Updated at: 19-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Physical therapy program enrollment is extremely competitive. Even with a high GPA, admission to a prestigious physical therapy program in the United States is not guaranteed.

Don’t worry, though; we’ve laid out the PT programs that the class of 2023 has the least competition for and provided a simple guide to getting in. You may be able to fulfill your dream of attending one of the nation’s most easily accessible physical therapy programs if you apply and are accepted.

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions that aims to alleviate pain and restore mobility and function. For pain management, it will be essential as well. Strengthen your skill or mobility. prevent or manage a sports-related injury.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a physical therapist is a trained medical professional who helps patients recover lost mobility and function, stays healthy by preventing further impairments, and promotes optimal physical performance. Physical therapists spend years in school studying various medical fields, including the human body and its systems (biology, anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathology, cardiopulmonary, endocrine, metabolic, and musculoskeletal).

This has led to the establishment of rigorous and selective admissions standards at PT schools. Because of this, young people have a much harder time finding social acceptance. Meanwhile, admissions requirements vary widely among these schools.

In other words, we get that you’re really interested in becoming a physical therapist. This article will help you weigh your options, put together a complete application, and enroll in the program so that you can begin your career as a physiotherapist in 2023.

Before moving on, let’s take a look at the article’s table of contents to get a feel for its scope.

PT Schools With The Easiest Admission

PT schools with the easiest admission

Duke University

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an open-minded group of researchers dedicated to improving the lives of patients and students through the pursuit of new knowledge.

Its goal is to train the next generation of healthcare leaders who will be dedicated to achieving health equity and well-equipped to use the most recent research to improve the quality of care provided to individual patients.

In addition, faculty members engage in a wide variety of research projects aimed at advancing the field in ways such as novel clinical practices, educational research, and enhanced diagnostic precision.

In addition, the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has recognized Duke University’s physical therapy program as meeting its rigorous standards.

Bellarmine University

Bellarmine University

Physical therapists can get the education they need to become licensed professionals at Bellarmine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

The local health care delivery system, the physical therapy profession, and the School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences all depend on this program.

Bellamine values the tradition of superior undergraduate liberal arts and professional education programs found at Catholic universities.

Our mission is to prepare students from all backgrounds to become effective physical therapists by giving them access to a wide range of academic and clinical opportunities.

East Tennessee State University

The first physical therapists in Tennessee were graduates of Tennessee State University. When it comes to earning your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, the Department of Physical Therapy follows a strict three-year lockstep schedule that begins in the summer of your first year and concludes in the spring of your third year.

In order to better the health of individuals in our region and society, this institution educates physical therapists who embody lifelong learning, collaboration, and leadership.

Touro University

Touro University Nevada is a religiously affiliated, private university in Nevada that focuses on health and education.

Their mission is to provide high-quality educational programs that are in line with the values of social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity that are central to Judaism, and their vision is to train compassionate professionals to serve, lead, and teach.

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program at this school is dedicated to producing professionals who are well-versed in the field, competent in its many subspecialties, and compassionate toward their patients.

The courses are planned to help you grow professionally in areas like patient care, teaching, and healthcare policy making.

University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Another top-tier Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is located at the University of Pittsburgh. In fact, it provides a plethora of options, including the standard Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, as well as Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Bioengineering.

Surprisingly, there is no set requirement for the minimum amount of time spent watching. However, the website provides scant details, saying only that you need “demonstrated evidence” and that there is no minimum required number of hours. Then, it recommends having 150 hours under your belt. Since I stated in the prerequisites section that there is no hard rule, I would prioritize accumulating at least 50-100 hours. Of course, the more the merrier, but don’t put your life on hold because you want to put in more time at the gym.

A physical therapist, an academic advisor, and a current or former employer or supervisor are all acceptable sources for the three required letters of recommendation. The website suggests that this final recommendation come from a health care professional. Since you plan on applying to physical therapy schools, this should be simple.

Chemistry and Physics I and II, Biology I and II, Anatomy and Physiology, Two Psychology Courses, Statistics, and English Composition are required for admission.

Do you see a trend developing? All of these schools have nearly identical prerequisites. You’ll need excellent grades, recommendation letters, observation time, and foundational coursework.

Having completed these courses is advantageous because they are generally accepted by all physical therapy (PT) programs.

The best strategy for managing your portfolio of observation hours is to maintain as much diversity as possible. Instead of focusing on just one setting, try juggling three or four.

University of Delaware

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is number one on the list of best institutions for physical therapists. The University of Delaware is a public-private research institution located in Newark, Delaware. UD is by far Delaware’s largest educational institution. It offers three associate’s degree programs, 148 bachelor’s degree programs, 121 master’s degree programs, and 55 doctoral degree programs across its eight colleges.

