Navigating the UCF DPT Program Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Central Florida's (UCF) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a competitive and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for successful careers as physical therapists. This article provides a detailed overview of the UCF DPT program requirements, covering everything from application deadlines and academic prerequisites to clinical experience and international applicant criteria.

Application Process and Deadlines

The UCF DPT program accepts applications once per academic year. For those aiming for the summer 2026 start term, applications are currently being accepted. It's crucial to mark your calendar, as the deadline to submit applications is October 1, 2025. The UCF Graduate (supplemental) Application must be submitted in addition to PTCAS application. Deadline to submit the supplemental application is November 1. Ensure all application materials are received by October 15th of the year prior to your intended entry date. For a more in-depth understanding of the process, refer to the DPT Admissions Process details.

Academic Prerequisites

Degree and GPA

A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is a fundamental requirement. The program welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees in any major. In terms of academic performance, a minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is expected in the last 60 credit hours of the undergraduate degree. Additionally, a minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is required for all prerequisite courses. It's imperative that each prerequisite course grade is a 'C' or higher.

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants are encouraged to complete all prerequisite courses before the application deadline. Applicants may take up to three prerequisite courses after the summer term of the application cycle (e.g., after the summer 2025 term for students applying for summer 2026 entry), including a maximum of two prerequisite courses after the fall semester/quarter of the application cycle. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program recommends that all prerequisite courses be completed at the time of application. Candidates with all prerequisites completed at the time of application may be given preference over those still completing courses. Online courses are now accepted for all prerequisite courses, including online and virtual labs.

The specific prerequisite courses include:

Anatomy & Physiology: A total of 8 hours, including labs, are required. This requirement can be met through either:
- One semester of 4 credits of Physiology with lab and one semester of 4 credits of Anatomy with lab.
- Two semesters (8 credits total) of combined Anatomy/Physiology courses with labs.
Biology / Biological Science: Two courses, totaling 6 credits.
Chemistry: Two courses, totaling 8 credits.
Physics: Two courses, totaling 8 credits.
Psychology: One course, 3 credits.

For detailed information on prerequisite and recommended courses, please use the following link: Prerequisite Coursework.

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent directly to PTCAS in order for your application to be verified and finalized. If an application is not verified by the application deadline, it will impact our ability to review an application and could lead to delays or denial due to incomplete information at the time of review. Because it can take up to 4-5 weeks for PTCAS to process an applicant's file once it is complete, we encourage you to send ALL official transcripts from every US and Canadian college and university attended to PTCAS by September 1. See PTCAS Transcripts instructions for more information.

GRE Scores

Official GRE scores taken within the last five years are required. If the exam is taken more than once, the highest score for each section of the test (super score) is used in making admissions decisions.

Clinical Experience

All applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the physical therapy profession. A minimum of 25 hours of observation or work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist is required. All applicants must be able to demonstrate understanding of the physical therapy profession by completing a minimum of 50 clinical observation hours (paid or volunteer) under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. These hours can be completed in one or more physical therapy settings (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, rehab) - see our FAQ page for more details. Clinical observation hours must be completed and electronically verified in PTCAS by the application deadline.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are required from three individuals who personally know the applicant and their abilities. At least one letter must be from a licensed physical therapist. Instructors of basic science coursework, health professionals, or employers are suggested for the other two. Letters must be submitted through PTCAS by the application deadline. See PTCAS References instructions for more information.

Additional Criteria

As part of our comprehensive application review process, we consider an applicant’s experiences, both in the academic environment and beyond it. We review each applicant’s responses to our essay prompts, as well as extra-curricular involvement during an applicant’s collegiate career. That can include, for example, intercollegiate athletics participation, work experience, research experience, or leadership roles in organizations. A successful application does not require those life experiences, but they are additional factors that can strengthen an application beyond the academics and observation hours.

All applicants to the UCF Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are expected to review the UCF Physical Therapy Essential Functions document.

International Applicant Requirements

International applicants must meet the same admissions requirements as domestic students. In addition, applicants from non-English-speaking countries must also demonstrate proficiency in English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for all international students. International students with transcripts from foreign institutions of higher education must also submit a foreign credentials evaluation available through World Education Services.

Financial Considerations

DPT students are also responsible for lab fees, books and materials, and expenses related to their clinical education experiences. Clinical education expenses may include housing, food, transportation, and related professional expenses.

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