculty members and staff are committed to elevating the physical therapy profession and promoting the health of society by educating Physical Therapy students in a supportive learning environment centered on whole-person healthcare.
The result is a progressive curriculum encompassing post-professional education opportunities for practicing clinicians, community partnerships, scholarly work focused on improving the human condition, and advocacy that promotes access to physical therapy services.
#7. East Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University was the first in the state to graduate physical therapists. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is offered by the Department of Physical Therapy in a three-year lockstep format that begins in the summer session of the first year and ends in the spring semester of the third year.
This institution prepares physical therapy practitioners who embody lifelong learning, collaboration, and leadership in order to improve the health of individuals in our region and society.
#8. Regis University
The Regis DPT curriculum is cutting-edge and evidence-based, with nationally recognized faculty and 38 weeks of clinical experience integrated into the curriculum, preparing you to practice physical therapy in the twenty-first century.
Graduates will receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam.
#9. MAYO School of health-related sciences
The education you will receive at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences will go far beyond the norm. Before you finish your program, you will be a respected member of the health care team and will have made a difference.
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS), formerly Mayo School of Health Sciences, is an accredited, private, nonprofit institution of higher learning that specializes in allied health education.
#10. Southwest Baptist University
The PT school at Southwest Baptist University prepares students for careers as physical therapists.
As a physical therapy doctoral student at SBU, you will:
- Gain the knowledge and skills needed for patient management, education, consultation, and clinical research.
- Build upon a strong liberal arts background with an emphasis on Christian faith integration.
- Develop critical and analytical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and professional behaviour.
#11. Touro University
Touro University Nevada is a non-profit, Jewish-sponsored institution of higher learning that offers programs in health sciences and education.
Their vision is to educate caring professionals to serve, lead, and teach, with a mission to provide quality educational programs that are consistent with Judaism’s commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity.
This institution’s entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is committed to preparing practitioners who are knowledgeable, skilled, and caring, and who can assume and adapt to the multiple roles of a physical therapist in our ever-changing healthcare environment.
The curriculum is designed to help you advance your skills in clinical care, education, and healthcare policy development.
#12. University of Kentucky
The Physical Therapy Program at Western Kentucky University, provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become skilled physical therapists.
PT Programs consist of 118 credit hours over 3 years.
The mission of the WKU DPT Program is to prepare physical therapists who improve the quality of life of their patients and clients, especially in rural and underserved communities.
#13. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
The Department of Physical Therapy’s mission at the University of Oklahoma health sciences centre is to advance physical therapist practice by providing excellent entry-level and post-graduate education, translating science to deliver quality clinical services, leading federally funded rehabilitation research, and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and leaders.
#14. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a public-private research university in Newark, Delaware. The University of Delaware is the state’s largest university.
Across its eight colleges, it offers three associate’s degrees, 148 bachelor’s degrees, 121 master’s degrees, and 55 doctoral degrees.
This PT school is known for its excellence in academic and clinical education, and high-impact, multidisciplinary research.
Also, The school has been leading the way to help people of all ages and stages of life to overcome movement, function, and mobility challenges.
#15. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university based primarily in unincorporated St. Louis County, Missouri, and Clayton, Missouri. It was founded in 1853.
The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy is a pioneer in advancing human health through movement, combining interdisciplinary research, exceptional clinical care, and education of tomorrow’s leaders to drive function optimization across the lifespan.
FAQs about PT Schools With the Easiest Admission Requirements
What are the PT Schools With the Easiest Admission Requirements?
The PT Schools With the Easiest Admission Requirements are: University of Iowa Duke University Daemen College CSU Northridge Bellarmine University AT Still University East Tennessee State University...
What is a good GPA for physical therapy school?
The majority of students accepted into DPT programs have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. What matters less is your undergraduate major.
What PT school has the highest acceptance rate?
University of Iowa. The University of Iowa is one of the easiest PT programs to get into. They have an acceptance rate of 82.55 percent.
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Conclusion
Getting into PT schools is not easy; even the schools with the lowest requirements require you to work hard to be accepted.
