Doctor of Physical Therapy Apply
Welcome to our comprehensive selection process
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Applicants applying to UWSP physical therapist education program for the 2024 entering class will apply online using the PTCAS application beginning on June 15, 2023.
Admissions Requirements
Admission is competitive. Completing admissions requirements does not guarantee an offer to join the program.
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework within seven (7) years of submitting the application.
- It is strongly recommended that applicants complete all prerequisite courses prior to applying. The program will not consider applicants missing more than two prerequisite courses at the time the application is submitted.
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better
- Completion of an undergraduate degree prior to enrolling in the DPT program
- Minimum of 90 credits towards completion of undergraduate degree OR undergraduate degree completed
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within 10 years of submitting the application
- Quantitative and Verbal sections: 148 minimum
- Written section: 3.0 minimum
- PTCAS Essay Question: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that “help” others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experience with physical therapy, and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.
- UWSP Essay Question: Describe a time when you were an outsider (a stranger) in another community. How did you adjust? What did you learn from the experience?
- Letter of Recommendation
- All transcripts
- Technical Standards affirmation
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements, but believe they have alternative evidence to demonstrate academic readiness may complete this survey.
UW-Stevens Point by the Numbers
Prior Admission Data
Prior Admission Data
| Mean GPA |
3.62 |
3.31 |
| Mean Prerequisite GPA |
3.47 |
3.23 |
| Mean GRE Quantitative |
152 |
150.68 |
| Mean GRE Verbal |
151.4 |
151.77 |
| Percentage from Rural Community |
53% |
42% |
Prerequisite Coursework
The following are the required prerequisite courses:
General Chemistry – 2 semesters with a lab
UWSP Equivalent:
- CHEM 105 – Fundamental Chemistry, 5 credits
- CHEM 106 – Fundamental Chemistry, 5 credits
- Organic chemistry or biochemistry are not substituted for the General Chemistry course
Physics – 2 semesters with a lab
UWSP Equivalent:
- PHYS 203 – College Physics I, 5 credits
- PHYS 204 – College Physics II, 5 credits
Animal Biology – 1 semester with a lab
UWSP Equivalent:
- BIO 101 – General Biology, 5 credits
OR
- BIO 110 or BIO 111 – Principles of Biology I, II, 5 credits
OR
- BIOL 160 – Introduction to Animal Biology, 5 credits
- Microbiology or plant-based biology courses will not be substituted for the Animal Biology course
Human Anatomy
UWSP Equivalent:
- BIOL 287 – Essentials of Human Anatomy, 4 credits
OR
- BIOL 387 – Human Anatomy, 4 credits
- Students may take a separate anatomy course and physiology course OR may take a 2 semester A & P I and II course
Human Physiology
UWSP Equivalent:
- BIOL 385 – Human Physiology, 4 credits
- Students may take a separate anatomy course and physiology course OR may take a 2 semester A & P I and II course
Introduction to Statistics
UWSP Equivalent:
- HS 301 – Fundamentals of Biostatistics, 3 credits
OR
- MATH 255 – Elementary Statistical Methods, 3 credits
OR
- PSYCH 300 – Statistics for Psychologists, 4 credits
Introduction to Psychology
UWSP Equivalent
- PSYCH 110 – Introduction to Psychology (SS), 3 credits
- Abnormal or developmental psychology is not substituted for an introductory course
Note: Students may use AP courses that satisfy the requirements for any of the pre-requisite courses, however Pre-Requisite GPA will not be calculated using those credits.
Admissions Process and Timeline
Comprehensive Selection
The UWSP DPT program engages in a comprehensive selection process. We value students who bring more than just a strong academic record to the profession. Applications submitted via PTCAS are reviewed in two stages:
Academic Readiness Review – Applications are screened to ensure that minimum academic requirements have been met. This includes GRE scores, cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, prerequisite course completion, earned bachelor’s degree (or progress toward earning a bachelor’s degree), and time since taking the GRE and completing prerequisite courses.
Attributes Review – Reviewers are blinded to academic information reviewed in Tier 1. Applications are reviews based upon non-academic elements of the application. This includes the PTCAS essay, answer to the supplemental program question, and experiences. Competitive applicants will show characteristics of leadership, well-rounded preparation, results orientation, strong communication skills, adaptability, and intentionality in the desire to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Timeline
UWSP will begin reviewing verified applications, and will continue reviewing applications until March 1, 2024, or until the class has been filled. Review will take place in groupings:
- Group 1: Applicants who submit completed and verified applications to the program by Oct. 1 will be considered in the first group of students considered for admission; these students will receive admission decisions before any second group of students is considered.
- Group 2: If there is availability in the cohort, applicants who submit completed and verified applications to the program by Oct. 1 will be considered in the second applicant cohort; these students will receive admissions decisions before an additional group of students is considered.
- The final deadline is March 1.
Campus Visit
- Group 1: Selected applicants in the priority review will receive an invitation to a full-day on-campus visit on Nov. 3, 2023. Participation in a campus visit will be considered in final admissions decisions. The on-campus visit day will offer opportunities to learn more about our program, meet faculty and other prospective students, engage in a Q&A session, and tour the department.
- All Other Applicants: In lieu of a campus visit, selected applicants will be required to submit a video submission to a standardized interview question. Information on this submission process will be available after Oct. 24, 2023.
UWSP Policy
It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to foster an environment of respect for the dignity and worth of all students, employees, and guests of the university; provide an environment which is conducive to the free and open exchange of ideas; and strive to eliminate bias, prejudice, discrimination and harassment in all forms and manifestations.
Discrimination based on an individual’s age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, arrest or conviction record, membership in the National Guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or this state, or other protected class status is demeaning to all students, employees, and guests; impairs the process of education; and violates individual rights.