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Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia State University offers a clinical entry-level doctorate in physical therapy. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the national licensure exam. Students are accepted into the program once a year to begin the program in fall semester. We use a self-managed graduate application process. You will submit all materials by the postmark deadline of December 1st. Admission decisions are based on materials and coursework completed at the time of application.

When will I be notified of my acceptance status?
The admissions timeline is a guideline.  In any given year, the schedule may have to be adjusted.

Are letters of recommendation required?
No. Letters of recommendation are not required.

Can you please mail an application to my home?
To apply to a graduate program in the College of Health and Human Sciences, you may complete the application online and submit it to us electronically, or print the application materials from the program links below and submit them by mail. Please send application materials to the College of Health and Human Sciences, Office of Academic Assistance, P.O. Box 3995, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995.

What materials must be submitted?
Admission into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) is very competitive. Factors considered for admission include completion of a bachelor's degree and program prerequisites, academic performance, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, knowledge of the physical therapy profession, and a personal interview.   The DPT curriculum of Georgia State University demands rigorous scholarly effort. We welcome students with different strengths and backgrounds to the program.

Do I have to complete my bachelor's degree before applying?
No. Your bachelor’s degree must be completed prior to entrance into the DPT program.

How can I prepare for the GRE?
You may visit the Georgia State University Testing Center to help you prepare for the Graduate Record Examination.

I've taken the GRE multiple times.  Which scores will you use?
We will use the highest score earned in each section of the GRE. For example, if your verbal test score was high the first time, we will use that score rather than your most recent verbal score (if lower). A minimum verbal score of 400 must be obtained. The required Analytical Writing Section score is 3.5. Scores cannot be more than five years old from the desired semester of entry.

What are the prerequisite courses for admission to the DPT program?
Five of the nine prerequisites must be completed by the December 1st deadline. Students seeking admission require a strong science background.

Students who wish to complete or update prerequisites at Georgia State University can apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at http://www.gsu.edu/undergraduate_admission.html for post baccalaureate status. With this undergraduate status, a student who has received a bachelor's degree can complete the required prerequisites.

Can I be accepted before completing all of my prerequisites?
Yes. However, five of the nine prerequisites must be completed by the December 1st deadline. You should submit a Prerequisite Form (included in application materials) outlining when and where you will complete any remaining required prerequisites prior to beginning the program in August.

Why do you require volunteer hours?
The purpose of volunteer hours is to familiarize you with the depth and breadth of physical therapy practice. Eighty hours of volunteer or paid experience in two physical therapy patient care settings is required (i.e. inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, acute care, geriatrics, pediatrics, home health care, or orthopedics). The hours may be split in any combination provided a minimum of 20 hours is spent in each setting. The two experiences may be in one facility; for example, a large health care facility with outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation. A minimum of 40 hours must be completed prior to submitting application.  Click here for form. (pdf)

How will I know if my materials have been received?
You will be sent an email notice by the Office of Academic Assistance acknowledging receipt of your application. You may verify application status by logging in to your GoSolar account and selecting “Application Status.”

Is an interview required?
Yes. A personal interview is required. Applicants will receive information regarding interviews after the December 1st deadline. Please refer to the Admissions Timeline.

What is the cost of tuition?
Full-time matriculation for the DPT program consists of 137 semester hours over nine semesters. Students take at least 17 credit hours each semester but only pay for a maximum of 12 credit hours per semester. For current Georgia State University tuition and fees visit http://www.gsu.edu/es/tuition_and_fees.html.

We recommend each student budget approximately $5,000 for travel and living expenses for out-of-state clinical internships.  Applicants must be prepared to travel out-of-state for 8 – 10 weeks while completing their internship.  The Department of Physical Therapy requires a $300 deposit at the time of acceptance. This non-refundable, non-transferable deposit guarantees the student’s place in the physical therapy class and applies toward fall semester tuition.

Do you accept out-of-state students?
Yes. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of residency.

How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can obtain a form by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or the Georgia State University Office of Student Financial Aid at 404-413-2102.
  
Are any scholarships available?
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for qualified candidates in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Additional scholarships are available at:

What housing facilities are available?
Housing is available for graduate students. The University Lofts are located at 135 Edgewood Avenue, adjacent to Alumni Hall, in the center of campus. Registration and deposits cannot be made until an applicant has been accepted as a graduate student in the Division of Physical Therapy.

Division of Physical Therapy
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 4019
Atlanta, GA 30302-4019
404/413-1225
Suite 1228, Urban Life Building
Web: http://chhs.gsu.edu/pt
Email: physicaltherapy@gsu.edu