However, you are now equipped with the necessary information. Get to work, study hard, and study smart, and you’ll discover that it was much easier than you imagined.
The next step is to research the prerequisites and required courses to ensure you have what it takes. Then consider getting some observation hours in various situations. It does not have to be paid work; volunteering is acceptable at any university.
What exactly are you waiting for? Apply now to enroll in any of the PT schools with the easiest admission requirements.
FAQs
15 PT Schools With the Easiest Admission Requirements? ›
"You are not required to select a particular major in order to be eligible for admission to a PT program," the association states in its online guide to the PT school admissions process. "The most common undergraduate majors among PT students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and psychology."
What is the easiest PT school to get into? ›- MGH Institute of Health Professions – Acceptance Rate: 50-55% ...
- Northwestern University – Acceptance Rate: 8% ...
- Emory University – Acceptance Rate: 19% ...
- Creighton University – Acceptance Rate: 71% ...
- University of Delaware – Acceptance Rate: 66%
"You are not required to select a particular major in order to be eligible for admission to a PT program," the association states in its online guide to the PT school admissions process. "The most common undergraduate majors among PT students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and psychology."
Can I get into PT school with a 2.8 GPA? ›Most students accepted to DPT programs have a GPA of 3.5 or better. What doesn't matter so much is your undergraduate major. There is no single, specific major that leads into PT school. As long as your degree program allows you to take the classes listed above, it will be fine.
What is considered a low GPA for PT school? ›You must meet each school's admission requirements to be considered for admission, and most schools list a minimum GPA of 3.0 as one of their requirements. I would suggest taking a year to retake prerequisite courses and getting no less than A's.
Is nursing or PT easier? ›Physical therapy is typically regarded as the more challenging option for the education level required to begin a career in these two fields.
What branch of PT makes the most money? ›The top-paying PT industries include: Outpatient care centers. Home health care services. Child day care services.
What majors are easiest for physical therapy? ›What's the best major for Physical Therapy? Most Pre-PT programs encourage students to major in exercise science, human biology, or even kinesiology. It'll be easier to satisfy PT school prerequisites in those programs, but it won't necessarily give you a better chance of success in PT school.
What is the hardest class in PT school? ›Current PT students as well as individuals who have successfully graduated from their respective PT programs tend to agree that the two most challenging courses in PT school are gross anatomy and neuroscience (also often referred to as neuroanatomy or simply neuro).
Is GPA important in PT school? ›While it is great to have top grades, it isn't actually that important – unless you're planning on applying to a residency or PhD program in the future. The most important part of PT school is actually learning and gaining experience in the clinic.
Can you play sports with a 1.9 GPA? ›
In California -- which has its share of crime-ridden impoverished neighborhoods -- state law requires students have a 2.0 GPA in order to play sports. It's one of 12 states and the District of Columbia that have GPA standards for sports statewide.
What is a good 100 PT GPA? ›...
Unweighted Out of 100 GPA Scale.
| GPA (100-scale) | GPA (4.0-scale) | Letter Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 97-100 | 4.0 | A+ |
| 93-96 | 4.0 | A |
| 90-92 | 3.7 | A- |
| 87-89 | 3.3 | B+ |
Every class in my program is pass/fail. You have to get at least 70% on every exam to pass though, and if you don't you have to take the exam again. If you fail a second time, you're out.
Does PE bring down your GPA? ›That's less than 5% of students who earn PE grades one letter-grade below their average academic grades. If you factor in that PE grades play a small role in the calculation of an overall GPA, you can see that PE grades will have no real negative impact on any student's overall GPA.
What are the odds of getting into PT school after interview? ›The acceptance rate is below 33%, so it definitely isn't guaranteed you will make it. In this article we will look at some questions you may face in your PT school interview, and how you should answer them to improve your chances of getting in.
What is the lowest GPA for sports? ›Required GPAs vary between athletic associations and divisions, but it's usually around a 2.0. NAIA student-athletes must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain athletic eligibility. NCAA GPA requirements fluctuate according to the school's minimum GPA requirement and the student-athlete's year in school.
