Considering a career in physical therapy and aiming for NYU? Understanding the admission requirements for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is your first step. NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers a comprehensive DPT program, and meeting specific criteria is essential for your application to stand out. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the NYU DPT program admissions process, ensuring you’re well-prepared to apply.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
A bachelor’s degree is a fundamental prerequisite for admission. NYU requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than physical therapy. Furthermore, your academic performance matters significantly; a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is mandatory. This GPA reflects your overall academic capability and readiness for the rigorous DPT program.
Observation Hours in Physical Therapy Settings
Practical experience in physical therapy settings is a crucial component of your application. You must complete a minimum of one day (eight hours) of observation in each of three distinct physical therapy locations. Importantly, at least one of these settings must be an inpatient facility. Documented proof of these observation hours from each facility is required as part of your application. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the profession and helps solidify your career choice.
Prerequisite Coursework: Natural Sciences
NYU DPT program has specific prerequisite coursework in natural sciences to ensure you have a strong foundation in the biological and physical sciences relevant to physical therapy.
You need to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these prerequisite natural science courses. Each course must be four credits (semester hours), be taught within a science department, and, with the exception of Physiology, include a laboratory component. Crucially, these science prerequisite courses must have been completed within ten years prior to your application submission. By the December 1 application deadline, grades must be available for at least five of the science prerequisite courses listed below:
- Biology I (General, Cell, Zoology)
- Biology II (General, Cell, Zoology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology)
- Chemistry I (General or Inorganic)
- Chemistry II (General, Organic, Inorganic, or Biochemistry)
- Physics I (General – Trigonometry or Calculus-based)
- Physics II (General – Trigonometry or Calculus-based)
- Physiology (Cell, Mammalian, or Human) or eight credits (semester hours) of Anatomy / Physiology I and II
Additional Prerequisite Courses
Beyond the natural sciences, there are additional prerequisite courses to broaden your understanding of human behavior and statistics, as well as demonstrate engagement in physical activity:
- A three-credit (semester hours) course in psychology
- Two additional three-credit (semester hours) social science/behavioral science courses
- One three-credit (semester hours) course in statistics
- One course (credit or noncredit) in physical activity/movement/dance/sports, or equivalent experience. Acceptable experiences include collegiate-level participation, intramural/club team participation, or intermediate level fitness/wellness activities like Pilates, Tai Chi, or yoga. Noncredit physical activity experience should be detailed in the extracurricular activities section of your PTCAS application.
Important Note: All admission requirements must be fulfilled before the program start date. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the withdrawal of your acceptance offer.
Application Deadlines: Soft and Firm
NYU DPT program operates with a soft and a firm application deadline.
The soft deadline is October 1. Submitting your complete application by this date is highly recommended. Decisions regarding interviews are made on a rolling basis as soon as complete applications are received. Applying early increases your chances of securing an interview slot.
The firm deadline is December 2. All required application documents must be received by PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service) by this date. This includes all transcripts, letters of recommendation, observation hour documentation, and GRE scores (if required). The supplemental application fee must also be received by NYU by the firm deadline.
How to Apply to the NYU DPT Program
To apply to the NYU Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you must use the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). NYU Steinhardt does not require a separate graduate admissions application. All application materials should be submitted through PTCAS.
It is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete and all required documents are submitted by the deadlines. For applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, please refer to the special instructions for international applicants on the NYU Steinhardt website for specific guidelines.
By carefully reviewing and fulfilling these admission requirements, you’ll be well on your way to applying to the NYU Doctor of Physical Therapy program and taking the next step in your journey to become a physical therapist.
