Prerequisite courses:

A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework is required; however, to be competitive, a 3.5 GPA is recommended. [If the cumulative prerequisite coursework is less than 3.0, an applicant may petition for an exception].

A minimum “C” grade or higher in all prerequisite courses  is required.  

NOTE: "C-" will not be accepted. Courses in progress at the time of application submission must be successfully completed with a grade of B.

*These prerequisite courses must have been completed in the past seven years.

Students must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to fulfill the requirement. International Students also must submit a TOEFL examination.

We consider the highest GRE scores achieved on a single taking. For more information about the GRE or to schedule a test, visit the ETS website.  To have your score sent to Idaho State University's Graduate School use code: 4355; To have your scores sent to PTCAS for ISU use code: 4640.

Required TOEFL Scores for Acceptance are:

TOEFL International students must obtain the following scores in each section of the TOEFL on one attempt. Exam date must be within 2 years of application.

Written Essay:

Complete a well written PTCAS required essay and additional ISU DPT specific short answer questions.

Observation Hours:

Complete a minimum of 80 direct clinical care observation hours at two different physical therapy settings (sports, pediatric, home health, acute care, geriatric, etc.) and document them in the PTCAS system.

Letters of Reference:

Applicants must submit THREE letters of reference. [Only 3 references will be reviewed]. One must be from a professor, instructor or academic advisor, One must be from a physical therapist who has had direct interactions with you. The third reference may be
from an employer or other supervisor; however, another reference from an academic instructor or physical therapist is preferred. References should address the applicant's qualities of leadership and/or academic ability, teamwork, work ethic/responsibility, and integrity.
Letters must be submitted by the author into the PTCAS system.

Interviews:

Idaho State University Admissions requires the completion of an online asynchronous interview using the Kira talent platform. All applicants will answer a series of questions designed to gain insight into your experiences, values, and overall habits. Interview
responses are reviewed by program faculty, alumni, and the Admissions Committee. Students must have a computer with a webcam and internet service to complete this interview. Instructions for completing the interview are detailed in PTCAS. Students are
encouraged to go to the Kira Talent website for demonstrations and practice questions.

NOTE:

Some exceptions to these admissions criteria may be made pending approval of the ISU DPT Program Admissions Committee and in accordance with Graduate School Policy. These exceptions must be petitioned/requested by the applicant in writing. For example: For individuals with advanced graduate work and/or field work directly related to program requirements exceptions may be made in the time frame of coursework and GRE scores.

NOTE: Upon Acceptance into the DPT Program

• All students must show evidence of required immunizations. The Certification Form must be completed with documented evidence of vaccinations.
• Students will be required to submit to a criminal background check.
• Students must be certified in Health Professional CPR for adult, child, and infant.

Students will be covered by general health insurance at all times while enrolled in the program; regardless of whether the academic schedule includes classroom instruction or participation in clinical rotations. Many clinical partners require proof of health insurance prior to placement on clinical rotations. This insurance is the responsibility of the student.

Application Deadline: November 1.

We have a hard deadline for application submission, November 1st for admission into the Fall semester cohort.

In order for an application to be considered, the application must be complete, which includes:

1. Completion of the PTCAS application
2. Fulfillment of the prerequisite courses (up to 3 courses, (not including stand alone labs) may be in progress. Courses in progress must be successfully completed with a grade of B by May 30) 
3. Submission of an application to Idaho State University's Graduate School
4. Submission of three letters of reference, with one from a physical therapist and one from a professor, and a third from either a professor, physical therapist or other supervisor.
5. Upload of GRE scores and electronic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

[Note: The ISU DPT Program does not have any minimal GRE requirements; however, GRE scores are used in the ranking system. Scores consisting of a minimum analytical 4.0; verbal 148; and quantitative 150 are most competitive. Idaho State University's graduate school will allow a GPA less than 3.0 but above 2.5 IF the total GRE score is above 300.]

All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the end of spring term of the year of matriculation. When reviewing transcripts, we accept the highest earned grade in a prerequisite course and do not consider if there were any prior course attempts.

Pass/Fail Course Grades: Pass/fail grades are, as a rule, not accepted. 

COVID-19 EXCEPTION: Due to COVID-19, pass/fail grades will be accepted for courses taken during the winter, spring, and summer terms of 2020. Outside of these terms, no pass/fail grades will be accepted for prerequisite coursework.