Doctor of Physical Therapy

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Program Facts

College: Division of Health Sciences

Major: Physical Therapy

Degree Level: Doctoral

Delivery Format:
  • On-Campus
  • Hybrid
Campuses & Locations:

Credit Hours: 114 Hours

Duration: 3 Years

Tuition & Fees

Estimated costs available via the calculator.

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Accreditation

Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT's website.

Tarleton State University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on November 1, 2025. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

Overview

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Tarleton State University is a three-year, nine-semester, 114-credit curriculum that prepares graduates for entry-level practice as physical therapists. The program follows a competency-based model, integrating classroom, laboratory, and clinical education experiences to ensure students achieve the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required for contemporary physical therapy practice.

Students complete didactic coursework in foundational and clinical sciences, patient management, and professional practice, along with three full-time clinical experiences totaling 31 weeks. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and preparation for licensure. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

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Program Benefits

  • 3-Year, 9-Semester Curriculum – Comprehensive program of study that prepares graduates to meet the requirements for professional practice.
  • Competency-based education model ensuring mastery of clinical skills and professional behaviors.
  • Primary Care & Rural Health Focus – Specialized preparation for direct access practice and improving care in underserved communities.
  • 31 Weeks of Full-Time Clinical Education – Progressive clinical experiences across a variety of high- quality and specialized settings.
  • Interprofessional Training – Collaborative learning with Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Athletic Training programs.
  • Student Engagement in Research & Service – Opportunities to contribute to faculty-led projects and community-based pro bono clinics.

Courses

Visit the University Catalog

More About the Program

Required Financial Fact Sheet

Learning Outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • Outpatient Orthopedics – Providing evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in private practice or hospital-based clinics.
  • Acute Care – Delivering physical therapy services to patients in hospital settings immediately following injury, illness, or surgery.
  • Inpatient Rehabilitation – Supporting patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other conditions requiring intensive therapy.
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Admissions Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree
  • Applicants must have 90 credit hours toward a degree completed through a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants not meeting this requirement will not be considered for an interview.
  • All students who matriculate into Tarleton’s DPT program will have a bachelor’s degree at minimum.

2. GPA

  • Candidates must meet requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies including a minimum GPA of 2.5.

3. Pre-requisites: These basic requirements must be taken for credit and passed at a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All science coursework must be intended for science majors. Applicants must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each of these specifically required courses.

  • Biology with Laboratory (7-8 semester hours)
  • Chemistry with Laboratory (8 semester hours)
  • Anatomy and Physiology with Laboratory (8 semester hours)
  • Physics with Laboratory (7-8 semester hours)
  • Psychology (3 semester hours)
  • Statistics or Math (3 semester hours)
  • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who have completed a bachelor’s degree meet the requirements for the alternative admissions pre-requisite pathway. This pathway reflects the program’s recognition of the depth and value of PTA education and clinical practice. PTAs who meet all other admissions criteria are strongly encouraged to apply and expand their impact on patient care through advanced doctoral training.

4. GRE

  • Not required.
  • Candidates have the option to provide their GRE results for additional consideration.

5. Personal Statement via PTCAS

6. Letters of recommendation (2)

  • It is preferred that one letter of recommendation be from a physical therapist.
  • The other may be from a faculty member, current employer, or other person with knowledge of the applicant’s character and abilities.

7. Observation hours

  • While applicants are highly encouraged to participate in observation hours in a variety of settings supervised by a licensed physical therapist, our program does not require a certain number of hours for application.

8. Immunizations, background checks, and drug screenings

  • State law requires all students entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester.
  • DPT matriculating applicants will be required to provide proof of vaccinations and/or serologic proof of immunity (titer) for:
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Polio
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Varicella
  • COVID-19 vaccination and influenza are strongly recommended to facilitate clinical placement.
  • Other immunizations may be required prior to matriculation.
  • Negative titer results may require further immunization or testing prior to matriculation into the DPT program.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the program?

    The program is 3 years (9 semesters), comprising 114 credits.

  • When does the program begin?

    The program begins each year at the end of May/beginning of June.

  • What type of learning model does the program use?

    The DPT program uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, where students advance by demonstrating proficiency in key competencies.

  • What is a cohort program?

    Tarleton admits one group of students each year, and that cohort progresses together through the curriculum.

  • Is the program accredited?

    The program is seeking accreditation from CAPTE. Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited (or candidate) program is required to sit for the licensure exam.

  • How old can prerequisite coursework be?

    All letter-graded prerequisite courses are acceptable, regardless of when they were completed.

  • Can I complete prerequisite courses at a community college?

    Yes, courses from accredited community colleges are acceptable.

  • Do prerequisites need to be completed before applying?

    No. Applicants may apply with in-progress coursework, but all prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in June.

  • How do I know if a prior course counts as a prerequisite?

    You should contact your prior institution’s advising or counseling office to verify whether your course satisfies the prerequisite.

  • When should I apply?

    The program uses rolling admissions. To be considered for the earliest interview round, submit your application and supporting documents by October 1.

  • What degree must I have to apply?

    Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or be in the process of completing one). Final degree conferral must occur before matriculation.

  • What is the minimum GPA?

    The minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale per the College of Graduate Studies.

  • Are prerequisite grades required to be a minimum grade?

    Yes. All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C or better (or equivalent pass grade).

  • Are observation hours required?

    Observation hours are not required but are strongly recommended.

  • Is the GRE required?

    The GRE is optional. Official scores may be submitted through PTCAS if you choose to include them.

  • What documents must be submitted?

    Applicants must submit a PTCAS application, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation (preferably one from a physical therapist).

  • How many letters of recommendation are required?

    Two letters are required, ideally one from a licensed physical therapist.

  • Are applicants from Texas preferred?

    Applicants from Texas are not necessarily preferred, but applicants from rural areas planning to work in rural settings are welcomed.

  • Are international students accepted?

    Not at this time.

  • Is an interview part of the application process?

    Yes. Interviews are conducted on the Stephenville campus beginning in October and continue on a rolling basis.

  • When are decisions made?

    Decisions on acceptance are made on a rolling basis from October onward until all seats are filled.

  • Is financial aid available?

    Yes. Students may apply for financial aid and scholarships.

  • Can I work while enrolled?

    It is generally discouraged due to the demanding nature of the program. Limited on-campus employment may be available.

  • Can I attend part-time?

    No. Students must enroll full-time.

  • Does the program have technical standards?

    Yes. The DPT program has a Technical Standards policy, see program website.

  • Can I choose where my clinical rotations are held?

    Students submit geographic and specialty preferences, but assignments depend on site availability, student interest, and professional goals.

  • How many weeks of clinical education are required?

    Students complete 31 weeks of full-time clinical education: two 8-week rotations and one 15-week rotation, plus integrated experiences earlier in the curriculum.

  • What is the format of the curriculum?

    The program is primarily face-to-face with some virtual content integrated.

  • What elective courses are offered?

    Electives vary with faculty expertise, availability, and student interest. One is a Lifestyle Medicine course that can count toward certification.

  • Do you accept transfer credits?

    The DPT program does not accept transfer credit from other physical therapy or graduate-level coursework.