Doctor of Physical Therapy: Programs in NC

• Average GPAs range from 3.3 (Methodist) to 3.72 (ECU).
• All programs are 3 years (8-9 semesters including summers). Credit hours range from 106 to 130, with Elon standing out with 161.
• Total In-State Tuition ranges from $21,000 (ECU) to $114,240 (Elon).
• The median annual wage was $85,400 in 2016. Employment is projected to grow 34% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations ( BLS).
• VIDEO: What it's like to be a PT

Prerequisite Courses:

Programs require some/all of the following courses. Student must verify the correct coursework needed for each program.

• BIO/L 201
• BIO/L 202
• BIO/L 240
• BIO/L 241
• EXS/L 320 or Upper Level BIO
• CHM/L 101
• CHM/L 102
• PHY/L 101
• PHY/L 102
• MAT 111 or higher
• STT 210 or STT 215
• PSY 105
• Additional PSY course (PSY 223 or PSY 247 recommended)

• CAPTE Program Directory

DPT Application Tips:

• Start researching schools and prerequisite requirements early! Most schools require the majority of your prerequisites to be complete prior to applying in the fall of your senior year.
• Speak with your Advisor about your goals so they can best support you and help you prepare.
• Take advantage of the Pre‐Professional Programs and the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement here on campus.
• Explore PTCAS. This will be the application portal for most DPT programs.
• Visit institutions and speak with program and admissions counselors.
• Become familiar with APTA, best practices, health care issues, and trends in the field. Surface level knowledge is not good enough. DPT applicants must have a holistic understanding of the field and be able to articulate why they want to be a PT!
• High grades in science prerequisites are important. If possible, take additional science courses and participate in research projects which will make you more competitive.
• Most schools prefer the majority of prerequisite courses at a 4‐year institution rather than a 2‐year institution, although both are accepted at most schools.
• Some schools participate in early decision. If you choose this option you cannot apply to any other school until after you find out if you are accepted. Applicants will usually find out by the end of September. This is a good option for DPT applicants who have a top school for which they are competitive.
• Most schools want to well‐rounded students. Get involved in leadership (EXS Club, Pre‐health club, etc.) and take on leadership responsibilities!
• Volunteer hours need to be in a variety of areas, not just in PT!
• Build relationships with your PT internship supervisors and EXS faculty. These individuals will have to write letters of recommendations which are taken very seriously by many schools.
• Be aware, DPT school is VERY competitive and difficult, with 3 consecutive years of 8‐10 hour days (including summers). If you pursue PT you must be committed your program.