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The UTEP DPT Virtual On-Site Visit is scheduled for prospective students to come to "visit" the campus and "meet" faculty and current students. This Virtual on-site visit is scheduled every first or second Saturday in September. It is a Three and a half hour "visit". The next scheduled visit will be held on September 6 or 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM Mountain Time.

Please check back in June 25 for registeration information.

Because our Faculty are involved in teaching and research, we cannot accommodate any scheduled visits on other dates.

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

June 15 to October 15 – (see PTCAS for specific deadlines) Complete PTCAS application.

November - January - Admission decisions finalized and students notified

May (day after Memorial Day) - 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:

• Complete the PTCAS application by October (deadline found in PTCAS- Must pay PTCAS).
• Completion of a Bachelor degree from an accredited educational institution prior to admission.
• A completed application package for the Physical Therapy Program, received by PTCAS by the set deadline.
• Payment of $45.00 "Non-refundable" application fee. To be paid Application Fee by set deadline.
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended must be received by PTCAS and electronic grade entry must be submitted by the set deadline.
• Completion of 38 semester hours of required prerequisite courses prior to matriculation.
• 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 received by PTCAS by the set deadline.
  • All hours of observation must be verified by electronic signature.
• Three letters of recommendations received by PTCAS by the set deadline.
  • Letter 1: recommendation from a physical therapist who supervised your work or volunteer experience in a PT clinical setting
  • Letter 2 and 3: Two recommendations from individuals concerning the attributes which qualify you for this program.
  • Note: PTCAS accepts 5 total letters of recommendation. UTEP 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.
• For foreign applicants, transcripts must be certified by World Education Services (as described on PTCAS website) and received by PTCAS by the PTCAS deadline.
• For foreign applicants educated in non-English speaking countries, completion of TOEFL is required and received by PTCAS by the set deadline (minimum score determined by the Graduate School).

While not mandatory currently at UTEP, some clinical facilities that we partner with for both clinical and classroom courses require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Our affiliated clinical site contracts dictate COVID vaccination requirements for in the clinic. Due to these requirements, it is highly recommended that all students are fully vaccinated and boosted per CDC guidelines.

We made some considerations to our admissions policies for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 cycle.
During the COVID crises, we understand the disruption of your lives. We realize that 2020 and 2021 courses may have been virtual or offered as non-grade. Due to this:

• UTEP DPT will allow Satisfactory, Pass, or Credit grades for prerequisite course work for Spring , Summer and Fall 2020.
• We will accept remote learning coursework, including labs for Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Summer 2021.

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 for the year you are applying.
• You must have 3 letters of recommendation and one must be from a licensed PT that observed you in a PT clinic.
• We require 50 hours of observation of physical therapy.

Course requirements are listed in semester credit hours.

• 8 semester credit hours Biological sciences with labs (not Botany) (minimum of 2 courses with labs)
• 8 semester credit hours in General Chemistry with labs (minimum of 2 courses with labs)
• 8 semester credit hours in General Physics with labs (minimum of 2 courses with labs)
• 4 semester credit hours in anatomy with lab & 4 semester credit hours in physiology with lab OR a minimum of 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)

8 semester credit hours = two 4-credit courses including the labs

8 semester credit hours = 12 quarter credit hours

The DPT Programs has 2 Memorandum of Understanding with UTEP’s bachelors in Rehabilitation Sciences and Masters in Kinesiology programs. For more information about them, please contact your advisor in those programs.

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. If the applicant withdraws from the UTEP DPT Program after paying the deposit, the $200 will be forfeited to the UTEP DPT Program.

Students who have been offered admission to the DPT Program and accept the offer of admission understand admission and compliance policies consistent with the UTEP Graduate School policy and applicable laws and regulations.

Compliance requirements:

1. Upon receiving the DPT Program welcome letter, the student has 21 calendar days to complete the CBC and drug screen.

2. Enrollment in the DPT Program requires each student to undergo and pass a CBC and drug screen prior to matriculation.

3. The student is responsible for paying for the cost of the CBC and drug screen.

4. The student is required to obtain all immunizations required by the State of Texas and clinical affiliates.

5. If the student fails to submit evidence of completion of the CBC and drug screen by the 22nd day, the offer of admission will be rescinded.

6. If the student is offered admission with less than 21 days before classes begin, s/he must show evidence of ordering the background check and drug screen within 72 hours of receiving the Graduate School official notification of admission. If the order has not been placed within the time frame, then the offer of admission will be rescinded. If there is not sufficient time to obtain results due to a late admission offer, the student cannot begin classes until the results have been obtained. In either case, offers of admission will be rescinded if the student does not pass the CBC or drug screen.

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 scored on the following criteria:

• Overall GPA
• Prerequisite GPA
• Last 60 hours GPA
• Math & Science GPA

Based on these scores, a minimum of 50% of qualified applicants are holistically reviewed by the faculty using a pre-determined rubric approved by the Faculty, which includes but not limited to:

• Work history
• Community Service
• Extracurricular activities (eg research, service, leadership, athletics)
• Quality of letters of recommendations
• Quality of answers to the essay questions on the PTCAS application
• Displayed ability to complete an intensive schedule of course work, work, and/or extracurricular activities. (Competitive applicants typically have consistently taken at least 15 semester credit hours or have a documented history of school athletics, work, service commitments and/or research)

The core faculty meet after review of all applications to determine status (Acceptance, Wait List, and Denial) for each applicant for the incoming cohort.

To fulfill the mission of our Program and the needs of our community, at least 40% of the initial offers will go to applicants from the region.

