Physical Therapy (DPT)

Note: All students attend the first summer session at the Lubbock campus.

Note: For detailed course descriptions please see the School of Health Professions Catalog.

Additional Note: During professional studies, students are required to adhere to all program policies and academic and behavioral guidelines as stated in the TTUHSC Student Affairs Handbook- Code of Professional and Academic Conduct and the DRS Student Handbook. Expenses incurred on/for clinical rotations (such as, but not limited to: housing, transportation, immunizations and criminal background check) are the responsibility of the student.

Physical therapists practice in numerous settings and work with individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses. Physical therapists may be found practicing in hospitals, in-patient rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, hospices, schools, early childhood intervention, outpatient physical therapy clinics, occupational health, sport, and home-health care settings.

Physical therapists use different types of physical therapy techniques and incorporate exercise prescription to address movement dysfunction and promote increased independence, wellness, and quality of life for patients of every age.

Physical therapists commonly evaluate and treat patients for a variety of conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal congenital malformations, injury, or conditions such as arthritis, sprains, strains, and disc herniations.
• Neuromuscular conditions like stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
• Pediatric conditions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.
• Cardiopulmonary conditions like post-heart attack rehabilitation, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.
• Some physical therapists may choose to specialize, for example, in pediatric or geriatric physical therapy, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, or amputee rehabilitation, to name just a few.

With an aging population that is staying active much longer, and a need to treat patients with mobility problems resulting from chronic conditions such as diabetes, the need for licensed physical therapists continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that jobs for physical therapists will increase by 11% through 2034.

To practice as a professional, you must have a DPT degree, and all states require that physical therapists be licensed.

For more information about a career as a physical therapist, visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website. 

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is to develop collaborative healthcare professionals through innovative teaching, research, and service for West Texas communities and beyond.

How do I apply for the DPT program at TTUHSC?

Applications are available in July each year. The application deadline is in the early part of October each year. There is no spring deadline. Specific annual deadlines can be found within the PTCAS system. Applications must be submitted online through PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service). PTCAS applicants must be verified by the October deadline. The GRE Code is: 7155. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. It is in the applicant’s best interest to complete their application as early as possible.

All required materials [letters of recommendation, GRE scores (GRE code: 7155), immunization records, volunteer/observation verification, transcripts, etc] must be submitted before an application is considered complete. Completed applications are then reviewed by the DPT Admissions Committee, and competitive applicants are invited for an interview at one of our campuses (Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa). Candidates are notified if they have been accepted, are on an alternate list, or have not been accepted.

Where is the TTUHSC DPT program?

TTUHSC is a multi-campus system. Currently, the TTUHSC DPT program is housed on the Amarillo, Lubbock, and Odessa campuses. All students admitted to the DPT program attend classes the first summer session in Lubbock. Students assigned to the Amarillo and Odessa campuses move to their assigned campuses prior to the first fall session.

Are there three separate programs?

No, the DPT program is one educational experience taught at three different locations. Lectures are provided over a live interactive multi-media system to all students enrolled in the class. Students at all three campuses have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with faculty and each other during class.

What are the prerequisites for the DPT program?

Required prerequisite courses for the DPT program can be found online at the DPT website. 

Is a bachelor’s degree required for admission into the DPT program?

Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree is required for admission to the DPT program.

What GPA is required for admission to the DPT program?

Competitive cumulative and prerequisite GPA’s are required for admission. “Competitive GPA” varies according to the strength of the applicant pool during the year of application. A minimum of 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA’s are required to be considered for admission. The average GPA for the class entering in 2022 was 3.7 (cumulative and prerequisites GPA).

What kind of clinical observation/experience is required for admission to the DPT program?

A minimum of 50 clock hours of experience in a physical therapy setting supervised by a licensed physical therapist are required by May 1 the year of matriculation. Hours in excess of 50 or the total number f settings observed are not considered as part of the wholistic application review. 

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me? Do I need to have the recommendation form filled out or ask someone to write a letter?

Letters of recommendation must be written in support of your application from people who are not related to you. It is best if the person knows you well and has observed you interact with people on a regular basis in a formal setting. Former employers or professors often serve as references. One of them must come from a clinician (physical therapist). It is important that the people who recommend you to the DPT admissions committee fill out the online recommendation form. This form provides objective data used in the admissions process. A narrative letter of recommendation is often helpful to clarify the objective rating. Questions about the online recommendation process should be directed to PTCAS. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that recommendations are received by PTCAS by the required deadline.

Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

Yes. GRE scores are required for application or admission to the DPT program. Average GRE subscale scores for admitted candidates are: 150/170 - Verbal; 150/170 - Quantitative; 4.0/6.0 - Analytical/writing.

Does the location of the interview mean that I will be assigned to that campus?

No, invitations for interviews are distributed across the three campuses (i.e., some students will interview at the Amarillo campus, some at the Lubbock campus and some at the Odessa campus). During the interview the applicant will have the opportunity to confirm their campus preference and provide a justification for that preference. The location of an applicant’s interview does not determine the campus assignment for the successful candidate.

Is the admissions process very competitive?

