Prospective Students
On-Site Visit
The UTEP DPT On-Site Visit is scheduled for prospective students to come to visit the campus and meet faculty and current students. This on-site visit is scheduled every second Saturday in September.
Because our Faculty are involved in teaching and research, we cannot accommodate any scheduled visits on other dates.
Application Deadlines:
First of November of each year (please see PTCAS Web Page for exact dates)– All Documentation must be submitted to Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) by this deadline.
Application Procedure:
This program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). For more information regarding specific PTCAS application requirements, procedures and fees, visit the PTCAS Web Page. Our PTCAS directory site is found HERE.
The PTCAS application must be completed by the application deadline stated in PTCAS directory site as listed HERE for the class beginning the following May. Applicants should send all application materials directly to PTCAS. PTCAS will verify the application information and send completed applications to the program.
Following the program's receipt of the PTCAS application, the UTEP Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will review the packet. Completed applications are reviewed by members of the admissions committee. Admissions decisions are finalized by January.
Fees are payable to PTCAS and a UTEP DPT application fee of $45.00 payable HERE. There are no supplemental forms that are required to be submitted directly to UTEP.
Please direct questions about the PTCAS application to the PTCAS Customer Service Team. The Customer Service information is listed below.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm ET
Phone Number: 617–612–2040
Email: PTCAS Info. When contacting via email, applicants should include their full name, PTCAS ID number and a detailed question.
Mail:
PTCAS
P.O. Box 9138
Watertown, MA 02471
Transfer of Credit Policy:
The UTEP DPT Program will not accept transfer credits from other DPT programs because of the lack of consistency among DPT curricula.
Requirements:
July to November 1 – Complete PTCAS application.
By January - Admission decisions finalized and students notified
May - Program begins.
The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States in a field other than physical therapy by the start of the program. Acceptance will be based on the student's academic ability and aptitude for a career as a physical therapist. The candidate is expected to satisfy the following requirements:
- The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university within the United States in a field other than physical therapy by the start of the program. Acceptance will be based on the student's academic ability and aptitude for a career as a physical therapist. The candidate is expected to satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete the PTCAS application by November 1, 2019.
- Completion of a Bachelor degree from an accredited educational institution prior to admission.
- A completed application package for the Physical Therapy Program, submitted through PTCAS by the set deadline.
- Payment of $45.00 "Non-refundable" application fee. To be paid HERE Application Fee.
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended must be sent to PTCAS by the set deadline.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Official Scores must be reported to UTEP's PTCAS GRE code through ETS by the set deadline. The GRE code is 8837.
- Completion of 38 semester hours of required prerequisite courses prior to admission.
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for prerequisite courses.
- Fifty (50) clock hours of documented volunteer or paid work experience in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist reported to PTCAS by the set deadline.
- All hours of observation must be verified by electronic signature.
- Three letters of recommendations submitted through PTCAS by the set deadline.
- Letter 1: recommendation from a physical therapist who supervised your work or volunteer experience
- Letter 2 and 3: Two recommendations from individuals concerning the attributes which qualify you for this program.
- Note: PTCAS only accepts 4 total letters of recommendation. UAB will only accept letters of recommendation from PTCAS. A letter from a Physical Therapist Assistant will not be accepted in lieu of a letter from a Physical Therapist.
- Completion of TOEFL sent to PTCAS by the set deadline (Required of International Student, minimum score determined by the Graduate School).
We are making some considerations to our admissions policies for the 2020-2021 cycle.
During the COVID crises, we understand the disruption of your lives. We realize that 2 of the things you may not be able to complete before the application deadline is hours of observation and a letter of recommendation from a licensed PT. Please answer the school-specific question regarding this topic if you are not compliant with this requirement by the application deadline.
- UTEP DPT will allow Satisfactory, Pass, or Credit grades for prerequisite course work for Spring 2020.
- We will accept remote learning coursework, including labs for Spring 2020, Summer 2020, and Fall 2020.
