physical therapist education

How to Get Into Physical Therapy Schools

Applicants to PT programs need to demonstrate empathy and an interest in physical therapy, experts say.

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The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of employed physical therapists in the U.S. will be 22% higher in 2028 than 10 years prior.

People who suffer traumatic injuries often face a difficult journey to recovery. They might struggle to walk or have other mobility challenges, and they could feel significant pain. These are situations where a physical therapist , or PT, can provide critical assistance.

This kind of health care professional is an expert on diagnosing and counteracting mobility problems. He or she can offer hands-on therapies and prescribe exercise regimens.

Though graduate education wasn't always required to become a physical therapist, a doctorate degree is now necessary to join the profession in the U.S. An aspiring U.S. physical therapist will need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, or DPT, which typically requires about three years of full-time study.

He or she will also need to pass the national physical therapy exam, or NPTE, and obtain a license to practice in the state where he or she intends to work.

Physical therapists sometimes choose to pursue further education after they complete a DPT program by obtaining a residency, fellowship or board certification within a particular physical therapy specialty, such as women's health, neurology or clinical electrophysiology.

The number of job opportunities in this field is growing, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts that the number of employed physical therapists in the U.S. will be 22% higher in 2028 than 10 years prior. In 2018, the median annual salary among physical therapists was $87,930, the bureau reports.

The average debt burden among newly minted DPT graduates is often significant. For example, the average debt-to-income ratio among Florida early-career physical therapists surveyed in 2016 was 197% – equal to almost two years of the average salary, according to student debt research published by the American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA.

Nevertheless, some young physical therapists say that they are glad they invested in their education, despite the cost.

"I have student loans that I pay on every month, and I probably will for forever or for the foreseeable future, but I love what I do, so it kind of just is what it is," says Lauren Lobert, who received her DPT degree from the University of Michigan—Flint in 2012 and owns APEX Physical Therapy Practice in Brighton, Michigan.

Lobert says her PT job allows her to assist people in need in a tangible way, and she finds physical therapy a fulfilling and meaningful profession. "You get to work with people through injuries or through some of the hardest times in their lives," she says, adding that she enjoys building relationships with patients.

The physical therapy field is ideal for highly active people who like to move around, she adds, because PTs don't spend a lot of time "sitting behind a desk."

What It Takes to Become a Physical Therapist

The abilities to empathize and communicate well are essential for success as a physical therapist, according to individuals working in the field.

"Physical therapy is a personal profession," Morgan Nolte, a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy, wrote in an email. "You have to be able to connect with people, talk to people, and exhibit a true interest in helping others. Community service and leadership experience can help you further stand out from the crowd," adds Nolte, who has a DPT degree.

It is also imperative to commit to lifelong learning, says Chalee Engelhard, director of the DPT program at the University of Cincinnati , where she is also an associate professor.

Another important quality for an aspiring physical therapist to have is resilience, Engelhard says. When patients are unable to meet their mobility goals, physical therapists need to calmly assess the situation and figure out a solution, she adds.

Craig Stiemsma, a professor at Dordt University in Iowa and director of its pre-physical therapy club, says anyone who is considering a physical therapy career needs to assess whether he or she enjoys working with people and solving problems, since both of those activities are central components of physical therapy jobs.

They should then observe physical therapists in action to gauge whether the profession is a good fit, Stiemsma says.

Field experience can help prospective students determine whether physical therapy is the right calling before they enroll in the prerequisite courses that are mandatory for admission to a particular PT school, Stiemsma adds.

According to the APTA, completing college classes in the following academic disciplines is often necessary in order to qualify for acceptance into a PT program:

"You are not required to select a particular major in order to be eligible for admission to a PT program," the association states in its online guide to the PT school admissions process. "The most common undergraduate majors among PT students include exercise science, biology, kinesiology, and psychology."

The association adds that PT school hopefuls may need to complete a certain number of hours of PT-related fieldwork to be competitive candidates; meet GPA and GRE requirements; get references and participate in interviews; disclose if they have any criminal convictions; and undergo criminal background checks and drug screenings.

Additionally, some PT schools prefer in-state students and may require that candidates demonstrate certain physical, behavioral or cognitive abilities that they deem necessary to complete a DPT degree and excel as a physical therapist, according to the association.

Stiemsma advises aspiring physical therapists to look up the typical grades and test scores among admitted students at their target program and attempt to exceed the average. Having exceptional credentials will boost the odds of acceptance, he emphasizes.

There are significant nonacademic considerations in the PT school admissions process, notes Nolte, who owns a Nebraska-based physical therapy practice – Reshape Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC – and serves as an academic coordinator for the geriatric physical therapy residency at Creighton University in Nebraska. "Going out of your way to get observational experience, or better yet work experience, in settings where physical therapy takes place will set you apart."

Eric J. Hegedus, a professor and founding chair with the DPT department at High Point University in North Carolina, says his school uses a holistic admissions process that accounts for more than numbers, adding that they use interviews to screen applicants.

"We want to see how the applicant interacts and communicates, see their passion for physical therapy, and hear their story," Hegedus wrote in an email.

Jasmine Marcus, a physical therapist in Ithaca, New York, who received her DPT degree from Columbia University , says a solid application essay helped her stand out in the PT school admissions process. "The best thing that you can do is just try to stand out a little bit," she says.

Marcus notes that many PT admissions essays discuss the incident that precipitated the candidate's interest in the PT profession. However, that approach will often be dull and "generic" if it recounts an everyday physical therapy treatment session, she says.

"You're describing something that the person reading it isn't going to be very interested in and that hundreds of other people could have described as well, so I usually recommend that you write about something that's just going to show off who you are as a person," she says.

The essay should highlight traits about a PT school applicant that would make him or her a good physical therapist, she adds, suggesting that the essay topic doesn't need to be physical therapy. She says her own application essay focused on how her communication skills as a former journalist and writer would translate well into the PT field, where questioning and understanding patients is vital.

"So I kind of took my strengths and how I was unique but also spun it in a way that showed why I would make a good future physical therapist," Marcus explains.

What's Taught In Physical Therapy School

Hegedus, who has a DPT degree, suggests that PT school is similar to other types of health care professional programs in its rigor, but he notes that it differs in important ways.

In contrast to other health care grad programs , during PT programs "you must learn and apply (rather than memorize and regurgitate)," and you gain expertise in how the way someone moves can contribute to their pain and aggravate their disabilities, he says.

