DPT Frequently Asked Questions

The Campbell University DPT program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).  All applicants must apply online using the PTCAS application.

All prerequisites are listed on the Admission Requirements page. 

Science prerequisite course work must be completed within the last 10 years and completed with a grade of C or higher.

We recommend one letter from a licensed physical therapist and one letter from an academic professor.

We recommend applying to the program early in the application cycle, as this may improve likelihood of acceptance.

Yes, an application can be submitted before all prerequisites have been completed.  Note that all prerequisites must be completed no later than May 31, 2025 for matriculation in June 2025.

Yes. The PTCAS application can be submitted before test scores and transcripts are received. PTCAS will release the application once all the materials have been received and transcripts have been verified. The verified PTCAS application is required for an application to be evaluated.

Yes. As long as an application is verified by PTCAS it can be reviewed by admissions to determine if an invitation to interview may be extended.

The DPT program uses a rolling admissions process. This means we interview and accept students throughout the application cycle in an ongoing, continuous basis. Since we are consistently receiving additional applications throughout the cycle, with variation from year to year, there is not an expected timeframe for an admissions decision. Acceptance of applicants depends on numerous factors, including strength of applications and timing of submission. Importantly, as the goal is to admit applicants that are the best fit for Campbell individually and as a class, the pace of admissions decisions evolves throughout the cycle.

Applicants may take either the GRE General Test or the GRE General at Home.

Please use code 2114 to report your official GRE scores to Campbell University Doctor of Physical Therapy via PTCAS.  

For the Graduate Record Examination (required of applicants), there is not a required minimum score for consideration. Competitive applicants typically achieve the following:

• Verbal ≥ 149 (approximately 40^th percentile)
• Quantitative ≥ 151 (approximately 40^th percentile)
• Analytical Writing ≥ 3.5 (approximately 38^th percentile)

We review the verbal, quantitative, and writing portions of the GRE. If an applicant has taken the GRE multiple times, the highest score on each section will be used.

As we consider our applicants holistically, retaking the GRE is not required if these scores are not achieved with your initial performance. However, if your achievement on the GRE falls below these levels or your ability to perform, it may strengthen your application to improve these scores. Further resources for interpreting your scores can be found on the ETS website (https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/scores/understand-scores.html).

Official GRE scores are required for an offer of admission to be extended to an applicant. Submitting official GRE scores with your application will prevent delays in processing your application or its advancement in the admissions process that can occur when only self-reported scores are submitted. While applications may be initially reviewed with self-reported scores, we recommend official GRE scores be submitted as early in the process as possible.

The aim of these hours is to provide applicants with a well-rounded, informed view of the physical therapy profession. In addition, these hours ensure applicants are confident that the profession of physical therapy is the right one for them to pursue. Observation hours may assist in your ability to share experiences and perspectives during an interview, if offered.

While participating in these hours is recommended, attaining significantly more than the recommended 50 hours does not necessarily result in a greater chance of acceptance.  If you have attained the recommended 50 hours in a single setting, we recommend attempting to gain experience in, or exposure to, additional settings to strengthen your application.

Yes. Accepted students will undergo criminal background checks prior to beginning coursework. After matriculation, students will have repeat criminal background checks conducted throughout the program to ensure compliance with clinical practice site policies. Applicants are expected to disclose convictions and pending litigation at time of application and provide updates if any change occurs prior to or after beginning coursework.

Substance abuse screening is required prior to beginning courses and throughout the program. Findings from substance abuse screening testing will be reviewed by the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Experiential Education Committee or Professionalism Committee as appropriate.

Findings on a criminal background check do not automatically prevent an applicant from being admitted to our program or continuing towards program completion. Some criminal background check findings may prevent the student from successfully completing the clinical experience portion of the curriculum which leads to an inability to complete the degree program. The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Experiential Education Committee will review findings on the criminal background check to determine the potential impact on clinical placement. An accepted applicant or student with criminal findings will receive individual counseling regarding the potential impact of their results on clinical placement and program completion. 

Yes. The program is open to all applicants meeting the Campbell DPT program admissions requirements. Transfer of credit from another DPT program is not accepted.

Applicants must have earned their undergraduate degree by May 31, 2025 to matriculate in June 2025.

For the next cohort, classes for the DPT program will begin in June 2025.