- We will require 50 hours of observation of physical therapy. However, we will allow you to complete this requirement by the academic update in 2021 (Feb 15, 2021 as per PTCAS Deadline). If you are not able to complete this requirement, you may petition to the DPTadmissions . All decisions are final.
- We strongly recommend you obtain a recommendation by a licensed PT. However, we will accept your letters from other sources that are acceptable. Follow UTEP DPT PTCAS Directory page information regarding this requirement.
Requirements that have not changed:
- Our overall GPA and Prerequisite GPA minimum requirement will remain at 3.0.
- All prerequisite course work and Bachelor’s Degree must be completed by Mid-May 2021.
- We will require the GRE by the application deadline of November 1, and are accepting the at home testing that ETS offers.
Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours.
- 8 semester credit hours Biological sciences with labs (not Botany)
- 8 semester credit hours in General Chemistry with labs
- 8 semester credit hours in General Physics with labs
- 4 semester credit hours in anatomy with lab & 4 semester credit hours in physiology with lab OR a two-course sequence (8 cr.) in anatomy and physiology with labs.
- 3 semester credit hours in Psychology
- 3 semester credit hours Statistics (should include ANOVA)
- Recommended courses (not required for admission, but may contribute to success in physical therapy education): Exercise Physiology, Medical Terminology, Public Speaking course (or participate in Toastmasters)
Technical Standards and Essential Functions
Certain disabilities can interfere with a student’s ability to complete the program of study and acquire the essential functions necessary for the practice physical therapy.* Reasonable accommodation can be made to compensate for some limitations. However, those that interfere with patient care, safety or require the use of an intermediary may be incompatible with independent professional practice.
*having these essential functions does not guarantee successful completion of the physical therapy program.
If accepted into the UTEP DPT program, applicant must agree to, sign, date and submit this Essential Functions Document on the first day of classes.
Students who are accepted into the UTEP Doctor of Physical Therapy program must:
If the UTEP DPT Program offers admission to an applicant, the applicant will be required to pay a non-refundable $200 deposit at the time of accepting an offer of admission to the UTEP DPT Program. The applicant must pay this non-refundable deposit in order to hold a spot in the incoming cohort of the UTEP DPT Program. The $200 will be applied toward the applicant’s first-semester (summer) tuition in the UTEP DPT Program. If the applicant withdraws from the UTEP DPT Program after paying the deposit, the $200 will be forfeited to the UTEP DPT Program.
Completion of the above requirements makes a student eligible for selection but does not guarantee admission to the Physical Therapy Program. The final selection is competitive.
Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Overall GPA, Prerequisite GPA, last 60 hours GPA and GRE scores.
- Quality of answers to the essay questions on the PTCAS application.
- Quality of letters of recommendations.
- Extra curricular, athletic, & work activities.
Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 created new laws that require entities that provide educational programs leading to an occupational license to notify all applicants and enrollees of the implications of a felony conviction which may make you ineligible for a physical therapy license upon program completion. The law requires that this information be provided to all persons who apply or enroll in a physical therapy program without regard to whether the person has been convicted of a criminal offense.
HB 1508 Acknowledgment Notice Potential Ineligibility for License
Please avoid these common mistakes as you complete your PTCAS application:
- All college transcripts were not sent to PTCAS. This includes all courses taken at community colleges, even during high school.
- GRE scores were not sent to the correct code. #8837
- The proper letters of recommendation were not completed. The physical therapist letters must be from licensed physical therapists who has spent enough clinical time with you to attest to your work ethic, curiosity about the field and interactions with clients and other clinicians.
- Observation hours were not verified. At least 50 hours must be verified at the time of application. We will not accept a student who does not have this requirement completed.
Applications are reviewed after receipt so it is in the applicant’s best interest to apply early. In this way, if an applicant is missing a requirement, the admissions committee may review the application and alert the applicant if there are any missing requirements.
Please direct questions about the PTCAS application to the PTCAS Customer Service Team. The Customer Service information is listed below.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm ET
Phone Number: 617–612–2040
Email: PTCAS Info. When contacting via email, applicants should include their full name, PTCAS ID number and a detailed question.