Alice Holland, who received her DPT degree from the University of Southern California , wrote in an email that PT school is exceptionally demanding and often involves back-to-back classes.

"The first year of DPT school is very anatomy-heavy with cadaver work, the second year is focused on neurobiology and the third year is bringing all knowledge together to form treatment plans," says Holland, who started an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic, Stride Strong Physical Therapy LLC, and has hired PT school grads.

She adds that DPT students typically participate in internships at PT clinics, which allows them to gain relevant work experience and begin to interact with patients.

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The Future PT’s Guide to Becoming a Physical Therapist

Whether looking at potential career paths or a career change, becoming a physical therapist can be deeply rewarding.

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Becoming a physical therapist requires a passion for—and quite a bit of schooling in—subjects like anatomy, biology, kinesiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and exercise physiology (as well as a love of working with people). Though the cost of PT education continues to rise, the rewards of helping people improve function, mobility, and overall well-being are vast. If you’ve got questions about this career path, then we’ve got answers. Read this future physical therapist guide to learn everything you need to know about becoming a physical therapist.

What do physical therapists do?

A physical therapist is an expert in treating patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions—anything from low back pain and joint injuries to post-stroke symptoms and cerebral palsy. As a physical therapist, you could work with patients of any age to help them:

• Recover from an injury or surgery;
• Improve strength, flexibility, and balance; 
• Learn and grow through developmental milestones; and/or
• Maintain mobility and function as they age.

To accomplish this for a patient, you would:

• Establish good rapport.
• Review the patient’s medical history.
• Perform an initial evaluation to assess the issue or condition and determine if PT would be appropriate.
• If PT is appropriate, create a plan of care detailing the evidence-based treatment type (e.g., exercises, stretches, hands-on therapy, equipment use, and/or a home exercise program), frequency, and duration necessary to help the patient achieve his or her therapeutic goals.
• Follow the treatment protocol detailed in your plan of care (POC) while adhering to all insurance and state rules and regulations.
• Teach the patient —and family members, if appropriate—how to safely perform daily activities and improve their progress with an at-home exercise program.
• Monitor the patient’s progress using outcome measurement tools, adjusting the POC as necessary until the patient reaches his or her goal.

Where do physical therapists work?

Physical therapists may see patients in private clinics, patient homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, schools, or sports arenas. They can work one-on-one with patients or serve as members of a larger care team. Some physical therapists oversee physical therapist assistants or physical therapist technicians (techs) . Physical therapists may work for one clinic in one location—or they may travel to different clinics around the country (travel PTs) or different clinics in a particular region (registry PTs). To learn more about travel PT, check out our travel PT checklist —or you could learn more about registry PT and per diem opportunities .

Physical therapists may also work in non-clinical roles (e.g., as executives in healthcare companies , researchers, directors, teachers, writers, or consultants).

Want to own a physical therapy private practice one day?

Download the PT’s guide to starting a private practice , and you’ll learn everything you need to know about starting a successful clinic—including picking a location with the right amount of curb appeal and crossing your legal t’s and dotting your credentialing i’s.

How do physical therapists find patients?

Traditionally, physical therapists have largely relied on physician referrals to keep their treatment schedules full. In other words, physicians determine which patients are good candidates for physical therapy—and send those patients to a specific physical therapist.

Today, however, some form of direct access exists in all 50 states, making it possible for most therapists to—at the very least—perform an initial evaluation without needing a physician referral first. Thus, many providers are expanding their marketing initiatives to reach patients directly . Given that patients are now responsible for a greater portion of their healthcare costs, many are conducting their own research—specifically, online research—about providers and treatment options instead of relying on a referral from their primary care provider (PCP). That’s why it’s important for physical therapists to have an optimized online presence that includes a professional website , positive online reviews , and an active social media presence . That said, most physical therapists still maintain good relationships with physicians and surgeons and obtain many of their patients through the traditional referral process.

How much money do physical therapists make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the median pay for physical therapists in May of 2022 was $97,720 per year and $46.98 per hour—with the lowest 10% earning less than $67,900 and the highest earning more than $128,830. 

The industries that hire the most physical therapists are:

*According to the Department of Labor, this category includes offices of chiropractors; optometrists; mental health practitioners (except physicians); physical, occupational, and speech therapists as well as audiologists; and all other health practitioners.

The top-paying industries for physical therapists are:

Location Matters

Keep in mind that the above-noted numbers are national averages. These stats will differ depending on where you live. The states with the highest number of employed physical therapists are:

The top-paying states for physical therapists are:

Download your free copy of the PT Salary Guide.

To find out what physical therapists make in your neck of the woods—including a complete state-by-state and metropolitan area breakdown— download our free salary guide here.

Experience Matters

According to Payscale.com , experienced physical therapists receive a salary 13% higher than the national average, whereas entry-level PTs receive a salary 9% lower. The average entry-level salary for a physical therapist is $69,073.

What kind of job outlook do physical therapists have?

The demand for physical therapy is growing—and will continue to grow —as more people recognize the need for safe, cost-effective, conservative, and long-term treatment options to address neuromusculoskeletal and chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. With the opioid crisis falling under the national spotlight, payers and legislators are feeling the pressure to find and deliver alternative treatment options—like physical therapy—to their patients. If that’s not enough, according to BLS , many baby boomers are staying active later in life and thus, require the regular attention of a physical therapist. To that end, physical therapist employment is expected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, which is “much faster than the average for all occupations.”

So, what does that mean for you? If you pursue a career in physical therapy, you’ll likely land a job right out of school given that “job opportunities are expected to be good for licensed physical therapists in all settings,” and are “particularly good in acute-care hospitals, skilled-nursing facilities, and orthopedic settings, where the elderly are most often treated.” The outlook is even better if you want to work in a rural area, because most practicing physical therapists already work in “highly populated urban and suburban areas.”

What kind of software do physical therapists use?

Whether working as an individual provider or within a large practice group with other healthcare professionals, an electronic medical record (EMR) to record and store patient health information is the start of simplifying clinical workflows. Ideally, physical therapists will choose an always-up-to-date, cloud-based EMR and practice management platform that’s designed for physical therapists and provides not only defensible documentation, compliance alerts, and a streamlined workflow but also:

• intuitive scheduling functionality and automated appointment reminders that reduce patient cancellations and no-shows by as much as 30%, and patient self-scheduling software that patients are actively seeking to use; 
• fully integrated clinical outcomes tracking with a library of standardized, risk-adjusted tests;
• enhanced multimedia home exercise programs ;
• robust practice intelligence analytics ; 
• comprehensive billing solutions that increase payments per visit by up to 10%; and 

advanced patient engagement and marketing tools.

