Doctor of Physical Therapy

DPT Direct

DPT Direct is designed to recognize high-achieving incoming first-year students with provisional early assurance to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. DPT Direct students are eligible to apply for the DPT program at the completion of either sophomore year (3+3, early entry) or junior year (bachelor’s +3, traditional entry) with preferential consideration for admission. Any student whose application for a 3+3 admission is not selected for matriculation is eligible to re-apply as a Bachelor’s+3 DPT Direct applicant. Upon completion of all application requirements and meeting all standards for DPT admission, students are enrolled in the DPT program.

Benefits 
There are several benefits and opportunities for DPT Direct students:  

• Receive assistance to achieve your academic goals and career guidance for entering the physical therapy profession  

• Develop relationships with physical therapy faculty, administrators, and DPT students  

• Accompany physical therapists in a variety of clinical settings (e.g., Hobbs Service-Learning Clinic)  

• Participate in activities that strengthen academic preparation, encourage research, and/or introduce you to many dimensions of physical therapist practice  

• Develop professional relationships with peers and graduate DPT students who share similar goals and interests  

• Attend local meetings of professional physical therapy organizations (e.g., American Physical Therapy Association Kentucky Chapter) 

Application Information

To be eligible to apply for the program, students must first be admitted to Bellarmine University. The average student accepted for this program has a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.75 and an ACT of 28 (or SAT of 1250). You may apply test optional for DPT Direct. Your application will receive full consideration and will be reviewed holistically. Please designate if you will apply with or without a test score on your DPT Direct application.

The deadline for DPT Direct applications this year is May 1.

A committee will then review all applications. If accepted, requirements for undergraduate students to apply and be accepted into the graduate DPT program will be provided in the official DPT Direct admission letter, which will outline all academic qualifications, application requirements, and program expectations.

Apply to DPT Direct Now