Also see a sample 4-year plan.
Physical Therapists Occupational Outlook
A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who helps individuals recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries, manage chronic conditions, and improve physical movement and function. Their ultimate goal is to restore optimal mobility, relieve pain, and prevent further injury or disability. Most pre-PT students pursue a degree in Exercise Science, Biology, or Kinesiology, but it can be adjusted for other majors.
The key responsibilities of a PT include:
Common settings where a PT would work include:
Optional specializations might be in the fields of:
A PT should have:
The educational and licensing requirements include:
Most DPT programs require a bachelor’s degree (any major is acceptable, though common ones include exercise science, kinesiology, biology, or health science), plus the following science and health-related courses:
Note: Each program may vary slightly. Always check the specific schools you're applying to.
Overall GPA: Typically 3.0 minimum, though competitive programs often prefer 3.4 or higher.
Science/Prerequisite GPA: Often evaluated separately and must also meet a minimum threshold (usually 3.0+).
Some programs require the GRE, though many have started to waive this requirement. If required: Target scores: Verbal 150+, Quant 150+, Writing 4.0+.
Most programs require clinical experience under a licensed physical therapist:
Observation Hours: 50–100+ hours in multiple settings (e.g., outpatient, hospital, pediatrics).
Some schools require documentation and a signed verification of hours.
Typically 2–4 letters, often including:
The personal statement should answer this main question:
"Why do you want to become a physical therapist?"
And it should demonstrate: Your understanding of the PT profession, your personal motivations and experiences, your readiness for DPT school and your communication skills and maturity.
Start with a compelling personal story, experience, or insight. Introduce what drew you to physical therapy. Show genuine emotion or a turning point in your path. Avoid clichés like “I’ve always wanted to help people” unless you explain it with personal meaning or specific context.
Discuss how your shadowing, volunteering, or work gave you a realistic view of the profession. Reflect on what you learned from observing physical therapists. Emphasize your understanding of the human-centered, problem-solving, and hands-on nature of PT. Highlight academic strengths or challenges you’ve overcome. Emphasize growth, perseverance, and time management if you had to juggle school, work, or other responsibilities. Mention skills relevant to PT: communication, empathy, teamwork, adaptability, resilience. Talk about specific patient interactions or settings that confirmed your choice. Reflect on how you connected with patients or observed the impact of PT. Share what these experiences taught you about yourself and the type of PT you aspire to be.
Conclude by reaffirming your commitment to becoming a physical therapist, expressing your readiness for DPT training and the challenges ahead. End on a confident, hopeful, and authentic note.
Before writing, reflect on what moment or experience sparked your interest in PT? What do you admire about physical therapists? When did you feel most connected to the idea of helping others physically heal? What have you learned from patients, PTs, or adversity? And what personal strengths will make you a great PT?
Most DPT programs use PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service)
https://www.apta.org/cas/ptcas
Additional requirements vary and might include: a Background check, Drug screening, CPR certification (required before clinicals, not always at application), and an Interview (if selected).