Is becoming a PT difficult? ›It is fairly hard to become a physical therapist.
It requires getting accepted to a highly competitive physical therapy program and years of advanced schooling. To work as a physical therapist, for instance, means completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
California is often considered one of the most difficult states in which to get your physical therapy license.
What is the hardest nursing class to take? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Physical Therapist Salary By State: Highest-Paid Physical Therapists by State [2023] Research Summary. After extensive research by the Zippia data science team, we identified these details of physical therapist salary by state for the United States: California has the highest physical therapist salary of $106,493.
What is the lowest paid PT? ›
Physical Therapist Salaries
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,120, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,740.
$29,866 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $73,442 is the 75th percentile.
What is the closest major to physical therapy? ›Kinesiology
Because the field is closely related to physical therapy, many students find it to be a natural stepping stone into a DPT program. Kinesiology takes a well-rounded approach to health sciences, encouraging students to learn about biology, chemistry, and physics.
Significant Physical Demands
As a PT, you can be required to lift patients out of their beds and help support them as they walk or perform floor exercises during their treatment. Therapists are on their feet throughout the treatment phase, guiding the patient to achieve their physical health objectives.
...
10 States Where Physical Therapists Earn the Least Money.
| Rank | State | 2018 Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | $75,010 |
| 2 | South Dakota | $76,200 |
| 3 | Maine | $76,910 |
| 4 | Idaho | $77,700 |
No science-based career would be complete without a solid foundation in mathematics. Most physical therapy programs require completion of geometry, algebra and pre-calculus.
What is the biggest challenge about PT school? ›This can make it challenging to know if it's worth investing the time to dive into. Two of the greatest limitations for a PT student are time and money. Nevertheless, the typical educational seminar requires an entire weekend and an average cost greater than $500 (even with a student discount!)
How long should I study for PT boards? ›Ideally, you'll want to set aside 12 to 16 weeks of dedicated time to study for the NPTE. During a typical week, you can expect to study 15 to 25 hours depending on the material you're focusing on during that week.
Is a 3.4 good for PT school? ›The minimum recommended cumulative GPA is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Competitive applicants typically have cumulative GPAs of 3.4 or higher.
What qualities do PT schools look for? ›Interacting with people at high level, ambitious, hard-working, a well-rounded individual who can handle adversity, and compassionate are some of the many characteristics of an ideal PT school applicant.
What is 4 PT college GPA? ›
The top grade is an A, which equals 4.0. You calculate your overall GPA by averaging the scores of all your classes. This is a common scale used at most colleges, and many high schools also use it.
Which sport has the highest GPA? ›Tennis led all sports with a cumulative GPA of 3.58, with women's swimming and diving, women's soccer and women's track tied for the second-highest 3.51 GPA. Softball clocked in at a close third with a 3.49 average.
What GPA does Harvard require? ›The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.
What sport gives out the most scholarships? ›These sports, such as football, soccer, hockey, and baseball, might be the ones that offer the highest number of full scholarships. But you should also note that these more popular sports also have the toughest competition. You'll be one of many talented student athletes vying for a limited number of spots.
What is the highest GPA ever? ›Normally, you would expect the highest score to be the 'perfect' 4.0 score, however, there are several things that a student can do to receive an even higher score. For example, one student actually managed to get a 10.03 GPA score. He did this by taking 17 advanced classes at his school, which awarded him many points.
What GPA is a 95% average? ›A 4.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to an A letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means it is equivalent to 93-95%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 4.0 is far above average.
Is a 93 an A? ›...
List of Common GPA Conversions.
| Letter Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 GPA Scale |
|---|---|---|
| A | 93–96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
Most high schools or states have a PE requirement. If you do not meet that requirement one way or another, you will not graduate. In US high schools you can take it again next year.
How is prerequisite GPA calculated for PT school? ›To calculate these GPAs, each A-F or 0-100 grade you entered in the Grade field is first converted to a PTCAS numeric grade value, then multiplied by the attempted credits. The resulting product is Quality Points. Your total Quality Points are then divided by your Attempted Credits to determine your GPA.
