Application Information

The University of Colorado DPT Program continually evaluates our admissions requirements to ensure we select students who will thrive in our rigorous doctoral program and succeed on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) licensure exam. While we do not require the GRE for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, prospective applicants should be aware that the GRE may be required again as soon as the following cycle (2026-2027).

Although the GRE is not currently required, we strongly encourage applicants to consider taking the exam as a self-assessment tool. Research indicates that high GRE scores correlate with success on the NPTE, making it a valuable indicator of a student's potential performance in PT school and beyond. Given the significant time and financial investment required for a DPT program, taking the GRE now—despite the cost and time to prepare—could help students determine whether they are academically and test-ready before making the commitment to attend graduate school.

Additionally, if students have never taken a standardized exam, the GRE provides an opportunity to practice critical test-taking skills that will be essential for the NPTE. Remember, passing the NPTE is mandatory to become a licensed physical therapist. We also recommend taking the GRE at a testing center rather than at home, as the NPTE is administered in a testing center environment. Becoming familiar with this setting in advance may help reduce anxiety and improve test-day performance when the time comes to sit for the NPTE. Identifying and addressing any weaknesses in test-taking early on could make a crucial difference in students' long-term success.

While we acknowledge the value of standardized test scores, our admissions process is holistic, meaning we evaluate applicants based on a broad range of factors beyond just grades and test scores. We consider academic performance, leadership, service, and other personal attributes that align with the profession of physical therapy. Our goal is to admit students who will not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the profession and their communities.

We will continue to evaluate the role of the GRE in our admissions process and update prospective applicants accordingly.

2023-2024 Application Cycle

Observation Hours:

• Observation hours are not required.
  
  
• Becoming a physical therapist is a significant investment of both time and money and it is essential that applicants have broad knowledge about the profession prior to entering a DPT program to ensure being a physical therapist is the right career choice for them. There are many ways to learn about the profession including observing a licensed physical therapist in a variety of settings, conducting informational interviews, referencing the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website, listening to podcasts, observing other healthcare providers, and more.

References: 

We require 2 letters from people who know the applicant well, with the exception of family, friends, and clergy. The most common references we receive are from professors, supervisors, and licensed physical therapists. Applications may not be verified by PTCAS until all materials are received, including letters of recommendation, thus it is in your best interest to have your references submit as early to the Oct 2nd deadline as possible.

Essays: 

Coursework Prerequisites

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the start of orientation (end of May), although an application may be submitted prior to completing all prerequisite coursework. All in progress and planned courses should be included within the Transcript Entry section of PTCAS. Note that only one (1) prerequisite science course may be in progress in the spring semester/winter quarter prior to matriculation.

Courses completed with a C- or below are not acceptable. It is recommended that all science and math courses be completed within five (5) years of entering our program. Anatomy, Physiology and at least one upper-division science (or Exercise Physiology/Biomechanics) must be completed within ten (10) years of entering the program, and preferably within the last five (5) years. 

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is accepted only if a transcript reflects the credit earned (applicants are encouraged to contact PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu if they are planning to use AP/IB credit to fulfill a prerequisite but the specific credit does not appear on their college transcript).

All prerequisite courses must be completed through regionally accredited institutions.

Note: Pass/fail grades received in courses taken in spring, summer, or fall 2020 are accepted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Options to fulfill Anatomy and Physiology:

 Option 1 of 2 Anatomy and Physiology

• Human or Mammalian Anatomy with lab (upper-division preferred) - 4 semester hours or 6 quarter units
• Human or Mammalian Physiology with lab* (upper-division preferred) - 4 semester hours or 6 quarter units

Option 2 of 2 Anatomy and Physiology

• Combined Human or Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology with labs (upper-division preferred) - 8 semester hours or 12 quarter units

*If your institution does not offer a Human Physiology lab, please contact PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu to discuss your options for fulfilling this requirement.

Note: Most applicants complete their Anatomy and Physiology requirements through the biology, exercise science, or kinesiology departments of their institution. 

Options to fulfill Upper-Division Science, Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics:

• Option 1: Any upper-division science (300/3000 level or higher) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units
• Option 2: Exercise Physiology (lower-division OR upper-division are acceptable; upper-division is strongly recommended) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units
• Option 3: Biomechanics (lower-division OR upper-division are acceptable; upper-division is strongly recommended) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units

While any upper division science in the biology, chemistry, physics or engineering departments will meet the upper division requirement, please note that field related content will provide better preparation. Examples include but are not limited to: cell biology, neuroanatomy/neurophysiology, genetics, microbiology, etc. Courses such as ecology, plant physiology, etc. are not field related.

Additional Course Prerequisites:

• Lab-based Chemistry - Full-year sequence required (survey or introduction to chemistry courses for non-science majors are NOT accepted) - 8 semester hours or 12-15 quarter units
• Lab-based Physics - Full-year sequence required (algebra or calculus-based; survey or introduction to physics courses for non-science majors are NOT accepted) - 8 semester hours or 12-15 quarter units 
• 2 Psychology courses - (abnormal and developmental psychology preferred; Statistics from a Psychology department does not meet this psychology prerequisite.) - 6 semester hours or 8 quarter units
• Statistics - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units
• Writing or English Composition (any writing-intensive course) - 3 semester hours or 4 quarter units

Application Deadline and Verification

Please be aware that the PTCAS verification process is typically 4-6 weeks. It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm with PTCAS that all application materials have been received in order for verification to occur. 

