Preparing for DPT programs
College of Health
Build a strong DPT application while you're at Oregon State
What you need to know about DPT programs
All DPT programs must be accredited through CAPTE and typically take three years, combining classroom study with clinical practice. After completing your final clinical experience, you'll sit for a national licensure exam.
What are the prerequisite courses for DPT programs?
Programs share many prerequisites in common, though requirements vary slightly by school. In general, plan on completing:
- A full year of general chemistry
- Human anatomy and physiology
- General biology and general physics
- One to two courses in statistics
- Two to four terms of psychology, including developmental and/or abnormal psychology
Courses in kinesiology, biomechanics and motor development are helpful but not always required.
The kinesiology pre-therapy and allied health option at OSU is specifically designed to be a direct path to the DPT program at OSU-Cascades.
Do you need field experience?
Yes. The earlier you start, the better. Most DPT programs expect a minimum of 100 observation hours in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
A few programs don't require documented hours but strongly recommend them. Requirements for how hours are documented vary by program, so check each school's specifics carefully.
How competitive are DPT programs?
DPT admissions are competitive nationally. Strong applicants typically have:
- A strong cumulative GPA and science/math GPA.
- At least 100 hours of PT observation across inpatient and outpatient settings.
- A background in human movement. Kinesiology and exercise science are common majors among accepted applicants.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Not all DPT programs require the GRE. Research each program you're considering applying to so you understand specific requirements. Some have minimum score requirements, others don't factor it into admissions ranking at all.
How much does a DPT program cost?
Tuition varies significantly by program and institution. In-state residents typically pay less at public universities.
Don't want to leave OSU?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at OSU-Cascades in Bend offers a fully accredited DPT — so you can go from your OSU undergraduate degree straight into an OSU graduate program.
Where can I learn more?
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics