Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapy
Application Basics
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Is UNF's DPT program accredited? Is 海角社区accredited?
Yes; the DPT program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) through 2024.
The 海角社区 (UNF) is accredited by the to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the 海角社区. Individual contact to the Commission on Colleges about the 海角社区 accreditation status should occur only if there is evidence that appears to support significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.
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In what term(s) does the program start each year? What is the application window and deadline?
The DPT program admits a cohort of approximately 30 students each fall semester, which normally begins in late August. The application window is generally July - Mid-November in PTCAS. Candidates are responsible for consulting the Important Dates section for the annual deadline. The deadline is a receive-by deadline and late items will not be considered. -
Must I have a particular major from my undergraduate education to pursue the DPT?
No one undergraduate major is preferred for candidates entering the DPT. We are proud of the diverse backgrounds that our students possess. The most important factors are that the institution awarding the baccalaureate degree holds institutional accreditation status at the time of attendance and that the prerequisite GPAs and GRE scores meet the minimum posted requirements. Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission or even an interview; this is a competitive application process. -
May I transfer graduate-level coursework from another DPT program into UNF's program?
Unfortunately, transfer work from another DPT program is not accepted by the 海角社区program. New applicants and DPT transfers are considered for admission based on the same criteria. -
How do I apply?
Interested individuals will need to follow all of the application steps provided on the DPT page. Note that one of the requirements includes applying through . This is the main application for each candidate. Please ensure that the PTCAS application is fully completed by the application deadline to avoid disqualification. -
If I have C's may I still apply?
As long as your non-science prerequisite GPA and science prerequisite GPA are each at least 3.00, then you are welcome to apply. Please note that all attempts on a course (passed or failed) will be averaged to calculate the prerequisite GPA scores. Those with less than a 3.00 in either of the prerequisite GPA categories at the time of final consideration will be denied. -
What are the average GPAs and GRE scores for those accepted into the DPT program?
Please refer to our Fast Facts webpage to view the average scores for the past three years. -
How can I have my transcripts reviewed?
Due to resource limitations, only the transcripts of those who actually have a PTCAS application with the program will be reviewed. If a candidate has a question on one or two courses then those may be directed to ptadmissions@unf.edu.
Prerequisite Courses
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Are there prerequisites to the DPT program? If so, is there a limit regarding the age of the courses?
Yes, there are twelve (12) prerequisites to the DPT program, which are denoted in PTCAS and on the DPT program webpage. Applicants must have had all prerequisites within the past seven (7) years, without exception, from the date that the application is to be submitted. Anything older than that time must be retaken. -
Must all of the prerequisites be completed before I may apply?
No; feel free to apply before you complete all of the prerequisites. You may be considered for acceptance with a few courses left in progress at the time of decision. At the time of the application deadline, however, at least six (6) of the eight (8) science prerequisite courses must be completed and two (2) of the three (3) non-science prerequisite courses must be completed. Courses in progress do not count as completed. Admission would be contingent upon the successful completion of outstanding requirements with a B or better in each course. Please note: any courses in progress at the time of the application deadline will not count toward your prerequisite GPA. -
May I take prerequisites at institutions other than UNF?
Yes; candidates are permitted to complete the necessary prerequisites at any accredited institution. Note that not all institutions will permit re-enrollment in courses previously passed with a 'C' or higher. Check with the institution of your choice in advance and plan accordingly. -
If I take a prerequisite course more than once does 海角社区use the best score earned when determining my GPA?
No; 海角社区does not use the best score earned in a prerequisite, disregarding other earned scores, when calculating prerequisite GPA's. If a prerequisite course is completed more than once in the 7-year window, 海角社区averages each attempt at that course together to calculate the score earned. -
Will any other upper-level Biology courses with labs suffice for Biology II?
Yes; though the courses that will suffice are limited. UNF's DPT program will honor Microbiology with lab and Genetics with lab. Email ptadmissions@unf.edu if you have questions regarding the acceptability of any other courses. -
What are some acceptable courses for the second Psychology requirement?
Acceptable courses include DEP 3054 Lifespan Developmental Psychology or CLP 4143 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior. Candidates with other coursework may email ptadmissions@unf.edu to inquire about acceptance. Be prepared to submit the course description and syllabus. Note: Sociology and Anthropology courses are not sufficient. -
Are Sociology or Anthropology courses accepted in place of the Psychology prerequisites?
No. Sociology and Anthropology courses are not accepted in place of the Psychology prerequisite courses.
GRE Requirements
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May I apply before I take the GRE?
Yes; however, please know that there are processing times in receiving official GRE scores. Late scores will not be considered. Please plan your test date accordingly. Candidates who wish to improve upon previous GRE scores are encouraged to submit official scores to PTCAS and submit written notice to ptadmissions@unf.edu once updated scores are filed. Exam results for additional attempts must be submitted to PTCAS for processing by the application deadline to be considered.
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May I retake the GRE if I am not satisfied with my scores?