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 received by PTCAS by the deadline. This includes all courses taken at community colleges, even during high school.
• 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: 

Application Instructions: 

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 Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é 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: . Also The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). For more information on SACS, visit their website at .

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?

Visit:  and 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. If the applicant withdraws from the UTEP DPT Program after paying the deposit, the $200 will be forfeited to the UTEP DPT Program.

Are there scholarships or grants for graduate students?
The majority of students fund their DPT education with loans through financial Aid. Unlike undergrad, there are no grants to supplement financial aid for graduate programs through UTEP’s financial assistance department. The UTEP DPT Program has a few scholarships, but they are not open for first-year students. There are scholarships out there, but you will need to find the ones that you might qualify for. I get asked this question many times during the admissions cycle, and I have come to find out that grants and scholarships are dynamic and seem to be tailored to the individual. I recommend starting the search online (within and outside of UTEP) looking for organizations you or your family might belong to or special interests that may provide monetary assistance. Finally, during your search, you may come across some wonderful opportunities that neither of us knew existed before your hunt.

How many students does the DPT Program admit per year?
Each cohort starting in May will include a maximum of 70 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 at:

May I visit the UTEP Department of Physical Therapy, prior to applying?
Each year the UTEP DPT Program has planned an on campus visitation day on the second Saturday of September. Please watch our website for further information. Given the high number of potential applicants, we are unable to give individual tours.

A few photos are included on

You can request a tour of UTEP main campus; at This tour does not include the DPT program or the building we are housed.

Here is a virtual tour of the UTEP campus:

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 PTCAS at . Please, direct questions regarding the PTCAS application process to the PTCAS Customer Service Team.  PTCAS Customer Service.

What are the deadline dates for applications to the program?
Applicants must apply through PTCAS. The application is open beginning of July to beginning of November the year prior to the start of the program. (See actual deadlines on PTCAS.) Applicants do not apply directly to UTEP.

When does the DPT Program notify applicants of admission status?
Applicants will be notified through PTCAS email in January following the November deadline. If an applicant has not heard from the UTEP DPT Program by January 31, it is recommended that the applicant email UTEP DPT Admissions to inquire about his/her application.

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, and 50 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting must be received by PTCAS by the admission deadline.

Do I need to perform an academic update in PTCAS? 
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 PTCAS Directory site for the most up to date information.  You must meet the minimum admission requirements listed by the deadlines listed.  

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. 50 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a PT is also required along with and 3 letters of recommendation.

Is there a limit of how many prerequisite courses are in progress??
There is not a limit, however there will be a deduction in folder score for every outstanding course.

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 (plant-based courses) will be accepted.  This requirement means it must be a human or animal-based class, not botany or biofuels, etc. Each class must include a lab. BIOL or ZOOL courses are normally what is required.  Microbiology is accepted as long as there is a lab.  Courses for science majors are strongly recommended.

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 science-based course typically offered by the Science Department. Four-semester credits with a lab of Anatomy AND Four-semester credits with a lab of Physiology OR A&P I and II.  We do NOT accept Exercise Physiology for this requirement.

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 PTCAS even if the courses do not fulfill a prerequisite course or were later repeated. Applicants indicate if the course fulfills a core PT prerequisite. The UTEP Admissions Committee will verify the courses you have selected.

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 PTCAS. We will not accept pass/no pass (or fail) on pre-requisite course work. Grades from AP courses are not calculated in the GPA since they are just “for credit,” and this might hurt an applicant’s prerequisite GPA if there are 6 or more hours of AP credit.

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 course to take to help prepare for the program?
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 PTCAS FAQs for further answers.

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 PTCAS for the overall GPA. The UTEP DPT Program prefers that an applicant is successful in the first attempt of a course. However, if the applicant does poorly on a lower level course (Freshman/Sophomore), the applicant’s efforts are better directed toward successful completion of higher-level courses to demonstrate academic capabilities better. The UTEP DPT Program prefers applicants successfully complete upper-division science courses, but upper-division courses are not required. Upper-division courses may better prepare an applicant for the rigors of a doctoral program.

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 PTCAS application.

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 PTCAS for instructions. However, if that is not possible, there are other ways the observation hours can be submitted. The PT signing off on observation hours can write a letter stating the hours that were worked, or a generic form can be created by the applicant and can be signed off by the therapist each day and scanned into PTCAS.

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 no longer requires the GRE

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; please see the admissions statistics above for the averages for the past cohorts. The UTEP DPT Program will also look at the Math & Science GPA. Although the UTEP DPT Program does not have a minimum GPA for last 60 hours and Math & Sciences to be accepted, the applicant’s GPAs are factored into the overall evaluation of the application. 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 actively involved in since high school. The UTEP DPT Program looks at the applicant’s leadership activities, engagement with research, and community service. Make sure this is documented well in PTCAS.

Who should I contact with questions about applying to the DPT Program at UTEP?
After reviewing this website, including the FAQs and PTCAS Directory site at: if there are still questions, The DPT Program Admissions Committee can be reached through email at UTEP DPT Admissions. Allow 3 business days for a response to all inquiries.

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 PTCAS questions?
Please direct questions about the PTCAS application to the PTCAS Customer Service Team. The Customer Service information is listed below.

Phone Number: 617-612-2040

Email: PTCAS Customer Service. When contacting via email, applicants should include their full name, PTCAS ID number and a detailed question.

Application FAQs: 

Application Instructions: 

The curriculum schedule and course descriptions are listed here.

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