Degree Programs
Admission to the DPT Program
Admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is contingent on the completion of a baccalaureate degree and all prerequisite course work from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Individuals should have completed the majority of the science course requirements and have GRE scores prior to the application deadline of December 1. Only candidates who have earned, or who will earn their baccalaureate degree before the class begins in July will be considered for admission.
Course Requirements
The following prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment in the program:
- Biological Sciences
- A complete introductory course in principles of general biology or zoology and advanced course work in biology or zoology (for which an introductory course is prerequisite) equivalent to 12 semester hours;
- Chemistry
- A complete introductory course equivalent to 8 semester hours;
- Physics
- A complete introductory course equivalent to 8 semester hours;
- Physiology
- A systemic human physiology course equivalent to 3 semester hours;
- Psychology
- Courses equivalent to 6 semester hours;
- Mathematics
- A college-level mathematics course, at the level of trigonometry or higher, equivalent to 3 semester hours;
- Statistics
- A statistical methods course equivalent to 3 semester hours.
All science courses must include the appropriate laboratory instruction. The prerequisite courses must be taken for a letter grade. Credit awarded through the AP testing program may be applied to the mathematics requirement only.
Grade-point Requirement
An overall grade-point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) is the minimum for consideration for admission. A grade-point average of 3.0 or above in all prerequisite course work is recommended.
Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for admission. Arrange to take the test early to ensure receipt of the scores prior to the application deadline. Request that your scores be reported directly to The University of Iowa.
Early Admission
The DPT Program also has an early admission plan. Applicants with outstanding GPA's, generally a 3.75 or higher, and a score equal to or greater than 1100 on the GRE (verbal and quantitative scores combined) may be considered for early admission. Application procedures are the same as those for regular admission. Applicants interviewed but not selected for early admission would automatically be placed in the final general applicant pool. Questions regarding early admission should be directed to physical-therapy@uiowa.edu.
Professional Opportunities
Changes in the health care system have made possible many practice opportunities for physical therapists. In addition to hospital based practice, an increasing number of physical therapists select private practice. In the last several years, areas of specialization have become available in orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, electrophysiology, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics, and sports physical therapy. Some potential practice settings are as follows:
- General or specialized hospitals and nursing homes
- Private physical therapy clinics or offices
- Home health agencies
- Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers
- Corporate or industrial health centers
- Fitness centers and sports training facilities
- Athletic facilities
- Schools or pediatric centers
- Community and governmental agencies
- Education or research centers
Criminal Background Checks
Enrollment in the DPT Program will be contingent on a successful criminal background check. Applicants invited for interviews are required to sign a Background Release Form and disclose and explain any felony or misdemeanor convictions. Applicants offered admission are required to provide signed consent for conducting an External Criminal Background Investigation in addition to providing a signed Release of Information Waiver. This occurs at the time applicants confirm the Program's admissions offer. Applicants should also be aware that some clinical education sites require drug screening for students performing clinical rotations.
Cultural Diversity Statement
The University of Iowa's Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science acknowledges the importance of recognizing and understanding cultural diversity. The Program's faculty, staff, and students strive to promote trust, respect, and appreciation for individual differences in matters of practice, research, and education. Efforts are made to provide a supportive environment, one appreciative of human differences, while cooperating with each other in the constructive expression of ideas and actions. Please visit the University's Office of Cultural Affairs and Diversity website for additional information and resources.