What does it take to become a physical therapist, personality traits.

A provider’s personality greatly affects a patient’s willingness to complete his or her course of care—and thus, his or her therapeutic outcome. It’s safe to say that a provider’s personality matters. Do you have the personality necessary to be a successful PT? Here are some important traits for a future PT to possess: 

• Compassionate
• People-Oriented
• Conversational
• A Critical Thinker
• A Puzzle-Lover
• Accountable
• A Good Decision-Maker
• Cooperative
• Passionate About Functional Movement and Well-being

Students who are interested in becoming physical therapists must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Then, they’ll go on to earn a doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) from the graduate school of their choice. A growing number of schools accept students directly out of high school for three years of undergraduate coursework plus three years of graduate-level education.

While you don’t have to select a pre-physical therapy or pre-med major, most graduate schools require students to have a significant amount of applicable prerequisite courses in subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, psychology, statistics, mathematics, and English writing. (The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service has a detailed chart of what each DPT program requires.) Thus, selecting a major with a heavy emphasis on science would be a wise choice (though certainly not mandatory). If you complete, say, a fine arts degree, you may still be able to attend PT school; you might just have to take additional courses to meet the prerequisite course requirements before matriculation. (To learn what your school-of-choice requires, check out its admissions page; for the top-ranked PT programs in the country, scroll to the next section of this page and click the link in the prereqs section of each school.)

Prerequisites

Other prerequisites often include: 

• A solid GPA ( the University of Pittsburgh , for example, only accepts students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher);
• Good Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores taken within the last five years; and
• Adequate exposure to the profession through volunteer or paid experience in a clinic or hospital.

So, if you plan to pursue a career as a physical therapist, you’ll want to keep your grades up in college and practice for the GRE—and you may want to begin applying for physical therapy internships early in your undergraduate career to ensure you can demonstrate a wealth of experience once it comes time to apply to grad school. 

Traditional Residential Programs vs. Alternative Hybrid Models

Most physical therapy programs are full-time, three-year programs—which means you must attend classes at the university campus. There are, however, some alternative DPT programs with a hybrid learning model that enables students flexibility in how they finish their DPT program. These models typically take the shape of:

• a mostly online format , 
• a part-time attendance format, or 
• an accelerated program .

With the growing need for PTs in practice and the industry’s recognition that student debt is a problem, hybrid models have become commonplace in almost every state. Choosing the right type of program for you can take some deliberation, so try Mike Reinold's podcast episode to help steer you in the right direction. 

Each school has its own requirements regarding the coursework you must complete to graduate. For instance, here is a list of courses at the University of Southern California . Overall, the direction of coursework is determined by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) who is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of current programs in physical therapy and accrediting new programs.

Once you receive your DPT, you’ll be ready to sit for your multiple-choice licensing exam: the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) . According to the NPTE website, “the NPTE is only one part of the evaluation process used by licensing authorities to assess your competence. Contact your jurisdiction to find out what additional requirements there are, such as taking the jurisprudence exam .”

In other words, be sure to review the requirements for licensure in your state, so you know what to expect before it comes time to graduate as a DPT.

Credentialing

If you’re opting to go in-network with insurance companies , then you’ll need to receive credentials from those payers. As explained in our free billing guide, “Some payers— like Medicare —do not allow non-credentialed providers to treat or collect payment from patients for any covered services.” To apply for credentials, you’ll need:

• malpractice insurance,
• a physical clinic location, and
• a license to practice in your state.

If you join an in-network practice, that company may already have an established credentialing process that will help you get credentialed with the right insurance companies.

Post-Graduate Study

If you choose to further your education beyond your doctorate through clinical fellowships or residency programs, you may do so. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) , these are great ways for “licensed physical therapists to enhance their knowledge and practice.” 

Per the APTA, a clinical residency program is “designed to significantly advance a physical therapist resident's preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice. It combines opportunities for ongoing clinical supervision and mentoring with a theoretical basis for advanced practice and scientific inquiry.”

On the other hand, clinical fellowships are offered to physical therapists “who demonstrate clinical expertise in an area of clinical practice related to the practice focus of the fellowship. (Fellows are frequently post-residency prepared or board-certified specialists.)”

Board Certification

If you wish to “build on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice,” then you may want to consider becoming a board-certified specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) in one of the following areas:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Orthopaedics
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Women's Health

Where should I go to school to become a physical therapist?

While the PT school you choose to attend is ultimately up to you, the APTA urges anyone considering a career as a physical therapist to choose a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program that is accredited by CAPTE —otherwise, you may not be eligible to sit for your licensure exam, and only licensed PTs may practice. With that in mind, below are the US News and World Report’s top-ranked PT schools (all of which are accredited by CAPTE). That said, rankings aren’t everything , so be sure to do your own research on all schools you’re considering, including visiting each one and talking to students about their experience.

According to the Report, “each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions.” (Additional details below were collected from each university, the CAPTE website , Peterson’s , and the PTCAS by the APTA . We make no guarantees as to the accuracy or currentness of this information.)

University of Delaware in Newark, DE

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (302) 831-4576 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Gregory Hicks, PT, PhD | Associate Professor and Chair
• Cohort Size: ~60 students
• Tuition: $1,051/credit hour 
• Acceptance Rate: 26%
• Program: In-person full-time DPT 
• School Type: Public
• Prereqs: Bachelor’s degree +

University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (412) 383-6630 | [email protected]
• Program Director: James J Irrgang, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA | Professor and Chair
• Cohort Size: ~198 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $41,796 per year
• Acceptance Rate: 27%
• Program: In-person full-time DPT

Washington University in St. Louis, MO

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (314) 286-1400 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Gammon Earhart, PT, PhD 
• Cohort Size: ~81 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $20,362 per academic semester | $3,328 to $4,992 per clinical education segment
• Acceptance Rate: 40%
• School Type: Private not-for-profit

Northwestern University in Chicago, IL

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (312) 908-8160 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Julius P. Dewald, PT, PhD  | Chair and Program Administrator
• Cohort Size: ~95 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $121,688 per year
• Acceptance Rate: 17%

