Admission to College of Saint Mary (CSM) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program is a competitive process. Admission occurs once per year. A maximum of 60 students are enrolled in each cohort.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts are required from all institutions attended. Transcripts are to be submitted to CSM.
- Posting of the baccalaureate degree must appear on the final undergraduate transcript before the start of classes.
- A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- Successful completion (C or better) of the following prerequisite courses are required:
- 8 semester hours of Biological Science courses for science majors with corresponding labs,
- General Chemistry I & II with corresponding lab (8 semester hours),
- General Physics I & II with corresponding lab (8 semester hours),
- Human Anatomy with lab (human gross anatomy recommended; course must be at least 200 level) (4 semester hours),**
- Physiology with lab (4 semester hours),**
**A combined two-course sequence in anatomy and physiology with lab (8 semester hours) will satisfy both (4) and (5) above. - Psychology (general psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, psychology of disability, etc.) (3 semester hours),
- English Composition or Writing (3 semester hours),
- Statistics or Research Design (3 semester hours),
* Graduate course equivalency will be evaluated on an individual basis.
- Completed application and fee on PTCAS.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae with the application.
- Two letters of references from the following: At least one from a licensed physical therapist and one from a person of the applicant’s choice
- Community Involvement (volunteer) hours are not a requirement, but are strongly recommended.
- Observation hours are not a requirement, but are strongly recommended.
- Applicants for whom English is not their first language, demonstration of English language proficiency is required through the completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
Paper-based TOEFL exam, minimum score of 600
Internet-based TOEFL exam, minimum score 100, minimum of 20 in each sub test - Ability to fulfill the essential functions of a physical therapist. Standards will be outlined on the CSM DPT website.
Once a student is admitted to the DPT Program, she or he must complete the following requirements designated by the program prior to matriculation:
- Comprehensive Criminal Background Check through a CSM-provided company
- A misdemeanor or felony conviction may:
- Affect a student’s ability to complete clinical experiences at clinical sites based on their requirements.
- Affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination or attain state licensure.
- A misdemeanor or felony conviction may:
- Child Abuse Clearance
- American Heart Association CPR Certification (including Adult, Child, Infant and AED training)
- Proof of current health insurance
- COVID-19 immunization as required; however, students may request an exemption.
- 2-step TB Test
- Annual Physical Examination (completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
- Immunization Record for
- Measles, Mumps, & Rubella
- Varicella
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus-Diphtheria