CU Physical Therapy Early Admission Program (EAP)
This program is designed for full-time undergraduate students at UCCS who want to complete the prerequisites and earn a guaranteed interview with the University of Colorado Doctor of Physical Therapy (CU DPT) Program.
About the CU DPT Program
- A post-baccalaureate program consisting of 8 semesters of coursework and clinical education.
- Leads to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
- Ideal for students committed to practicing physical therapy in Colorado.
Program Goals
- Encourage students from diverse backgrounds to explore physical therapy.
- Provide guidance for successful preparation and entry into a DPT program.
- Recruit outstanding UCCS undergraduates for the CU PT Program.
Program Structure
The EAP has two phases:
Phase I
- For students who have completed the first semester of their freshman year and have expressed interest in the physical therapy profession.
- Offers exposure to the PT profession through shadowing experiences and mentorship.
Phase II
- For students with at least 45 credits (typically sophomores).
- Requires strong academic performance.
- Phase I is not required to apply for Phase II.
Students selected for either phase will:
- Complete prerequisite courses.
- Participate in specialized learning opportunities.
- Receive mentorship to prepare for DPT program success.
Phase II students who meet all requirements are guaranteed an interview with the CU DPT Program during their final undergraduate semester.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: Fall/Winter of each year for both Phase I and Phase II
- Deadline: Early Spring
- Decisions: Decisions for acceptance typically happen by mid-April.
Commitment to Diversity
The CU DPT EAP supports students who have faced barriers to education and economic opportunity. Applications are reviewed holistically and in compliance with non-discrimination policies and federal law. See the Eligibility tab for details.
Pre-Application Information Sessions
Virtual sessions are hosted by CU Physical Therapy and UCCS.
Click here to register for an EAP Open House!
- January 21, 2026 7:00 PM Mountain Time
- February 18, 2026 7:00 PM Mountain Time
Click here to register for a Virtual CU DPT Information Session!
The CU DPT Early Assurance Program (EAP) is designed for UCCS students who demonstrate a strong commitment to practicing physical therapy in Colorado after completing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
In addition to meeting the criteria listed below, applicants must show evidence of academic success, meaningful service to their community, and a genuine passion for the physical therapy profession.
Students are encouraged to complete Phase I of the EAP during their freshman year to strengthen their preparation for Phase II. However, participation in Phase I is not required to apply for Phase II. Sophomore students may apply directly to Phase II.
This program is intended for UCCS students who meet two or more of the following criteria:
- Eligible for a Pell Grant
- From a federally designated rural or frontier community in Colorado
- First-generation college student (parents did not attend or graduate from college)
- History of or current military service
- Expressed desire to practice physical therapy in Colorado after completing the CU PT Program
Eligibility Requirement: Students must be full-time UCCS students and Colorado residents.
Application Timeline
Applications for
- Phase I (first-semester freshmen)
- Phase II (first-semester sophomores)
open in fall/winter each year and close in early Spring of the following year. The application link will be posted here during the active application period.
Current Cycle (2025–2026): Application Links
- Phase I – Application due March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Link to application
- Phase II – Application due March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Link to application
CU DPT Early Assurance Program (EAP) Steps
Step I – Phase I Application Students who have completed at least 15 credit hours at UCCS and express interest in the CU DPT Program submit an initial interest application (Phase I).
Step II – Phase I Benefits Students accepted into Phase I receive:
- A stipend for 45 hours of shadowing experience across three practice settings
- A stipend for a field-related certification (up to $700)
Step III – Phase II Application After completing 45 credit hours at UCCS and meeting Early Admission Program requirements (e.g., prerequisites, mentorship, advising), students apply to Phase II. Note: Phase I is NOT required to apply for Phase II.
Step IV – Phase II If accepted to Phase II, students complete all academic, clinical, and professional development requirements. They receive a stipend for up to 2 months of full-time clinical work as a rehabilitation aide/technician.
Step V – CU DPT Program Application Students successfully complete the CU DPT Program application via PTCAS before October 1 of their senior year (within 5 years of starting EAP).
Step VI – Guaranteed Interview After meeting all requirements and submitting the PTCAS application, students receive a guaranteed interview and may subsequently be admitted to the DPT program.