University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (319) 335-9791 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Richard K Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA  | Professor and Director
• Cohort Size: ~42 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $7,858 for Iowa residents / $16,608 for non-residents per semester
• Acceptance Rate: unavailable

University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (323) 442-2900 | [email protected]
• Program Director: James Gordon, PT, EdD, FAPTA | Associate Dean and Chair
• Cohort Size: ~95 in the residential DPT program | ~48 in the hybrid program
• Tuition: $67,389 each for years 1 and 2; $40,715 for the third year
• Acceptance Rate: 16% in 2017 (for the in-person program)
• Program: In-person full-time DPT and full-time hybrid
• School Type: private not-for-profit

Duke University in Durham, NC

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (919) 681-4380 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Chad E. Cook, PT, PhD, MBA, FAAOMPT
• Cohort Size: ~82 students accepted each year
• Tuition: $38,000 per year
• Acceptance Rate: 84% (of early-decision applicants who are interviewed)

Emory University in Atlanta, GA

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (404) 712-5660 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Marie A. Johanson, PT, PhD, OCS | Interim Program Director and Professor
• Cohort Size: ~155 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $11,100 per semester (as of 2016)
• Acceptance Rate: 25%

MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA 

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (617) 726-8009 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Julie J. Keysor, PT, PhD 
• Cohort Size: ~118 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $27,780 for the fall semester of 2023, tuition rates fluctuate by semester
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (614) 292-5922 | [email protected]
• Program Director: John A. Buford, PT, PhD
• Cohort Size: 47-50 students accepted each year
• Tuition: $6,932.40 per semester for Ohio residents / $16,016.40 per semester for non-residents
• Acceptance Rate: 20%

Creighton University in Omaha, NE and Phoenix, AZ

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (402) 280-2662 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT, CERP
• Cohort Size: ~61 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $38,040 for the first year; $56,550 for the second and third years
• School Type: Private

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Contact Phone Number and Email: (919) 966-4708 | [email protected]
• Program Director: Deborah Givens, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA
• Cohort Size: 30-32 students in the graduate program
• Tuition: $9,201 max, per semester for NC residents; $18,347 max, per semester for non-residents
• Acceptance Rate: 33%

What other options are available to me in the PT field?

If you decide not to become a physical therapist—but you enjoy the rehab therapy field—you can also become: 

• an occupational therapist;
• a speech-language pathologist;
• a therapist assistant (PTA, OTA, or SLPA); or
• a therapist technician. 

Or, if you’d rather forego clinical work altogether, you can choose to work in the front or back office of a clinic, performing administrative or billing tasks. Finally, you can apply to work for a leading technology company in the physical therapy space—like WebPT. So while you're here, check out our careers page .

PT vs. PTA vs. Tech

While there is certainly overlap between physical therapists, physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and technicians (a.k.a. aides), there are some important distinctions. For example, in a clinical setting, all three roles work with patients; however, physical therapists are responsible for creating—and overseeing—patient plans of care. Thus, they are the ones who must :

• Interpret patient referrals, 
• Complete all evaluations, 
• Diagnose patient conditions,
• Supervise PTAs and techs,  
• Cosign all PTA-completed notes, and
• Establish discharge plans.

Physical Therapist Assistants

According to the APTA , PTAs “implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort.” In most cases, payers—including Medicare—will pay for PTA-provided services as long as they adhere to the established supervision and billing requirements ; however, starting January 1, 2022, Medicare will only reimburse 85% of the usual rate for services provided in-part or in-full by a PTA or OTA.

Technicians

Finally, as we explained earlier, “techs help keep the clinic running like a well-oiled machine by cleaning equipment, preparing treatment areas, and assisting patients in moving from room to room—as well as “assist[ing] with clerical duties and paperwork.” According to the APTA , technicians may not perform duties that “require the clinical decision-making of the physical therapist or the clinical problem solving of the physical therapist assistant.” That said, they’re still integral members of the physical therapy team and can have a huge impact on the patient experience—and thus, the practice’s reputation.

Becoming a physical therapist is not necessarily an easy task—some equate it to the rigors of medical school—but the rewards are there in more ways than one. Joining the ranks of physical therapy professionals places you in esteemed standing as an authority in the musculoskeletal system and an expert in movement. Sure there are trials and tribulations just as with any career path, but to quote the NCAA football national champion coach, Jim Harbaugh, “Who’s got it better than us? Nobody!”

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Physical Therapy - Entry Level Admissions

The program is well established and has been in existence for close to 50 years (first class attended from 1974-1976).

Class size is relatively small , which is ideal for a physical therapy curriculum (student: faculty ratio ~3:1).

Students form solid bonds with one another, much like family .

The job market for Physical Therapists is currently strong , a trend that is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Average starting salary is approximately $60,00-$75,000 per year.

Graduates are often approached before graduation for employment.

100% of graduates find positions in physical therapy.

Many job opportunities are right here in New Mexico – check out our Career Opportunities Page  for recently submitted jobs.

The curriculum is challenging , fulltime and intensive over 34 months.

As a member of the School of Medicine (SOM), there is access to SOM resources:

excellent cadaver lab; hands on education using cadavers

award winning medical library

Exceptional students make our program what it is . They are in it for all the right reasons:

excellent students ( average GPA of 3.5 or better)

choice to make a positive difference in another’s life

The program's selection process does not discriminate against any student on the basis of gender, marital or parental status, race, color, religion, age, national origin or physical handicap.

Faculty have a very broad range of specialties with board certified specialist is: neurology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and sports.

Faculty are in academic education for the love of teaching ; they are here for the students and are dedicated to helping them learn!

Faculty team with our students on research and publications.

New opportunities for further education and clinical experiences:

Orthopaedic residency program

Service Learning opportunities

Balance Workshops

Albuquerque Opportunity Cente r  (AOC)

Rehabilitation, Exercise and Community Health (REACH) lab providing early clinical experiences.

Faculty led 2-week clinical experience abroad -  Guatemala, Ethiopia (currently on hold due to Covid-19)

Thank you for your interest in The University of New Mexico Physical Therapy Program.

We are located at the UNM Health Sciences Center campus, between the towering Sandia Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande Valley to the west. Northern New Mexico is high desert (Albuquerque sits at 5,000 ft above sea level), offering wonderful weather throughout the year. It is one of the only places in the world where one can ski in the mountains in the morning and bike in shorts in the valley the same afternoon. It is truly a special place for outdoor enthusiasts.

