The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program (PT Program) offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree earned over three years. The PT Program began in 1948 with a class of six students and has graduated over 2,000 physical therapists, following a tradition of excellence. Our alumni contribute to the growth of physical therapy in the Rocky Mountain Region and nationally.

The PT Program educates generalist physical therapists prepared to treat patients across the lifespan and to assume the multi-faceted roles of skilled clinician, patient manager, team member, teacher, researcher, clinical manager, consultant, leader and advocate. 

Our success is linked to the expertise of our faculty, highly qualified students, interprofessional colleagues and state-of-the-art facilities on the Anschutz Medical Campus, in addition to a strong network of supportive alumni and clinical faculty throughout the United States.

Prerequisites

In addition to obtaining a baccalaureate degree and completing the course prerequisites, applicants must also take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), complete observation hours and provide references.  

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation, although an application may be submitted prior to completing all prerequisite coursework. An admission decision will not be made until all but six (6) semester hours of prerequisite science credits are successfully completed. Courses completed with a C- or below are not acceptable. If all prerequisite science courses were completed more than five (5) years prior to applying, an additional six (6) semester hours of upper-division basic science must be completed. 

The following courses MUST be completed at a four-year institution:

•  Human or Mammalian Anatomy with labs - 4 credits (upper-division preferred)
•  Human or Mammalian Physiology with labs - 4 credits (upper-division preferred)
• Upper-Division Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Exercise Physiology - 3 credits (cell biology or biochemistry  preferred)

 The following courses MAY be completed at a two-year college, although a four-year institution is preferred:

•  General Chemistry with labs - 8 credit sequence
•  General Physics with labs - 8 credit sequence (algebra or calculus-based)
•  Math - 3 credits (trigonometry or calculus preferred)
•  Psychology - 6 credits (abnormal and developmental psychology preferred)
•  Statistics - 3 credits (biostatistics, psychology or mathematics preferred)
•  Writing or English Composition - 3 credits

Observation Hours

Required observations: 45 hours minimum, with 15 hours in three (3) of four (4) types of practice settings:

•  Acute inpatient (e.g. general hospital, rehabilitation facility)
•  Outpatient (e.g. PT clinic, outpatient hospital clinic)
•  Long-term care facility (e.g. nursing home)
•  Other settings (e.g. home health, school)

GRE

GRE scores (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing) are required. 

• GRE Institution Code: 7619

Applicants offered admission in the 3 previous years (2011-13) represent the following GRE score  averages and ranges:

• Quantitative: average 152 with range 140-162
• Verbal: average 154 with range 146-169
• Analytical Writing: average 4.2 with range 3.0-5.0

References   

Obtain three (3) references, including one (1) from each of the following:

•  Licensed physical therapist
•  Science professor
•  Additional professor or health professional

GPA 

• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
• Minimum math/science course GPA: 3.0
• Average cumulative GPA: 3.5 (Admissions and Graduate Data)
• Average math/science course GPA: 3.6

Application Process

• Application cycle: July 1-October 1, 2014
• $100 supplemental fee 
• Interviews: Friday, January 23 OR 24, 2014
• Early Decision available for applicants with outstanding readiness and high academic achievement who apply by the early deadline and commit to attend if offered admission

Contact Us

• Betti Krapfl, PT (Pre-Admissions Advisor) | P: 303-724-9135 | E: Betti.Krapfl@ucdenver.edu
• Lauren Wahlquist, BA (Admissions Coordinator) | P: 303-724-9144 | E: Lauren.Wahlquist@ucdenver.edu

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