Mail:
PTCAS
P.O. Box 9138
Watertown, MA 02471
Application FAQs: PTCAS Frequently Asked Questions
Application Instructions: PTCAS General Instructions
Read the UTEP PTCAS directory and application directions closely to determine that you have met all requirements for submission of the application. The PT faculty do not advise applicants nor review transcripts until an application is submitted. The application must be complete through PTCAS. The UTEP DPT Program will not accept any paperwork outside of PTCAS. Do not send anything by mail or email to the program for your application.
After reading all the prospective student pages and the PTCAS instructions, specific questions may be directed to DPT Admissions E-mail. Please allow 3 business days for a response from an admissions committee member. The admissions committee will not answer questions by phone nor advise applicants.
FAQs
Which degree does UTEP offer?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree was approved by The Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) April 29, 2010, and is the only degree offered.
Is the program accredited?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: CAPTE; the CAPTE website: CAPTE Website.
How long is the program, and when does the program start each year?
The UTEP DPT Program curriculum is delivered over nine consecutive semesters. There are 99 credit hours in the DPT curriculum. The incoming class that starts the day after Memorial Day will graduate three years later in May.
How much is tuition?
As of 2018 here is the breakdown of costs for the program. These costs do NOT include any other items (books, living expenses, etc.) just tuition and fees.
The ANNUAL TUITION for a full-time student enrolled in the professional phase of the program, utilizing September 1 through August 31 timeframe to calculate the annual tuition:
Public institution, in-state student: $9,190.00
Public institution, out-of-state student: $25,390.00
The annual institutional fees for a full-time student enrolled in the program: $2,475.70
Visit: UTEP tuition and fees for more information about tuition and fees.
Be aware that the above estimates do NOT include living expenses, clinical education expenses, nor optional/recommended books and supplies. Expenses are subject to change each year.
Does the Program require a deposit?
If the UTEP DPT Program offers admission to an applicant, the applicant will be required to pay a non-refundable $200 deposit at the time of accepting an offer of admission to the UTEP DPT Program. The applicant must pay this non-refundable deposit to hold a spot in the incoming cohort of the UTEP DPT Program. The $200 will be applied toward the applicant’s first-semester (summer) tuition in the UTEP DPT Program. If the applicant withdraws from the UTEP DPT Program after paying the deposit, the $200 will be forfeited to the UTEP DPT Program.
How many students does the DPT Program admit per year?
Each cohort starting in May will include a maximum of 36 students.
What is a cohort program?
We admit one group of students each year, and those students take the same courses in the same order throughout the program.
Does the DPT Program require internships and will there be any expenses associated with them?
There are four (4) full-time clinical experiences included in the curriculum. The first three (3) are each eight (8) weeks in duration with the final clinical internship being twelve (12) weeks. These clinical experiences will be coordinated through the program’s Director of Clinical Education (DCE). Expenses associated with these clinical experiences are the responsibility of the student. There are some opportunities in El Paso, but the student should expect to go out of town for some clinical experiences.
Where can I find data on graduate outcomes such as licensure pass rate?
This information can be found
May I visit the UTEP Department of Physical Therapy, prior to applying?
Each year the UTEP DPT Program has planned an
A few photos are included on UTEP DPT photos
You can request a tour of UTEP main campus; at UTEP Tour Main Campus This tour does not include the DPT program or the building we are housed.
Here is a virtual tour of the UTEP campus: UTEP Campus Virtual Tour
Can you attend the DPT program part-time?
No. Due to the fixed sequence of the didactic curriculum, all students must enroll on a full-time basis.
How do I apply to the DPT Program?
Apply through
What are the deadline dates for applications to the program?
Applicants must apply through
When does the DPT Program notify applicants of admission status?
Applicants will be notified through
May I apply to the program before I have all prerequisites completed?
Although it is recommended that all prerequisites be completed prior to application, application to the program may be made before all prerequisite courses are completed. However, all prerequisite courses must be completed by May of the year of admission. Letters of recommendations, 50 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting, and GRE scores must be submitted to
Do I need to perform an academic update in
If you have outstanding coursework, have incomplete prerequisites or are still taking any additional classes, you MUST complete an academic update in December/January. If you fail to complete the academic update as needed, your application will be considered incomplete and will no longer be considered.
