Facebook Pixel DPT Frequently Asked Questions | Western Kentucky University
  1. WKU
  2. CHHS
  3. Physical Therapy

DPT Frequently Asked Questions

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is an entry-level Doctoral program. This means that students must have a baccalaureate Degree and have completed all of the prerequisites prior to admission. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a DPT Degree and will be eligible to take the national licensure exam for physical therapists.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  accreditation@apta.org ; website: http://www.capteonline.org .

You may complete the prerequisite requirements at any accredited community college or university.

The professional program is 3 years in length. This includes didactic coursework and clinical education requirements.

Yes, WKU is a State School; therefore preference is given to residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. However, this does not imply that Kentucky residents receive automatic acceptance. Admission to Physical Therapy Programs is competitive and all completed applications are reviewed. Consequently, several out-of-state students may receive admission into the Program. Kentucky residency of graduate students is in accordance with the regulations of the Board of Regents and the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A full statement of the regulations is available in the Graduate Catalog.

First, examine the courses you have previously taken to determine which ones could be credited towards completing our science prerequisites. If you are unsure which courses to choose, please contact your advisor. Second, complete the necessary coursework to earn a baccalaureate degree in the field of your choice. Third, if you have not had volunteer, observation, or work experience in a physical therapy department, it is strongly recommended that you make plans to do so.

No. Observation hours are encouraged, but not required.

The WKU DPT program no longer requires an interview. The admissions committee will evaluate your application and the top candidates will be invited to our admissions event. Even if you are not invited, you will be offered a spot on the wait list.

Due to the time intensive nature of the Program, outside employment is discouraged.

For general information regarding loans, grants, and scholarships contact the WKU Student Financial Assistance Office: (270) 745-3483, located in Potter Hall.
You can get your degree in any area of study as long as you meet the minimum requirements needed to apply.
No. This is a 3 year, full-time program.
No. The degree in physical therapy is a requirement to sit for the state licensure examination. Once the licensure examination has been passed, you are entitled to practice physical therapy in that state.
You must pass the licensure examination in order to practice as a Physical Therapist.
We recommend a composite score of 300 or higher in the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.0 in the writing section. However, each application is considered on a case-by-case basis for this category. You may take the GRE as many times as you need to obtain these scores. We will take the highest score from each section. We recommend that the GRE be taken prior to the December testing date.
No, you may complete your undergraduate work at any accredited institution. If you have taken courses out of the United States as an undergraduate or if you are a citizen of another country, you must apply as an international student.
Currently, 30 students will be accepted per year.
No, the minimum requirement for both the overall undergraduate GPA and prerequisites is 3.0.
See the statement on Essential Tasks for DPT Admission or contact the Student Disability Services (270) 745-5004 for information concerning disabilities and reasonable accommodations.

 



 

 

Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.

 Last Modified 9/14/20