We are committed to student centered learning and have many non-traditional ways of learning, including: a faculty led 2-week clinical experience abroad; a rehabilitation, exercise and community health (REACH) service learning lab were students can obtain real world clinical experience beginning the first semester of the program; and simulated patient labs to address clinical skill development in a realistic setting. In addition, we offer full anatomy dissection in our state of the art gross anatomy laboratory.

Other highlights of our program include a motion analysis lab that we use for teaching, research and clinical gait analysis. Our research endeavors have grown considerably over the last few years, with active collaborations within exercise physiology, athletic training, and engineering. Additionally, we are involved with the North campus fitness center where students are paired with PT faculty on select Friday afternoons to develop custom fitness programs for UNM employees.

All in all, we are striving to provide creative ways to prepare students for the ever-evolving profession of physical therapy.

We are proud of our program and invite you to explore our website with updated news and events, attend an advisement session and contact our Director of Admissions,  Dr. Jodi Schilz , with any questions.

Beth Moody Jones, PT, DPT, EdD Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Professor & Division Chief

Thank you for your interest in the UNM DPT Program. It is highly recommended that students interested in the UNM Physical Therapy Program attend a formal group advisement session to obtain the latest information about our program. These hour-long advisement sessions are held from April through September on Zoom to provide an opportunity for students to gather important information about the admissions process. For a current advisement session schedule please click here: ADVISEMENT SESSION SCHEDULE . All times listed are MST.

Please register for an advisement session by filling out the Advisement Session google form . There is no maximum limit to the sessions. Everyone is welcome. We will email you a zoom link the day before the session.

If you applied in a previous application cycle and want feedback on your application or you have specific admissions questions, please book a virtual appointment with the Director of Admissions. All appointments are made through Bookings and run through Microsoft teams. You will receive an appointment link in your confirmation email.

Please click on the "Join your appointment" link ~5 minutes before your appointment begins to make sure your connection is ready by the appointment time.

Thank you, Admissions Committee

Any additional questions can be answered by our Director of Admissions, Dr. Jodi Schilz at [email protected] or (505) 925-4218.

Group advisement session and our website will answer 99% of your questions, any additional questions can be answered by:

• Dr. Jodi Schilz , Director of Admissions:  [email protected]  or (505) 925-4218

Click Here to Preview the Advisement Session Slides

For general information regarding physical therapy as a profession, and about other PT schools, visit the  American Physical Therapy Association  web site  or visit the  PTCAS  web site.

Application Process

Application changes for the 2024-25 cycle:.

Applications must be completed in PTCAS by October 1 st , 2024

New required Summer Curriculum

Applicants admitted to the program will complete a required preparatory course on the foundational concepts of biomechanics, kinesiology, and joint structure and function. Through this course, learners will revisit various joints and regions of the body to gain an understanding of the detail and dept of learning required for success in our program. Learners will be assigned weekly readings, pre-recorded lectures, short assignments, and short weekly quizzes in the four foundational modules.

• Kinesiology/biomechanics/joint structure
• Upper Extremity
• Lower Extremity

Students will be required to purchase, in advance, a book used within the 1st year of our program to complete all assignments ( Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis - F.A. Davis Company (fadavis.com) ). This 4-week course will culminate in a final exam. Results from the exam will be used to consider potential student needs as they enter this rigorous graduate program.

Students are admitted once a year with classes beginning in August.  We will notify applicants of admissions selections by March 1.

Female/male:  25/7

GRE verbal (mean):  45 th percentile

GRE quantitative (mean):  32 nd  percentile

Prerequisite GPA (mean):  3.7

Cumulative GPA (mean):  3.8

Instate/Out of State:  24/7

Requirements for a complete application include all of the following:

Complete a bachelor's degree in any field by the spring semester May 2025 (semester curriculum) or June 2025 (trimester curriculum).

Have a cumulative GPA from all coursework, both undergraduate and graduate combined, of greater than or equal to 2.67.

We no longer require observation hours. In lieu of observation hours you are required to conduct a semi structured interview with the PT that writes your letter of recommendation. The interview will be submitted as your school specific essay. For specifics, please see the school specific essay section in PTCAS. Interview questions are posted here and in PTCAS where the essay is due.

Arrange for two professional references (1 must be from a PT).

Order official transcripts sent to PTCAS from all colleges and universities you have attended.

Take the GRE by October 1 st , 2024. We do allow 2-3 weeks after the Oct 2 st  deadline for your official scores to be sent from ETS. Please monitor that your official scores are sent from ETS to PTCAS.

There is no minimum GRE score required. However, the recommended score to ensure program readiness is 20% Quantitative & 25% Verbal. Submitting GRE scores that are considerably lower than the recommended scores may influence your overall application score. Please make sure and plan so you can take the GRE more than once, if necessary, before your application is due to ensure you are submitting your best application.

Complete 30 hours of prerequisites with a B- or better AND have a prerequisite GPA of greater than or equal to 3.0. Only prerequisite classes completed in the US and Canada are accepted. Prerequisite courses completed outside of the United States or Canada will NOT be accepted. It is best to have all prerequisites completed by December 2024.

However, you are permitted to have one final prerequisite to be taken during the 2025 Spring Semester. If you have more than one (1) outstanding prerequisite class yet to take after the December 2024 academic update, your application will be considered incomplete and will not move forward.

Pass/Fail or CR/NC options are NOT acceptable for any of the pre-requisite courses except for those courses taken during Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 academic semesters. We will accept pass, credit and satisfactory grades for classes that were affected by the Coronavirus outbreak taken during the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.

If you are trying to use Advanced Placement credits for a prerequisite class, please contact us so we can verify that it meets the specific class requirements and is listed appropriately on your transcript.

Anatomy/physiology prerequisites must be taken within the last 5 years. There is no expiration date on the other prerequisite classes that meet the acceptable course, credit, and lab criteria listed on the prerequisites. It is recommended that you have a B or better in Anatomy/Physiology I and II to ensure success in the program.

If you are enrolled in classes in Spring of 2025, they must be listed in PTCAS as “in progress”. Remember that only one of those classes can be a prerequisite.