To this end, the Department of Physical Therapy provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate education, integrates scientific principles into the delivery of high-quality clinical services, serves as a national leader in federally funded rehabilitation research, and trains the professionals of tomorrow to continue advancing the field.

The University of Delaware is also recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Creighton University

Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, is home to a prestigious medical school for postgraduates called the Creighton University School of Medicine. It began operations in 1892.

In 2012, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, opened a satellite campus, making it the first Jesuit medical program west of Omaha. However, all third-year students complete their clinical rotations in Phoenix, while all matriculating students complete their pre-clinical coursework in Omaha. In their final year, students can choose electives from either institution.

The school also has regional accreditation (ACPE) from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

Emory University

There is a fifth-best physical therapy program at this university. Atlanta, Georgia is home to Emory University, a private research institution. Emory College was founded in 1836 by the Methodist Episcopal Church and named after Methodist bishop John Emory. However, the Department of Physical Therapy has attracted the attention of many would-be therapists.

The program helps students gain the self-assurance they need to grow into outstanding professionals while also nurturing their remarkable abilities, creativity, reflection, and humanism. The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to improve people’s health and quality of life through innovative teaching, groundbreaking study, and selfless service.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has granted accreditation to the university, which means that it is able to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.

University of Iowa

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a state-funded research university located in Iowa City. It was founded in 1847, making it the state’s oldest and second-largest university.

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences is located in a world-class medical institution and offers a one-of-a-kind learning atmosphere. However, the department’s faculty consists of clinical educators and scientists who are dedicated to the department’s mission of improving human health.

Because of the faculty’s clinical teaching skills and commitment to pushing new information in physical therapy, students are expertly guided to address the challenges currently facing the health care industry.

The institution is also recognized by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Washington University in St. Louis

The main campus of Washington University in St. Louis, a private research university, is located primarily in Clayton and unincorporated St. Louis County. Originating in 1853.

With a focus on optimizing function throughout the lifespan through interdisciplinary research, exceptional clinical care, and the education of tomorrow’s leaders, the physical therapy program at Washington University is at the forefront of advancing human health through movement.

The Physical Therapy Program was the first of its kind to take an innovative, movement-based approach to the field.

In addition, Washington University’s PT program is rated #4 in the nation. In addition, the institution has received approval from the HLC, or the Higher Learning Commission.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University

When it comes to schools that offer degrees in physical therapy, Northwestern University is ranked #6.

Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private research institution. Established in 1851.

Northwestern University’s Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences is committed to providing its students with the best possible learning environment in which to develop physical therapy skills.

However, the institution is dedicated to providing its students with a stimulating learning environment where they can develop both as individuals and as scholars.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) also recognizes Northwestern as a legitimate educational institution.

MGH Institute of Health Professions

When it comes to schools that offer physical therapy programs, MGM Institute of Health Professions comes in at number eight.

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the private MGH Institute of Health Professions (The MGH Institute) is dedicated to the study of health-related fields. Mass General Hospital was the organization’s founding institution back in 1977.

Physical therapists face many challenges in today’s healthcare system, but the Doctor of Physical Therapy program sets them up for success.

To put it another way, they stress things like critical thinking and clinical decision-making, team-based care, and continuous education.

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) has granted the university its accreditation.

FAQs

What are the PT Schools With the Easiest Admission Requirements?

The Physical Therapy Programs With the Fewest Stringent Admissions Standards Are: The Universities of Iowa and Duke A.T. Still University East Tennessee State University East St. Louis University Daemen College

What is a good GPA for physical therapy school?

Most DPT programs require a minimum GPA of 3.5 from their incoming students. Your undergraduate concentration is less important.

How do I become a physical therapist in Texas?

In order to practice physical therapy in the Lone Star State, prospective candidates must first earn a four-year bachelor’s degree from an approved institution. The state does not offer any bachelor’s degree programs in physical therapy.

What physical therapy school has the highest acceptance rate?

Iowa State University. The University of Iowa is ranked among the more accessible PT programs nationally. In 2021, their acceptance rate will be extremely high at 82.55%, with over 21.000 students being accepted out of almost 26.000 applicants.

Conclusion

Even the schools with the most relaxed admissions standards require a substantial amount of work to be considered for enrollment.

But now you have the information you need. If you buckle down and put in the time and effort, you’ll find that it’s much simpler than you initially imagined.

Next, you should verify that you have completed all of the necessary coursework and prerequisites. Then, try to arrange some time to watch how things are done in various settings. Every school will accept unpaid work or volunteer work as acceptable.

Exactly why are you stalling? Start today applying to the most accessible physical therapy programs.