DPT Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

 

FAQs: Seniors in high school interested in Bellarmine's Physical Therapy program

Do I apply to the Physical Therapy program as a first-year student?
No. Information about admission can be found on our admissions page. As a high school senior, please take note of the LEAP path to admission. Otherwise, once you are matriculated at Bellarmine, you will be advised to work toward completing your general education and physical therapy prerequisite requirements. You will also declare a major in an area of your choice. You will apply for the physical therapy program using the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service, either the summer before your junior year, summer before your senior year, or post-graduation.

What are the admission requirements?
See all admission requirements here: Admissions - Doctor of Physical Therapy

What are the application deadlines?
September 15 is the priority application deadline. The final application deadline is December 1. All applications are reviewed as they are received, so it is in your best interest as an applicant to apply as early as possible. PTCAS takes 4-6 weeks to verify an application once submitted. Bellarmine does not require a supplemental application. Click here for the annual application deadline and to apply: PTCAS

How many students apply to the program and what are their qualifications?
Incoming Student Statistics are available here: Admissions - Doctor of Physical Therapy

How many students do you admit?
We admit 72 students to the program each year.

Are there any advantages to attending Bellarmine as a first-year student instead of attending another university to receive my undergraduate degree?
There are many advantages to attending Bellarmine as a pre-physical therapy undergraduate student. First, you receive the benefit of being able to meet with PT faculty as you prepare for entrance to the program.

Second, there is a pre-PT club and you can be involved with the club as soon as you start classes here.

Third, you have the option to apply as a “3+DPT” student which is not available to students applying to our program from other institutions. If accepted as a 3+DPT student, the highly qualified Bellarmine undergraduate students begin the PT program after all prerequisite and general education courses and a minimum of 90 semester hours.

Fourth, qualified Bellarmine students receive preferred admission in the DPT program. Lastly, you also receive the advantages that all BU students receive: small class sizes, personal attention, great residence halls and campus life.

 

FAQs: Current college students who will begin Bellarmine's Physical Therapy program following completion of a bachelor’s degree, or college graduates who are interested in returning to school for Bellarmine's Physical Therapy program.

How many students do you admit?
We admit 72 students.

What are the admission requirements?
See all admission requirements here: Admissions - Doctor of Physical Therapy 

What is the application deadline?
Typically, the annual deadline is on or near November 1. See APTA - Bellarmine University for the annual application deadline, as well as to apply.

What are the prerequisite courses?
The prerequisite courses for the program (Bellarmine course equivalencies in parentheses) can be found here: DR.DPT Program | Bellarmine University Catalog

I took some of these courses a long time ago. Is there an age limit on coursework?
There is not an age limit on coursework, however you may want to repeat a course to improve a grade or to refresh your skills.

I need to take some of the prerequisite courses. How do I know what courses to take?
Alex Wink, Assistant Dean of Student Recruitment and Admission, can help you with academic advising. You may submit your unofficial transcripts for prerequisite review here: Bellarmine You may make an appointment with her to review your transcripts or you may email, fax, or mail your transcripts to her for an evaluation. 

For additional information, contact:
Alex Wink
Assistant Dean of Student Recruitment and Admission
502-272-7993
awink@bellarmine.edu 

Is the GRE required?
No. The GRE is optional. Applicants may provide the GRE scores from the last 5 years to PTCAS, but it is not required.

How many volunteer hours are required?
We require 25 clock hours of physical therapy volunteer experience.

How do I document my volunteer hours?
Observation hours will be submitted and verified via www.ptcas.org.

Are letters of recommendation required?
Yes. At least two letters of recommendation are required. Details about letters of recommendation are available: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/358/Bellarmine-University

Is it part time or full time?
This is a full time day program. 

When does it start?
Coursework begins in May, usually the Tuesday after Memorial Day. In years when Memorial Day is later in the month, the coursework will begin the Monday before Memorial Day.

The first day of class for the Class of 2030 cohort will be Monday, May 24, 2027.

I’ve been out of college for a while, will I be the oldest student?
The DPT program is quite diverse! Students in this program range from 20 - 50 years old. Some students are right out of college while others are second-degree seeking, are married, and/or have children.

How much does it cost?
Please visit our Financial Aid page for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees. Costs may change yearly, please consult Alex Wink, Assistant Dean of Student Recruitment and Admission at (502) 272-7993 or awink@bellarmine.edu.