What is required before I apply?
Review our webpage UTEP DPT requirements for admission and Our
What bachelor’s degree is required to apply?
There is not a specific bachelor’s degree the applicant will need to obtain.
What are the prerequisites for the program?
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the UTEP DPT Program. There is not a specific bachelor’s degree the applicant will need to obtain; however, the specific course prerequisites can be found on this website under the Prospective Students section. The GRE is also required, along with 50 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a PT, and 3 letters of recommendation.
What classes can I use for Biological sciences with labs?
Eight semester credit hours are required. Any two (2) courses that include a lab that are fauna (courses that are human or animal) not flora (
What classes can I take for General Chemistry or General Physics?
Eight semester credit hours are required. Any two (2) (physics or chemistry) classes that include a lab may be used for this requirement. They must be two different classes, not just the same class taken at two different colleges. For example, if you take Chemistry 1 at one university and then take Chemistry 1 at another university, you cannot count that as both of your required course for chemistry. UTEP DPT recommends taking Chemistry and Physics for science majors.
What classes can I take for Anatomy and Physiology?
Eight semester credit hours are required. The anatomy and physiology course must be a
What classes count for Psychology prerequisite?
Any 3-semester credits of psychology will be accepted
Will the UTEP DPT Admissions Committee review my transcripts prior to submitting my application to help me determine if I have all the requirements?
No, the UTEP DPT Admissions Committee does not advise applicants nor review transcripts until an application is submitted. Applicants must check with their advising departments at their universities to ensure that they are meeting the prerequisite requirements.
May I use the highest grade for pre-requisite courses?
The applicant will enter all courses into
How is the prerequisite GPA calculated?
UTEP DPT includes the highest grade of all prerequisite courses in the prerequisite GPA.
Are on-line courses acceptable to fulfill prerequisite requirements?
Yes, although it is strongly recommended that prerequisite science courses be completed in a traditional classroom setting.
Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits and pass/no pass grades in lieu of college-level courses or a letter grade to fulfill science prerequisites?
We do accept AP credits as long as they are documented on the transcript. The applicant will have to include this when they input their grades into
Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?
No. All letter-graded prerequisite coursework that has been taken from an accredited university or college is acceptable, no matter when the coursework was completed. However, it is highly recommended that students take refresher courses when needed to be prepared to take full advantage of the curriculum.
Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
Yes. If you are unable to take prerequisite courses at an accredited 4-year college or university for compelling reasons, courses taken at an accredited community college are acceptable.
Do you require English, Technical Writing, or Speech as a prerequisite?
We no longer require these prerequisites.
Are there recommended
Recommended courses (not required for admission, but may contribute to success in physical therapy education): Exercise Physiology, Medical Terminology, Technical Writing, and Public Speaking course (or participate in Toastmasters)
How are GPAs calculated?
PTCAS calculates a standardized set of GPAs to help PT programs evaluate applicants using uniform criteria. PTCAS GPAs may differ from those calculated on the applicant’s transcripts due to the grade standardization process. PTCAS combines all coursework from undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate years for the Overall GPA. All failed or repeated courses are included, even if they are later repeated for a higher grade or excluded from the GPA on the transcript. See
How are classes that are not yet on the transcript calculated?
The UTEP DPT Program will review applications before Fall grades are received. Therefore, any grades received in the Fall semester during which the applicant applies to the UTEP DPT Program or the following Spring semester will not be calculated in your packet.
Should I re-take classes that are C or lower?
Each course taken will be calculated by
Does it matter how many classes (or what classes) I take each semester?
Yes! The UTEP DPT Program not only looks at what the applicant's GPA is but how the GPA is earned. The applicant will be more competitive if 15-18 credit hours are taken per semester on a consistent basis including at least 2 science courses and challenging electives. The applicant is also more competitive if the applicant is working 15 hours or greater while taking at least 12 credit hours per semester. It is important to document this clearly on the
How many physical therapy observation hours are required? Do they have to be completed in a particular setting? Who arranges them?
