Physical Therapy Application FAQs

After reviewing this page and the related sections of our website, if you have additional questions please contact the program coordinator at [email protected]. 

How do I apply?

 We use PTCAS for our application process. Please visit the PTCAS links in the “How to Apply” section on our website. For specific questions regarding your PTCAS application, please see the PTCAS FAQs page on the PTCAS web page.

When can I apply?

The application cycle opens in July of each year for the following fall.  Assuming they meet the admission requirements, most students apply the summer before their senior year. All program deadlines may be found on the UTC page of the PTCAS Program Directory.  

Are there Spring or Summer admissions, too?

The admissions cycle for the entry-level program is once per year. There are no Spring or Summer admissions.

What are my chances of being accepted into the DPT program?

Our program accepts 36 students per academic year.  Applicants are very competitive and have excelled in their undergraduate and prerequisite coursework.

How many applications do you receive each year?

The number of applications varies each year. Previous admissions cycles had anywhere from just over 200 to almost 600 applicants.

How are students accepted for the program?

The program administers a mission-focused application assessment. Competitive applicants have excelled academically with strong GPAs (cumulative and science prerequisite) and GRE scores. Successful applicants are well-rounded individuals exhibiting characteristics such as excellent communication and leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and successful experience with working as a member of a team. We value unique life experiences that can enrich the graduate educational experience. Our program does not interview candidates. 

Do you have interviews?

Our program does not interview candidates, but we do review references.

Do you accept transfer students from other PT programs?

No. All students must apply to and complete the entire program, regardless of prior enrollment in a PT program. 

When are decisions made on applications?

We do not do rolling admissions. Admission decisions are made after the admissions cycle closes for the year of application. Typically, students will be informed of admissions decisions around Thanksgiving or early December. However, this may vary based on the size of the applicant pool. 

Will I be updated on the status of my application?

To view the real-time progress of your file, login to your PTCAS application and select the status options on the right-hand side of the screen. Our program will contact you of status changes via e-mail.

Can family or friends inquire about my application status on my behalf?

If your family or friends have access to your login information to PTCAS, then they can check the status of your application online. Our program will not discuss an applicant’s application or status with anyone other than the applicant.

Do you recruit minorities?

The Department of Physical Therapy is committed to The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Missions Statement to be "a driving force for achieving excellence by actively engaging students, faculty and staff, embracing diversity and inclusion, inspiring positive change and enriching and sustaining our community." Therefore, the program welcomes and encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds including those who identify as underrepresented minorities.

Do you give preference to residents of Tennessee in admission to the DPT program?

No preference is given to Tennessee residents over the residents of other states; however, the majority of our students are Tennessee residents.

As a non-TN resident, what are my chances of being admitted?

As a graduate program we routinely accept out-of-state students. You have the same chance of being admitted as any other qualified student, regardless of state of residence. All students must meet the same criteria for admissions.

I have been out of school for five (5) years with a Bachelor of Science degree. Am I eligible to apply for your program?

As long as you meet the prerequisite requirements, yes. Your degree and prerequisite coursework do not expire.

Who can write my letters of recommendation?

We require two references. We are interested in references that reflect on the candidate’s personal characteristics as they relate to communication, work ethic, leadership, teamwork, and resiliency, and how these characteristics support the candidate in becoming a strong physical therapist. One reference from a US licensed physical therapist is preferred, but not required. Specifics regarding accepted references are outlined on our PTCAS program profile.

How do my references submit recommendation letters online?

Refer to the PTCAS application for instructions on recommendation letter submission. We strongly encourage electronic submission for your references and observation hours.

Are criminal background checks and drug testing required?

The DPT Program requires proof of criminal background check with level-2 clearance and negative urine drug screen for all substances tested for all students prior to beginning 1^st year classes. This is to verify an individual’s suitability to participate in clinical experiences and to ensure patient safety. Do not complete testing until you are requested to do so by the DPT Program.

Additional criminal background checks and/or drug tests may be required while enrolled in the program.

What can I do to enhance my chances of successful admission to a physical therapy program?

Make sure that your cumulative GPA, science prerequisite GPA, and GRE scores are as competitive as possible. You may take the GRE multiple times without penalty. Applicants should pay close attention to both PTCAS and program specific questions and answer these sections carefully and completely.

I was told I am on the alternate list.  Can I find out what place I am on the alternate list?

Initially, we put a large number of qualified candidates on the wait list in order to allow you the opportunity to retake the GRE and improve your GPAs with the academic update.  After the all academic updates are completed in the spring, we can begin to give applicants an idea of where they fall on the list. Until that time, it will fluctuate too much with updates and applicants dropping off the list to give applicants an accurate representation.

If am not accepted this year, what should I do to reapply next year?

Re-submit your application via PTCAS for next year’s admission cycle. You should also contact the Program Coordinator now at [email protected] for specific advice regarding how you can strengthen your application for the next admissions cycle; do not wait until the next application cycle opens to contact us.