The admissions process is extremely competitive. Names of qualified applicants not admitted to the program may be placed on an alternate list. These alternate candidates may be offered admission should positions become available prior to the first day of class. The current ratio of total applicants to those accepted is roughly 10:1. The DPT program receives approximately 750 applications per year.

How many students are accepted each year? 

The DPT program typically accepts 72 students each year.

What makes an applicant competitive? What do you look for in applicants in order for them to be accepted into the program?

The DPT Admissions Committee is committed to selecting the best qualified students each year. The primary focus of the admissions committee is to select students who will succeed academically and who have a strong understanding and commitment to the profession of physical therapy. Fulfillment of the basic admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. Competitive applications are reviewed in a holistic manner with consideration of many factors, including, but not limited to the following: grade point average (cumulative GPA and prerequisite science GPA), GRE scores, interview performance, completion of all prerequisite courses (prior to the start of the DPT program), physical therapy observation/experience, essay (grammar, career goals, understanding of the PT profession), overcoming hardships, and letters of recommendation. Students who (at the time of application) have more than 16 prerequisite science credit hours outstanding (in progress) will not be considered.

When do alternate candidates know if they will be admitted?

Alternate candidates are notified of available positions as soon as we are aware of an opening. We do not notify applicants as to their position on the alternate list.

What if I am an out-of-state student?

Equal consideration is given to in-state, out-of-state, and international students. We have had students from across the country and around the world enrolled in the DPT program. Non-resident students pay non-resident tuition.

When do classes start?

New student orientation is in late May each year. Orientation is in Lubbock. Classes begin the following day. If accepted, you will receive information about orientation. New students enter the DPT program only during the summer term.

Why do all students attend class the first summer session in Lubbock?

Gross anatomy is offered in the first summer session. This course includes a gross dissection cadaver lab which is only available in Lubbock.

What other information is needed before beginning classes?

The following information must be provided prior to a student’s matriculation in the DPT program:SHP, official transcripts indicating completion of all prerequisites, completion of all contingent requirements, a completed Essential Functions form, and proof of completion of required Immunizations; criminal background check; proof of health insurance.

What immunizations are required?

In order to protect you and your patients, immunizations are required for enrollment and participation in clinical experiences. A list of the required immunizations can be requested from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at: health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.

When do I get practical experience with patients?

Students complete a minimum of five clinical experiences (36 weeks total) throughout the DPT curriculum. Clinical Experience 1 is four weeks in duration and occurs in the summer semester (second year) and focuses on foundational skills. Clinical Experiences 2-3 are each eight weeks in duration and occur in the third year. Students must complete clinical experiences in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Areas of focus may include foundational skills, musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and/or pediatric settings.

Where are the clinical experience sites located?

Clinical experience sites are located throughout the mainland United States, but are focused primarily in Texas and surrounding states. Students should anticipate additional financial costs during the clinical experiences for housing and travel. Additional costs associated with clinical experiences are solely the student’s responsibility.

Can I work while completing the program?

Working part-time may be possible, but is very difficult. The DPT program is a full-time, rigorous, doctoral degree program and working part-time is a decision that should be made after careful consideration of your academic standing and your specific situation and abilities.

How much does the program cost?

Information about tuition and fees can be found in the School of Health Professions Catalog, online at: www.fiscal.ttuhsc.edu/studentbusserv/tuitionestimates.aspx.

Are there scholarships available?

The DPT program has scholarship dollars available to incoming and current students. These scholarships are based on academic performance as well as financial need. Incoming students will be notified if they received a competitive scholarship in their admission letter. Scholarship opportunities for current students will be sent out from student affairs as they become available.  Additional Financial Aid information is available from the TTUHSC Office of Financial Aid.

How is the curriculum designed?

The DPT curriculum is a mix of applied sciences, behavioral sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical experiences. Applied sciences build the foundation for the clinical and behavioral sciences. Clinical experience courses allow students to apply the skills they learn in class to a patient setting. Please refer to the Curriculum section of the DPT website or to the School of Health Professions Catalog  available online for a semester-by-semester breakdown of courses.

What is the difference between the ScD program and the DPT program?

The ScD is a post-professional program. It is designed for licensed physical therapists (clinicians) who desire additional, post entry-level, education. The DPT program is an entry-level professional program for individuals wishing to become licensed as physical therapists.

How marketable are DPT graduates?

To our knowledge, 100% of graduates are employed within 6 months of passing the licensure examination.

What is the licensure pass rate for graduates of the DPT program on the licensure examination?

The ultimate pass rate for our program is 99%, and our graduates consistently achieve first-time pass rates and mean scale scores that exceed the national averages.

Where can I find additional information?

The School of Health Professions Office of Admissions can provide you with a printed viewbook and more. Please see the contact information below. Additionally, most information is available on the Physical Therapy portion of the School of Health Professions Website.

School of Health Professions (SHP) Office of Admissions/Student Affairs

TTUHSC School of Health Professions
3601 4th St.; STOP 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
School of Health Professions
(806) 743-3220
health.professions@ttuhsc.edu