The UTEP DPT Program requires 50 hours of observation prior to applying. The hours must be completed under a licensed physical therapist. The purposes of these observation hours are to 1) introduce the applicant to the profession of physical therapy, and 2) build a relationship with a physical therapist who can give the successful applicant a strong recommendation to the UTEP DPT Program. The Program does not require that these hours be completed in a particular physical therapy setting, but it is recommended that the applicant tries to observe physical therapy services being delivered in more than one setting (e.g. inpatient, outpatient, schools).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to find Physical Therapy Clinics that will allow observation hours.
Does it make me more competitive to have more hours of observation?
No, however, it will help the applicant gain a better letter of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant. It also allows the opportunity to learn more about the field of physical therapy while observing.
How are Observation hours logged?
The UTEP DPT Program prefers the applicant to use the electronic verification process. See
Can I complete all of my observation hours after my application is complete?
No, you will not have a complete application if you do not have at least 50 hours of observations verified by the due date on PTCAS.
Is the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) required for admission to the DPT Program and is there a required score?
The UTEP DPT Program requires the GRE as part of the application process. There is no minimum score, but the applicant’s score is factored into the overall evaluation of the application. For data on average GPA or GRE, visit the UTEP
What is the GRE code for UTEP DPT?
Arrange for ETS to send official scores to UTEP's PTCAS GRE code #8837 and must be received by PTCAS by the set deadline.
When is the last date to take the GRE for each cycle?
GRE tests must be taken 31 days prior to the deadline. This date can be found on the
If I repeat my GRE what scores do you use?
We will take the highest score from each section
Does the DPT Program require an interview as part of the application process?
No, the UTEP DPT Program does not conduct interviews.
What are the requirements for international students?
Applicants may contact the international student office http://sa.utep.edu/oip/ for additional information on applying to the UTEP Graduate School.
Will having something on my student conduct or criminal record prevent me from getting accepted?
Usually not. If the applicant has a conduct issue or a misdemeanor, it does not automatically mean that the applicant will not be admitted. It is important that the applicant is always upfront about what happened, take responsibility for actions, and discuss what was learned from the experience. Some states will not issue professional licenses to convicted felons; therefore, if the applicant has a felony on their record, it is critical that the applicant checks with the physical therapy state board where the applicant may practice, to see their policies. The UTEP DPT Program requires a criminal background check prior to admission.
What are the characteristics/performance of an ideal candidate for your program?
Competition is very high! An ideal candidate must demonstrate that s/he has a strong work ethic and desire to enter the physical therapy profession. He or she will have a combination of life, work and academic experience that shows a capacity to perform under the demands of challenging academic and professional program.
Although 3.0 is the minimum overall and prerequisite GPA, it does not guarantee admittance. The higher the GPA, the better the chances; admitted applicants have an average of 3.6 on their overall, pre-requisite, and last 60 hours. The UTEP DPT Program also looks at the GRE scores. Although the UTEP DPT Program does not have a minimum score to be accepted, the applicant’s score is factored into the overall evaluation of the application. Last year, the average verbal and quantitative scores were ~151. The UTEP DPT Program wants to see the applicant as a whole, and so the UTEP DPT Program also looks at what other extracurricular activities the applicant is
Who should I contact with questions about applying to the DPT Program at UTEP?
After reviewing this website, including the FAQs and
Can I set up an appointment to discuss my transcripts or my chances of getting into the program with someone from the UTEP DPT Program?
Given the high number of potential applicants, we are unable to advise potential applicants in person or by phone. The UTEP DPT faculty do not advise applicants nor review transcripts until an application is submitted.
Who should I contact concerning
Phone Number: 617–612–2040
Email: PTCAS Customer Service. When contacting via email, applicants should include their full name,
Application FAQs: PTCAS Application FAQs
Application Instructions: PTCAS Application Instructions
Nine (9) Semester Curriculum
The curriculum schedule and course descriptions are listed here.
Why Pick UTEP Physical Therapy Program
Video Overview of UTEP
A video has been created showing information about UTEP.