Following the testing policies of ETS, candidates may submit multiple sets of scores for consideration. All attempts, however, MUST be on file by the actual application deadline and reported officially by the test agency. This means that applicants must plan their testing appointments in accordance with our application deadline. Note that the minimum acceptable analytical (essay) score is 3.5 without exception.
Those who retake the exam after submitting their initial applications should confirm with the DPT Admissions Office at ptadmissions@unf.edu. The office will not know that new scores exist without word from the candidate.
海角社区DPT does not SuperScore GRE tests. 海角社区DPT will take the highest score achieved on any one exam. 海角社区cannot take section scores from multiple exams.
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How can I submit GRE scores for my application? Do I need to submit scores to both 海角社区and PTCAS?
The only acceptable scores at 海角社区DPT for the GRE are those that are officially reported via the testing company. Scores are not accepted from self-reports, college transcripts, etc. If a candidate has an open set of scores at home (now considered unofficial because they were opened) then those may be supplied temporarily, but official scores are MANDATORY by the application deadline. The program now requires the revised GRE examination to include the analytical writing portion. Extensions will not be granted. Please plan accordingly.
Official GRE scores should only be sent via each candidate's PTCAS application.
Candidates are encouraged to read the requirements for GRE score submission via or 海角社区DPT homepage.
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What is the age limit on GRE scores? What if I previously submitted official scores?
ETS, which manages the GRE, only archives scores for five (5) years. If you are unable to obtain an official report of scores, then you must take the exam and submit new scores by the application deadline.
Supplemental Items
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Are recommendations or an interview required?
A personal interview may be requested for competitive candidates.
Two (2) Recommendation Letters are required by the application deadline and must be submitted to PTCAS. It is required that one (1) come from a Licensed Physical Therapist with whom you have worked with, received treatment from, or completed Observations Hours with. It is also required that one (1) come from an instructor/professor/assistant professor/associate professor/professor in your major, and identify the associated course you took with that instructor. It is preferred the letter come from your instructor in one of the following courses: Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
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How many Observation Hours are required?
Observation hours are NOT required but are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to be documented to the program through PTCAS. The 40 minimum observation hours come from the direct supervision of physical therapists in multiple facilities; ideally, three (3). Hours must be completed before the application deadline.
海角社区DPT does not have a specific document to be signed for observation hours. Any verification documentation provided by the organization you are conducting observation hours with should be sufficient and will need to be uploaded to your PTCAS application.
We are looking to see if you have observed a minimum of three of the following disciplines: General Orthopedics (musculoskeletal); Neurologic (neuromuscular); Cardiovascular/Pulmonary; Integumentary (wound management); Geriatrics; Pediatrics; Sports; Aquatics; Women's Health; or Other Diagnoses.
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Do I have to submit transcripts to the 海角社区Graduate School as well as PTCAS?
No! All official transcripts should only be sent through each candidate's PTCAS application.
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May I claim observation hours from my employment or internship?
As long as your observation time was supervised by a licensed physical therapist, you may document hours earned during employment &/or internships.
Application Status & Decisions
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How will I know my application status?
PTCAS should include a method of checking the status of your received items in their system (transcripts, LORs, Observation Hours, etc.).
The application deadline for entry is always November 15, 11:59pm EST. NO EXCEPTIONS. Candidates will receive official notification via email to the email address listed on their PTCAS application once decisions have been made.
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Is there a waitlist if I am not accepted? Do you accept students prior to the application deadline?
Yes; alternates may be selected and will be contacted should vacancies become available. There is no guarantee that an alternate will be called into the program. Those not admitted may apply for a future term if they desire.
We do not currently engage in the early decision process.
Miscellaneous
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How much are tuition and fees? May I receive in-state tuition if I am not a Florida resident?
Tuition and fees are available on our DPT Homepage. They are subject to change each fall.
Residency and tuition waiver questions should be directed to the 海角社区Graduate School at (904) 620-1360 prior to the start of the program.
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Are campus and program tours available?
The 海角社区 provides general campus tours regularly. Our campus is beautiful and easily walkable so we encourage using this avenue. You may schedule an in-person tour via the Welcome Center webpage. The 海角社区Department of Physical Therapy is located in the Brooks College of Health, Building 39, Second floor.
Department of Physical Therapy program-specific tours are generally not available but can be requested by emailing ptadmissions@unf.edu (subject to staff availability and time).
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With whom may I speak about the actual program expectations and curriculum?
Questions regarding actual enrollment in the program, and NOT regarding admission requirements, should be directed to Dr. Sherry Pinkstaff, Department Chair and Associate Professor, at s.pinkstaff@unf.edu.
Questions regarding admission should be directed to ptadmissions@unf.edu.
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Can I have a job while I am a graduate student?
The PT curriculum is rigorous and requires a substantial commitment of student time. Students will need to remain flexible with their time to participate fully in lab sessions, clinicals, and internships. Most students are unable to maintain regular employment while enrolled in the program. -
How do 海角社区graduates fare on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)?
The 海角社区DPT program exceeds national averages annually with first-time and ultimate pass rates. The also maintains statistics for each program.