If you attend an institution that follows a quarter curriculum (4 terms per year fall, winter, spring and summer each lasting 11-12 weeks) then you need to verify in PTCAS that you have met the credit requirements for our prerequisites. For example: We require (2) 4-credit semester long Anatomy/Physiology (A/P) classes with labs (8 credits total). 4 semester credits = 6 quarter credits so to meet our Anatomy/Physiology prerequisite requirements you must have taken 12 quarter credits of A/P. You can do this by taking 3 sequential quarter A/P classes or combine 3 related anatomy/physiology quarter classes to equal 12 quarter credits. Please review your selected prerequisites. We will only accept/override the 0.33 credit deficiency (3 quarter credits = 2.67 semester credits) for 3-credit quarter psychology and statistics prerequisite classes. All other prerequisite requirements must meet the semester credit requirements.

Complete the PTCAS application process by October 1 st , 2024.

Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. PTCAS may encounter technical difficulties due to high volume of applications being submitted.

Complete the NM Residency form if applicable, available via the provided link.

Complete an academic update in PTCAS in December 2024, to update any classes listed as in progress in the Fall semester, if applicable.

If invited, record the asynchronous interview answers in November/December 2024 and attend the in-person interviews held on January 11 th , 2025.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Physical Therapy Program if they are unable to meet the technical standards of the program.  Technical Standards  for physical therapy students are defined by the program at the provided link.

If you have a physical or learning disability, you are asked to  self-report  your educational needs. Evaluation of the disability by a physician or other appropriate professional must be presented at the time of the report in order for accommodations to be arranged. Evaluation of the disability by a physician or other appropriate professional must be presented at the time of the report in order for accommodations to be arranged.

If you are accepted and currently enrolled in classes or have not yet graduated with your bachelor's degree, you will need to submit an updated transcript confirming your degree and any outstanding prerequisites to the UNM PT program. You will also be requested to send an official transcript as part of the UNM graduate school application process.

Prerequisites

Complete 30 hours of prerequisites with a B- or better AND have a prerequisite GPA of greater than or equal to 3.0. Only prerequisite classes completed in the US and Canada are accepted. Prerequisite courses completed outside of the United States or Canada will NOT be accepted. It is best to have all prerequisites completed by December 2024.

We rank your prerequisite GPA heavily in the application process. In order to facilitate the highest GPA possible, we recommend you do the following when selecting your prerequisite courses:

Use the highest course grade possible for your prerequisite selection. You may substitute a higher-level class for the prerequisite as long as you have taken the lower level required class.

As an example: you took Chemistry 1 + lab (4 cr.) your sophomore year and earned a B. Your junior year you took biochemistry + lab (4 cr.), a higher-level chemistry that had a prerequisite requirement of Chemistry 1 and you earned an A. You may use that higher-level chemistry class with the A, to match our prerequisites. Select the highest grade earned on all classes you may have retaken.

You are permitted to have one final prerequisite to be taken during the 2025 Spring Semester. If you have more than one (1) outstanding prerequisite class yet to take after the December 2024 academic update, your application will be considered incomplete and will not move forward.

Anatomy/physiology prerequisites must be taken within the last 5 years. There is no expiration date on the other prerequisite classes that meet the acceptable course, credit and lab criteria listed on the prerequisites. It is recommended that you have a B or better in Anatomy/Physiology I and II to ensure success in the program.

If you are enrolled in classes in Fall of 2024 or Spring of 2025 they should also be listed in PTCAS as "in progress". Remember only one of those classes can be a prerequisite.

If you attend an institution that follows a quarter curriculum (4 terms per year fall, winter, spring and summer each lasting 11-12 weeks) then you need to verify in PTCAS that you have met the credit requirements for our prerequisites.

For example: We require two 4-credit semester long Anatomy/Physiology classes with labs. 4 semester credits = 6 quarter credits so to meet our Anatomy/Physiology prerequisite requirements you must have taken 12 quarter credits of A/P. You can do this by taking 3 sequential quarter A/P classes or combine 3 related anatomy/physiology quarter classes to equal 12 quarter credits.

Please review your selected prerequisites. We will only accept/override the 0.33 credit deficiency (3 quarter credits = 2.67 semester credits) for 3-credit quarter psychology and statistics prerequisite classes. All other prerequisite requirements must meet the semester credit requirements

You will need to complete 30 hours of prerequisites with a B- or better AND have a prerequisite GPA of greater than or equal to 3.0 . Only prerequisite classes completed in the US and Canada are accepted. Prerequisite courses completed outside of the United States or Canada will NOT be accepted. It is best to have all prerequisites completed by December 2024.

Psychology (3 credits) : You must have one upper level psychology class. Upper-level classes usually require an introduction course as a prerequisite. UNM & CNM class code examples: PSYC2120, PSYC2220, PSYC2250. For a complete list of classes that are accepted please visit the UNM PTCAS directory page under course prerequisites .

Statistics (3 credits) : Must be a standalone statistics class (not just part of a research class). UNM & CNM class codes: MATH1350 or PSYC2510.

Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits) : Lecture and lab is required to total 4 credits. Anatomy/Phys I – BIOL2210 & 2210L. Class must include structure and function of the HUMAN body and organization/integration of systems. Must be taken within the last 5 years. It is recommended that you have a B or better in Anatomy/Physiology I and II to ensure success in the program.

Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits) : Lecture and lab is required to total 4 credits. UNM & CNM class codes: Anatomy/Phys II -BIOL2225 & 2225L. Class must include structure and function of the HUMAN body and organization/integration of systems. Must be taken within the last 5 years. It is recommended that you have a B or better in Anatomy/Physiology I and II to ensure success in the program.

Chemistry I (4 credits) : Lecture and lab required to total 4 credits. UNM & CNM class codes: Chemistry I – CHEM1215 & 1215L. Chemistry class codes 1105, 1106, 1110 or 1120 do not meet our requirements.

Chemistry II (4 credits) : Lecture and lab required to total 4 credits.UNM & CNM class codes: Chemistry II – CHEM1225 & 1225L. Chemistry class codes 1105, 1106, 1110 or 1120 do not meet our requirements.

Physics I (4 credits) : Lecture and lab required to total 4 credits. UNM & CNM class codes: Physics I – PHYS1230 & 130L. Physics class codes 1115 & 1115L, 1110 or 1120 do not meet our requirements. We also accept calculus-based Physics.

Physics II (4 credits) : Lecture and lab required to total 4 credits. UNM & CNM class codes: Physics II – PHYS1240 & 1240L. Physics class codes 1115 & 1115L, 1110 or 1120 do not meet our requirements. We also accept calculus-based Physics.