All applications are completed in the PTCAS website. All materials, including transcripts, are submitted though the PTCAS application. Please contact PTCAS at 617.612.2040 for assistance with application completion, transcripts, and submitting letters of recommendation.

While the deadline to electronically submit an application is October 1st, 2025, PTCAS must verify an application for it to be sent to a DPT program for admissions review. For the University of Colorado to review an application, PTCAS verification must be complete by November 7th, 2025. Applications not verified by PTCAS by this deadline will NOT be reviewed. 

Supplemental Fee

The supplemental fee is a one-time, non-refundable, $25 fee payable to the University of Colorado that must be paid by the PTCAS application deadline of October 1st, 2025.  A link to the payment page will be posted when the application cycle opens. This fee is due at the time the application is submitted to PTCAS (deadline is 10/1/2025), and is in addition to the PTCAS fees. The Supplemental fee MUST be paid in order for your application to be reviewed and considered by our PT Program's Admissions Committee.  The supplemental application fee supports a thorough review of each application, by a team dedicated to learning as much as possible about each applicant. If the applicant received a fee waiver from PTCAS, they are also eligible for a fee waiver from the University of Colorado. Documentation of the approved fee waiver must be sent to PT.Admissions@cuanschutz.edu.

Other Fees

PTCAS Initial Program Designation fee: $170
Each Additional Program PTCAS fee: $70

Virtual Interviews

Class of 2028 Interviews will be held January 13-15, 2026 by invitation only. Applicants will complete two, one-on-on 20-25-minute interviews with a faculty member and/or clinical partner.

Campus Day

For those invited to interview, we will host optional campus visits the mornings of January 16-17, 2026. Attendance will not impact admissions decisions.

Invitations to interview are expected to be sent in mid-December 2025.

Other program requirements upon acceptance

Admissions Deposit

Students admitted into the program must submit a $1,000 confirmation deposit to hold their place in the class upon receiving an offer of admission. This deposit is applied to tuition and fees for the first semester of attendance and is non-refundable. Please use this form to pay online via credit card your non-refundable tuition deposit for an academic program. These fees are non-refundable. 

Technical Standards

All students must meet the technical standards of the DPT Program. Every applicant offered admission must sign a document indicating they are able to meet the technical standards in order to be admitted.

Completion of all outstanding prerequisite coursework

Only 1 (one) science prerequisite may be in progress in the Spring/Winter semester prior to matriculation. All prerequisite coursework must be satisfactorily completed prior to matriculation.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from every higher education institution ever attended must be sent to the PT Program. This includes all spring/winter course grades. Final transcript(s) showing a conferred degree must be on file prior to matriculation. For incoming students finishing their undergraduate degrees, transcript with a posted degree must be received by June 15th of the summer in which a student is starting the PT Program.

Financial Aid Application

If you intend to apply for financial aid, review the Steps for Applying. Also ensure you use school code 004508 on your FAFSA.

Current CPR certification - Health Professionals course

We require the BLS for Healthcare Providers. Go to the American Heart Association to find a course near you. WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT COURSES TAKEN THROUGH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. 

Required Immunizations

All students in the School of Medicine must comply with required immunizations and tests. All students must be in compliance with updated vaccines and tests prior to matriculation. All PT students are tracked throughout the Program to make certain they stay in compliance, both regarding School of Medicine and the various clinical setting requirements.

The CU Anschutz and UCCS COVID-19 Vaccination Policies no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination for faculty, staff, students, badged affiliates, persons of interest (POIs), visitors, or volunteers in non-clinical settings, with some important exceptions. Students involved in clinical rotations must comply with the vaccine requirements and protocols of those sites. Please visit the Anschutz Medical Campus Covid site for further information. Staying up to date on vaccines and boosters is strongly encouraged. 

Completed Background Check

All incoming students must give permission for a background check and students are responsible for any associated costs. The contact is made through PTCAS by an external vendor called Certiphi when PTCAS is notified of your accepted offer by the Program. The student will receive an email from Certiphi with the address, StudentEdition@ceriphi.com, that includes a verification code.

If you are planning on applying to the CU PT program and have previously been convicted of a misdemeanor related to any type of assault or have been convicted of any type of felony, please contact Dr. Lara Canham, Chair of PT Admissions, at Lara.Canham@cuanschutz.edu to discuss your situation confidentially.

Completed Residency Form

Completion of the Tuition Classification (Residency) form is required.
All students, even non-residents, must fill out all or part of this form. For information about how to establish Colorado residency​, please visit this link . Please contact Tuitionclassification@cuanschutz.edu with any questions regarding residency. 

Completed Military Service Form (online) if applicable

Male students born after December 31, 1959 must certify that they have registered with Selective Service (or are exempt from Selective Service registration) in order to register at any state-supported institution of higher education. Please go to www.sss.gov and make sure you have complied with this law prior to your arrival on campus.

Completed Drug Screening

All health care providers are entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of patients which requires the exercise of good judgment and ethical behavior. Thus, an assessment of a student’s possible impairment that could diminish the student’s capacity to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in patient care. The University of Colorado School of Medicine requires that all students submit to and provide evidence of a negative drug screen prior to starting clinical experiences, inclusive of recreational and medical marijuana use. The CU Physical Therapy Program covers the cost of the initial 10-panel drug screening which all incoming students must take and pass successfully. The screening will occur after acceptance into the program. The student will be responsible for the cost of any additional screenings required by the program or clinical sites during their time in the program. Please refer to the full CU School of Medicine Drug Screening Policy for additional information.