What grade is technically failing? ›C - this is a grade that rests right in the middle. C is anywhere between 70% and 79% D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69% F - this is a failing grade.
Can exercise boost your GPA? ›
Yes. The study found that on average, students who exercised at a vigorous intensity for seven days each week had GPAs that were 0.4 points higher than those who didn't exercise. For most if not all people, exercising seven days per week is not feasible, or even recommended.
How much does an e drop your GPA? ›The failing grade will NOT calculate in your GPA, but it will still show on your transcript. On your transcript, an "E" will show to the right of your failing grade to mark the course as "Excluded". On your transcript, an "I" will show to the right of the second time you took the class, marking it as "Included".
Can sports raise your GPA? ›Academic and Career Benefits
High school students, especially female students, who play sports are less likely to drop out. Participation in team sports results in a higher GPA for both high school boy and girl athletes. Physically active children are 15% more likely to attend college.
- Research the program. Before the interview, research the program to help you tailor your answers to the specific school to which you're applying. ...
- Practice your answers. ...
- Arrive early. ...
- Speak confidently. ...
- Prepare your own questions.
Every year, 18,000+ students interview for 10,000 PT School seats. Nearly ½ of all applicants never make it past the PT School Interview! If you're lucky enough to get a PT School interview invite, you'll need to set yourself apart from the crowd.
Can you go D1 with a 2.5 GPA? ›The minimum GPA you can have to be considered an early academic qualifier for D1 is a 2.3 GPA and a 980 SAT combined score or 75 ACT sum score. You will need a 2.2 GPA and a 900 SAT combined score or 68 ACT sum score to be eligible at the Division II level.
What is the lowest GPA to go D1? ›To study and compete at a Division I school, you must earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits, earn a minimum 2.3 core-course GPA and submit your final transcript with proof of graduation to the Eligibility Center.
Can you get recruited with bad grades? ›Here's why: in the world of college athletic recruiting, an athlete's grades determine whether or not a coach targets a potential recruit. If the student's grades are low, it's a non-qualifier for coaches. Most teams just won't take that risk.
Is a 3.75 GPA good for PT school? ›It is important to keep in mind that simply passing these required courses will not be sufficient enough to get you into a PT school. The majority of schools require a minimum of 3.0 GPA, but the acceptance rate of many schools can have GPA scores as high as 3.75 average. Good grades matter!
Which branch has the hardest PT test? ›Marines have it the hardest, running three miles, doing pull-ups and crunches within the span of a two-hour evaluation period. The Army has its troops run two miles, plus two minutes of pushups and situps.
What degree do most physical therapists have? ›
To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a doctor of physical therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam. The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.
What is a good 100 pt GPA? ›...
Unweighted Out of 100 GPA Scale.
| GPA (100-scale) | GPA (4.0-scale) | Letter Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 97-100 | 4.0 | A+ |
| 93-96 | 4.0 | A |
| 90-92 | 3.7 | A- |
| 87-89 | 3.3 | B+ |
While it is great to have top grades, it isn't actually that important – unless you're planning on applying to a residency or PhD program in the future. The most important part of PT school is actually learning and gaining experience in the clinic.
Is 3.75 GPA enough for Harvard? ›So anything above 3.0 is above average in the US. Of college applicants, however, the average GPA is more likely to be closer to 3.5 to 4.0. If you're aiming for a top university such as the Ivy Leagues, a 4.0 average – or close to – is expected.
How many PT tests can you fail? ›The worst case scenario is if you keep failing the PT test. If you have 4 failures within a 24 month period then you have basically tied your commander's hand behind his back, because steps now have to be taken to recommend/not recommend you for separation.
Which bootcamp is the hardest? ›There's a great argument that the Marine Corps has the hardest military training of anyone, and here's why. Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world.
How many times can you fail a PT test in the Army? ›The maximum is 100 points. Once the scoring begins taking effect, those who fail will be able to retake the test after several months. If they fail twice, they will be discharged from the Army.