If you are unsure of how many prerequisite courses you have completed: Complete this prerequisites worksheet and send an email with unofficial copies of your transcripts to [email protected] . We will be happy to review the classes you have selected as your prerequisites and confirm/deny if they qualify.

If you attend an institution that follows a quarter curriculum (4 terms per year fall, winter, spring and summer each lasting 11-12 weeks) then you need to verify in PTCAS that you have met the credit requirements for our prerequisites. For example: We require two 4-credit semester long Anatomy/Physiology classes with labs. 4 semester credits = 6 quarter credits so to meet our Anatomy/Physiology prerequisite requirements you must have taken 12 quarter credits of A/P. You can do this by taking 3 sequential quarter A/P classes or combine 3 related anatomy/physiology quarter classes to equal 12 quarter credits.

Please remember most, if not all, of your questions can be answered at one of our Advisement Sessions. You can reference the schedule under the Advisement tab.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline? 

Your application is due by midnight (EST) October 1 st , 2024. Do not wait until the last minute. PTCAS may encounter technical difficulties due to high volume of applications being submitted.

How many hours should I spend observing in a PT clinic? 

Observation hours are no longer required to apply. However, for your essay in PTCAS you will be conducting a semi-structured interview with the PT who writes your letter of recommendation. Wanting to help people is a noble cause however there are many types of jobs where you can help people. Being a PT is wonderful, but it is not for everyone. By interviewing a PT, we hope you better understand the immense knowledge needed to treat patients and some of the complicated issues that go into being a PT. Knowing you have considered the career in its entirety and can talk about your ideas and goals as a future PT helps our program have confidence you have the grit to make it through the program. If you decide to do observation hours, they are for personal growth but are not a requirement of admissions and the amount will not be calculated within the admissions score.

I’m submitting my application through PTCAS and it says I need to also submit the residency form – I’m not from New Mexico, do I need to submit this form? 

This form is only required for New Mexico residents. New Mexico applicants must complete and submit the following  residency information form  and supporting documentation on PTCAS by October 1 st , 2024.

Does it matter what my degree is in?  

No, but a 4 year bachelor’s degree is required. Your degree must be completed by May 2025 (semester curriculum) or June 2025 (trimester curriculum).

Does it matter what school I attended for my degree? 

No, it does not

Do I need to major in a specific area to apply to the DPT Program? 

No, any major is accepted as long as you have met the requirements for the program.

Do I send my GRE score to UNM?  

Submit your official GRE scores to code #7670 for the UNM Physical Therapy Program within PTCAS. GRE scores for code #7670 will automatically be sent to PTCAS. Do NOT send your GRE scores to the UNM DPT Program or graduate admissions. The GRE testing must be completed by October 1 st , 2024.

We will accept the At-Home GRE  testing being offered by ETS, but the deadline for taking the GRE is still October 1 st , 2024.

Is there a minimum score for the GRE? 

There is no longer a minimum GRE score required. However, the recommended score to ensure program readiness is 20 th percentile Quantitative & 25 th percentile Verbal. Submitting GRE scores that are considerably lower than the recommended scores may influence your overall application score. Please make sure and plan so you can take the GRE more than once, if necessary, before your application is due to ensure you are submitting your best application.

What if I am taking a prerequisite class now? How do you get my grades? 

When you submit your original application, you will list any classes that you are registered for in the fall and planning to take in the Spring as in progress. In December after your application is submitted, you will complete an academic update through PTCAS.

When those grades have been verified, PTCAS will automatically update the grades and update your prerequisite and cumulative GPA’s.

SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS TO PTCAS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN DECEMBER TO ASSURE WE HAVE YOUR UPDATED GPA. 

Do I have to have all the prerequisites complete before I can apply to the program? 

No, you can be taking prerequisite classes in the Fall semester while submitting the application. Those classes must be listed as in progress in PTCAS and updated during the December academic update in PTCAS.

Our policy is that you are permitted to have one (1) final prerequisite to be taken during the Spring Semester after your application has been submitted. If you have more than one (1) outstanding prerequisite class yet to take after the December academic update, your application will be considered incomplete and will not move forward.

Can I use Advanced Placement courses for prerequisite classes? 

Do I need to send my transcript to you or can it be sent from my school? 

Send your transcripts to PTCAS. We are able to access your official grades and transcripts on PTCAS. 

If you are accepted to the program but had outstanding prerequisite coursework and/or you did not have your bachelor’s degree when you applied then you will need to send the UNM PT Program an official transcript to verify your degree status and completion of the final prerequisite class.

Are there any time restrictions on prerequisite courses? 

Anatomy/physiology prerequisites must be taken within the last 5 years. There is no expiration date on the other prerequisite classes that meet the acceptable course, credit and lab criteria.  

Can I use Web-Based courses for prerequisites?

For the University of New Mexico (and PTCAS) to accept credits earned from a web-based course, that course must appear on a transcript from an accredited college or university. Therefore, if the online course you have taken or plan to take is offered by UNM or CNM (or any other accredited college or university), and it satisfies our requirement, the course will be accepted. All course work is verified through PTCAS. If you have questions regarding validity of an institution please contact PTCAS directly.

Are Pass/Fail or CR/NC options accepted for prerequisite courses? Pass/Fail or CR/NC options are NOT acceptable for prerequisitie courses except for those courses taken during the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 academic semesters. We will accept pass, credit and satisfactory grades for classes that were affected by the Coronavirus outbreak during the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.

Are classes taken at quarter colleges accepted?

If you attend an institution that follows a quarter curriculum (4 terms per year fall, winter, spring and summer each lasting 11-12 weeks) then you need to verify in PTCAS that you have met the credit requirements for our prerequisites. For example: We require 2 4-credit semester long Anatomy/Physiology classes with labs. 4 semester credits = 6 quarter credits so to meet our Anatomy/Physiology prerequisite requirements you must have taken 12 quarter credits of A/P. You can do this by taking 3 sequential quarter A/P classes or combine 3 related anatomy/physiology quarter classes to equal 12 quarter credits.

Do I need to perform an academic update in PTCAS?   

If you have outstanding coursework, have incomplete prerequisites or are still taking any additional classes that will go into your overall GPA, you MUST complete an academic update in December. Click here for information on how to perform an academic update in PTCAS.

