How Can I Apply?

Admissions Requirements

The University of Southern California Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS.  All individuals wishing to apply to the USC DPT program for admission into the Fall 2010 entering class will apply using the PTCAS online application form.  The PTCAS application will be available on July 15, 2009 and can be found on the PTCAS website at http://www.ptcas.org.

The application process for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program is comprised of the following steps:

Step 1

• Complete the PTCAS application found at http://www.ptcas.org (for questions, please contact PTCAS directly by Email: ptcasinfo@ptcas.org or by phone: 617-612-2040).  PLEASE NOTE:  It is important that GRE scores are included (if available) on the application form.  If the test will be taken after submission of the PTCAS application, the applicant should notify Virginia Orcasitas, Admissions Coordinator (vorcas@usc.edu or 323-442-2890) when the scores are available.

Step 2

• Once the PTCAS application is completed, fill out a supplemental spplication to the USC Graduate School found at http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/applyonline/. PLEASE NOTE:  USC Graduate Admissions requires official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended AND official GRE scores from ETS.  These materials should be sent directly to USC Graduate Admissions.  No statement of purpose or letters of recommendation are required for the supplemental application.

Step 3

• Applicants are encouraged to make an appointment to visit the campus, tour the facilities, and speak with a faculty member (this can be arranged by contacting Virginia Orcasitas, Admissions Coordinator, at vorcas@usc.edu or 323-442-2890.

Applicants to the three (3) year Doctor of Physical Therapy program must satisfy all requirements for Graduate School admission. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required of all applicants. In general, a minimum score of 500 is preferred on each component of the aptitude test. Test scores more than five years old will not be accepted. The last date to take the GRE is NOVEMBER of the year before the program begins. The USC Graduate School requires only one (1) official copy of test scores from the Education Testing Service (ETS). USC's institution code number is 4852 and the code for physical therapy is 0619.

The Graduate School and the Divisional admissions committee prefer that applicants have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.  However, the admissions committee will consider for admission applicants who have a GPA < 3.0 in light of all academic and professional credentials.  Each applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree by the date of projected enrollment (August of each year).

Prerequisite Courses
Grades of “C” or better are required in all prerequisite courses. Biological Science and Physical Science courses must include laboratories. No prerequisite course may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis and no AP credits will be accepted for science courses. In general, three quarters are considered equivalent to two semesters of course work. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the program.

Biological Science
A minimum of four (4) semesters (approximately 16 semester units) in the mammalian biological sciences are required. These must include one course in Human Anatomy with laboratory and one course in Human Physiology with laboratory.  If a COMBINED Human Anatomy & Physiology course is taken, two semesters are required.

Chemistry
Two (2) semesters are required (8 semester units). This should include General Chemistry with laboratory, Organic Chemistry with laboratory, or Biochemistry.

Physics
Two (2) semesters of General Physics are required (8 semester units) with laboratory.

Psychology
A minimum of two (2) courses are required and may include General Psychology or Abnormal Psychology.

Mathematics
One (1) college-level math course is required (approximately 4 semester units).

Work Experience
Substantial clinical experience is highly recommended in the volunteer or paid capacity in the physical therapy field.

Decision Notification
A timely decision of your application is dependent upon the completeness of both the PTCAS Application and USC Graduate Application.  This includes receipt of all GRE scores and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Application Deadline
The PTCAS application for the DPT program will be available on July 15 and is DUE BY DECEMBER 1, 2009.

*** NOTE: NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED PAST JANUARY 15, 2010 ***

Contact Information
For more information or to request an appointment, contact Virginia Orcasitas, Admissions Coordinator, at vorcas@usc.edu or 323-442-2890.