Phase I Details
Application Process:
- Matriculated at UCCS as an incoming freshman
- Demonstrate professional behaviors
Application Components:
- UCCS transcripts (unofficial accepted)
- Essay on assigned topic
- Resume (clinical/research experience, community service, and other important information about a student's interests)
- Two letters of recommendation:
- Academic advisor
- UCCS faculty or licensed PT
- Notification of ability to meet Technical Standards
- Interview with CU PT Program Admissions Committee
Clinical Hours:
- 45 observation hours across three settings (stipend provided):
- Inpatient: 15 hours (hospital, rehab facility, skilled nursing)
- Outpatient: 15 hours (PT clinic, outpatient hospital, sports medicine)
- Additional setting: 15 hours (nursing facility, school, home health, specialty care)
- Emphasis on experiences serving underserved populations
Professional Development:
- Field-related certification (up to $700): e.g., Personal Trainer, CNA, Health Coach
- Co-curricular seminars and activities (journal clubs, workshops)
Phase II Details
Application Process:
- Apply at the end of the fall sophomore semester
- Decisions announced in the spring semester
- Students may apply directly to Phase II without completing Phase I
Eligibility Requirements:
- Matriculated at UCCS as an incoming freshman
- Completed minimum 45 credit hours, including:
- General Biology I & II with labs
- Chemistry I & II with labs
- English Composition I & II
- GPA: 3.5 cumulative and 3.5 science GPA
- All coursework completed with C or higher
- Plan to attend UCCS for at least four additional semesters
- Demonstrate professional behaviors
- Complete minimum 45 observation hours with licensed PTs
Application Components:
- UCCS transcripts (unofficial accepted)
- Essay on assigned topic
- Resume (clinical/research experience, community service, and other important information about a student's interests)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Notification of ability to meet Technical Standards
- Interview with CU PT Program Admissions Committee
Requirements After Acceptance into Phase II
- Maintain academic and professional standards
- Meet regularly with:
- CU PT Hybrid DPT faculty (once per semester)
- PT mentor/counselor (once per semester)
- Complete up to 8 weeks (320 hours) as a rehab aide/technician (stipend provided)
Guaranteed Interview Requirements
- Complete PTCAS application by October 1 of senior year
- Maintain minimum GPA of 3.5 (overall and science)
- Complete all prerequisites and professional development activities
- TOEFL score of 80 (if applicable)
- Pay all PTCAS and supplemental fees
- Earn bachelor’s degree within 3–4 years of starting EAP
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Prerequisite Courses
The following UCCS courses satisfy the prerequisite requirements for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado. Additional courses may also meet these requirements. For more details, visit our [Prerequisites Page] or contact [email protected].
Prerequisite Requirements & Approved UCCS Courses
| Requirement | Semester Hours | Approved Courses |
| Anatomy (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | HPNU 3050 – Human Anatomy with Lab |
| Physiology (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | HPNU 3060 – Human Physiology with Lab |
| Upper Division Science | 3 | HPNU 3300 – Exercise Physiology HPNU 4550 – Biomechanics & Kinesiology HPNU 3990 – Human Cadaver Dissection HPNU 4650 – Functional Neuroanatomy HPNU 4380 – Skeletal Muscle Physiology |
| General Chemistry I (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | CHEM 1401 / 1402 – General Chemistry I & Lab |
| General Chemistry II (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | CHEM 1411 / 1412 – General Chemistry II & Lab |
| General Physics I (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | PES 1010 / 1050 – Physics for Life Science I & Lab [2] PES 1110 / 1160 – Physics I & Lab [3] |
| General Physics II (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | PES 1020 / 2150 – Physics for Life Science II & Lab [2] PES 1120 / 2160 / 2130 – Physics II & Lab [3] & Physics III [3] |
| Psychology (Two Courses) | 6 | PSY 1000 – General Psychology PSY 3280 – Abnormal Psychology PSY 3620 – Developmental Psychology |
| Statistics | 3 | MATH 2810 – Introduction to Statistics HSCI 2060 – Health Science Statistics BIOL 3000 – Biostatistics |
| English Composition | 3 | ENGL 1310 – Rhetoric & Writing I |
Notes:
- [1] Lower-division courses are acceptable; upper-division strongly recommended
- [2] Algebra-based physics
- [3] Calculus-based physics requires completion of a three-semester sequence
Updated: March 2024
Contact CU Physical Therapy Admissions with questions:
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