There are many qualities that make up a competitive candidate and although it is difficult to paint a picture of someone guaranteed to get in, here are some guidelines:

Excellent prerequisite GPA—higher than the minimum requirement of a 3.0.

What is a competitive GPA? Compare your prerequisite GPA to the Class of 2027. If you are near those values, you would be considered competitive. The farther away you get the less competitive you are.

Good cumulative GPA—higher than the minimum requirement of a 2.67.

What is a competitive cumulative GPA? Compare your cumulative GPA to the Class of 2027. If you are near those values, you would be considered competitive. The farther away you get the less competitive you are.

Demonstrated ability to successfully complete rigorous course loads.

Have you taken 12+ hours of rigorous science classes together and scored A’s and B’s in those classes? This shows us you can excel in similar situations in our program.

Quality preparation for the GRE General Test so that you score well above the recommended requirements. of 20 th percentile for the quantitative section and 25 th for the verbal.

The recommended score on the GRE is ≥20 th percentile for Quantitative and ≥25 th percentile for Verbal. These are recommended scores to ensure your success in the program.

• There is no minimum GRE score required. Submitting GRE scores that are considerably lower than the recommended scores may influence your overall application score. Please make sure and plan so you can take the GRE more than once, if necessary, before your application is due to ensure you are submitting your best application.

If you take the GRE 3-4 times and are not improving please consider a test prep class for test taking strategies. Click here for more information on the  GRE  and for  GRE Prep courses . 

Strong letters of recommendation—be sure to carefully consider the people you ask to write your letters; you want to know that they will go the extra mile and include detailed information about you because we are not allowed to call and contact them.

You are required to have 1 letter from a Physical Therapist.

There are 2 essays in PTCAS. The topic of one essay is set by the APTA. The topic of the second essay is decided by the school you are applying to. In lieu of observation hours you are required to conduct a semi-structured interview with the PT that writes your letter of recommendation. The interview will be submitted as your school specific essay. For specifics, please see the school specific essay section in PTCAS. Interview questions are posted here and in PTCAS where the essay is due.

The PT program at UNM requires a recorded asynchronous interview in November/December. If invited, the asynchronous interview gives you the opportunity to let the panelists know who you are by recording short video answers to interview style questions on topics including why you want to be a PT, how you would contribute to the field, and how you will overcome obstacles to succeed once admitted.

Yes, all applicants, regardless of status in the United States, are considered for the PT Program. Applicants must reside in New Mexico for a minimum of 12 consecutive months at the time of application or have graduated from a New Mexico High School and attended for at least one year. In addition, applicants must have of a minimum of two years of full-time undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited college or university in the United States and all minimum requirements must be met. Only prerequisite classes completed in the US and Canada are accepted. Prerequisite courses completed outside of the United States or Canada will NOT be accepted.

TOEFL scores are required.  The UNM PT program requires high-intermediate scores for the 4 core skills including Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Click here for more information on the UNM Center for English Language and American Culture (CELAC) .

International students who are attending and will graduate from an accredited university in the US may be eligible. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

International students are ineligible for federal financial aid, including education loans, and must provide financial documentation showing how the cost of education and living expenses will be paid for a period of one year.

Due to visa restrictions and regulations regarding employment, post-graduate residency placement may be difficult or unlikely for students without the appropriate work visa status.

For information on visa requirements and restrictions, please contact the UNM International Admissions Global Education Office at (505) 277-4032 or [email protected] .

Yes, DACA applicants are considered for the PT Program. Applicants must reside in New Mexico for a minimum of 12 consecutive months from the time of application or have graduated from a New Mexico High School and attended for at least one year. All other minimum requirements including minimum GPA, GRE, and prerequisites must be completed as well.

Please note that DACA students are not eligible for federal financial aid, including federal education loans.

Although the majority of our students are residents of New Mexico, residents of other states are invited to apply.

Non-residents after their first year can petition for NM residency for tuition purposes.  For information on how to petition for residency please visit the UNM Residency Information website.

Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and eligible U.S. Pacific Territories are eligible to apply to our program under the Professional Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Please verify that your state is participating in WICHE the year in which you are applying.  Students who complete the WICHE application process in their home state prior to the WICHE submission deadline and get certified as eligible for WICHE will be considered as in-state residents for admissions purposes. If you are admitted to the program as WICHE, you must complete the program and fulfill your WICHE contract.  For more information on WICHE, please visit their website at  www.wiche.edu .

The application process works in 3 parts. The first part is to present an application that aims for the best in all application requirements so that you are considered a top applicant and granted an asynchronous interview.

The asynchronous interview is the second part which if invited to, gives you the opportunity to let the panelists know who you are by recording short video answers to interview style questions on topics including: why you want to be a PT, how you would contribute to the field, and how you will overcome obstacles to succeed once admitted.

The third portion is the in-person interviews. In-person interviews gives you an opportunity to view our facilities and get to know the faculty, staff, and current students. It also gives us the opportunity to meet you in person and get to know you better. In person interviews will be held on January 11 th , 2025 and consist of questions on topics including challenges in the PT profession, how you deal with success and challenges, and your goals as a PT.

It is important to note that the UNM DPT program is 3 years full time, with classes and clinical experiences taking place in the spring, summer, and fall semesters—you will be busy all week with some weekends and many evenings required for REACH Lab and other projects. The content is compounding and rigorous even for experienced students, so it is very important to have a clear plan when entering the program.

We have drafted a PDF which estimates the costs of the program. Please note that these are estimated costs and actual expenses will vary:

  Estimated Student Expense Sheet

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate: 94.92% (Classes of 2022 and 2023)

Two-year licensure exam pass rate: 98.25% first-time pass rate (Classes of 2022 and 2023); 100% ultimate pass rate (Classes of 2022 and 2023)

Employment Rate for Licensed Graduates: 100% (Classes of 2022 and 2023)

 Current Curricular Map

5-year Program Calendar

Photo Gallery

Program Accreditation

The Physical Therapy program at The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email:  [email protected] ; website:  https://www.capteonline.org .

If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (505) 272-5479 or email  [email protected]

(CAPTE) 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085

Phone: 703-706-3245

Email: [email protected] Website: www.capteonline.org .

Accreditation through this national professional organization ensures that our graduates become highly skilled Doctors of Physical Therapy, who are recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice.

Division of Physical Therapy

MSC09 5230 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131

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Phone: 505-272-5479