Information for Accepted Students
Accepted students must also apply to the UTC Graduate School using the UTC Graduate School Application.
Information on program costs & scholarships and financial aid.
Deposit
A $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is required for accepted applicants. The deposit will be due within 15 business days of receiving an offer from the program. For students who enroll in the program, this $1,000.00 will be applied to the first semester's tuition.
Admission Contingencies
Accepted applicants must achieve the following for program matriculation:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution prior to beginning the professional program. Degree completion is not required to apply.
- Maintain a minimum of 3.2/4.0 cumulative and science prerequisite GPA.
- Provide evidence of completing all twelve program prerequisites with a minimum grade of "C" prior to entering the professional program.
- Manually update fall course grades and In Progress courses in PTCAS. Provide a copy of all updated transcripts to PTCAS by the Academic Update deadline. Instructions for PTCAS Academic Update can be found on the PTCAS web site.
- Submit updated transcripts for fall and spring courses to the UTC Graduate School by June 1 and also in August, if taking summer courses. Do not send spring transcripts to PTCAS.
Proof of first aid and CPR certification
Admitted students must show proof of having previously completed a First Aid course as well as a CPR course. (Current certification is not necessary.) Entering students will be re-certified in CPR in August as part of orientation.
Health Requirements: Physical Examination and Immunizations
Information on required forms may be found here.
Accepted students must complete and submit the UTC Certificate of Immunization before they will be permitted to register for coursework.
1. Two separate sets of health documentation are required. Instructions are available on the University Health Services student health website:
https://www.utc.edu/student-health-services/immunizations.php
https://www.utc.edu/student-health-services/healthscienceprogramrequirements.php
2. The immunization requirements must be completed and uploaded into the Medicat Patient Portal according to the instructions on the website. Accepted students must complete and submit the UTC Certificate of Immunization (proof of measles vaccination) before they will be permitted to register for coursework.
3. The physical examination forms (second link above) are specific to university health science programs.
4. Titers are required for all students.
5. Urine drug screen (see below).
6. Applicants are responsible for any fees incurred.
7. All forms and documentation must be submitted to Medicat following the instructions on the website by June 1.
Once health requirements have been met, University Health Services will release a document entitled “Verification of Clinical Requirement.” Students are required to upload this document in EXXAT, the program’s clinical education management software system.
NOTE: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s recognized exemptions from immunizations include being enrolled in a program that is exclusively online or at an off-campus site, medical contraindications, and religious objections. To determine how to apply for exemptions, please review UTC University Health Services website under “Exemptions.” Note that students enrolled in any allied health professions program such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy or athletic training may not have the same exceptions to immunization requirements under certain circumstances.
During the first semester of the DPT Program, students receive TB testing, paid for by the program. Flu shots are also required when available in the fall. Flu shots are at the student’s expense.
Drug Screening
The DPT Program requires proof of negative urine drug screen for all substances tested for all students prior to beginning 1st year classes. This is to verify an individual’s suitability to participate in clinical experiences and to ensure patient safety.
Additional drug tests may be required while enrolled in the program.
If the student is found to be in violation of the substance use policy prior to beginning the program, the student's admission will be rescinded.
Reapplication to the DPT Program will be considered only upon completion of a treatment program and upon the recommendations of the program’s academic admissions committee, the Department of Physical Therapy’s Department Head and the Dean of College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. The student has the right to appeal a decision of dismissal or denial of readmission into the program in accordance with the admissions appeal procedure:
“Complaints that fall outside of due process procedures and that are not subject to a specific University grievance procedure should be directed to Dr. Nancy Fell, Department Head, Physical Therapy, at [email protected] or Dr. Valerie Rutledge, Dean of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, at [email protected]. Retaliation for filing a complaint is prohibited.”
Health Insurance
All students are required to have health insurance during the entire DPT Program. Students must upload proof of insurance in EXXAT annually and whenever the insurance changes.
Criminal Background Checks
The program requires criminal background checks (level-2 clearance) for all accepted students to verify an individual’s suitability to participate in experiential education rotations and to ensure patient safety.
Additional criminal background checks may be required while enrolled in the program.
If the student does not pass the level-2 clearance criminal background check prior to beginning the program, the student's admission may be rescinded. It is the department head’s responsibility to review the situation and make the admission decision.
The student has the right to appeal a decision of denial of admission into the program in accordance with the admissions appeal procedure:
“Complaints that fall outside of due process procedures and that are not subject to a specific University grievance procedure should be directed to Dr. Nancy Fell, Department Head, Physical Therapy, at [email protected] or Dr. Valerie Rutledge, Dean of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, at [email protected]. Retaliation for filing a complaint is prohibited.”
Do not complete a background check until you are requested to do so by the DPT program.
Procedure for obtaining an approved Level 2 Criminal Background Check
Admission Deferral
There are no program deferments. Accepted applicants who wish to defer admission to the next class will forfeit the deposit and be required to apply again through PTCAS for the next cycle. Applicants will not be penalized for deferring. Likewise, they will not receive preference in the next admissions cycle.