Applications are considered for the summer session beginning in July only.
- Applications for admission are accepted beginning around June 15 each year with matriculation into the DPT program beginning the following summer.
- Applicants who apply early and by September 15 will be given priority status in our admissions process, as compared to applicants who apply later.
- It is to the applicant's benefit to apply as soon as possible after the PTCAS application portal opens (around June 15), as the Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications to select those for interviews starting in August.
- The majority of interviews will be conducted in October and November.
- The final deadline to submit applications to PTCAS is December 1.
Application Material
Applications are submitted online through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). PTCAS allows applicants to use a single application and one set of materials to apply to multiple PT programs. Once your application portfolio is complete with PTCAS, it will be forwarded to The University of Iowa (UI).
Items submitted through PTCAS:
- Online application
- Official transcript(s)
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) report from the Educational Testing Service (UI PTCAS GRE Code #7566)
- Three letters of recommendation are required. The applicant should seek letters from individuals who can speak to their abilities to engage in rigorous academic courses and to work with people in a healthcare environment. The letters should be submitted by:
- A faculty member in the applicant's major who has instructed them in at least one class
- A physical therapist the applicant has interacted with or someone who can speak to their skills related to working in a healthcare field
- A person of the applicant's choice, examples include another physical therapist or academic reference, supervisor, or employer
Have a general question or want to learn more?
Reach out to us and we'd be happy to assist.
The Physical Therapy Admissions Committee requests personal, on-campus interviews. Because the number of students admitted into each class is limited, not all who apply for admission are invited for an interview.
Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. The Physical Therapy Admissions Committee selects the applicants it considers best qualified for the study and practice of the profession from the pool of applicants who are interviewed.
Admission is based on course work, grade-point averages, GRE scores, knowledge of the profession, life experiences, personal essay, recommendations, and a personal interview. Some preference is given to residents of Iowa. A broad exposure to physical therapy in more than one clinical setting is recommended. A suggested minimum is 50-60 hours.
The students selected have strong experiential backgrounds. The mean GPA of the entering class is generally around 3.70.
Applications are accepted when the PTCAS portal opens (typically around June 15) for entry into the DPT program the following summer. Applicants who apply early and by September 15 will be given priority status in the admissions process. It is to the applicant's benefit to apply as soon as possible after June 15 as the admissions committee will begin the application review process to select those for interviews. The majority of interviews are conducted in late September through November. Early application deadline is September 15, our mid-application deadline is October 1, and final application deadline is December 1.
Find Your Program
General Catalog provides information about academic programs at the University of Iowa