Two students practicing dry needling with a third in a PT lab

Admissions & Aid

Doctorate of Physical Therapy, DPT

Admissions Process

The School of Physical Therapy annually admits 60 students to the professional entry level Doctorate (DPT), who begin study in August each year.

Application to Belmont's DPT program is completed exclusively through PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service). Additional information about applying to Belmont can be found on the APTA website. Please also be sure to acknowledge application deadline dates in the section above.

Complete the PTCAS application and submit supporting credentials as instructed at www.ptcas.org. This includes results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The code for the School of Physical Therapy at Belmont University with the GRE is 7589. More information is available at the GRE website.

Start your PTCAS Application

Interview Invitations

Only the most academically competitive candidates will be invited for an on-campus interview with a faculty member.

1) Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university (degree in any field) or be in the senior year of undergraduate study. A completed bachelor's degree is required by June 1 prior to enrollment, as evidenced by a final official college/university transcript. A minimum overall grade point average (for both undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate study) of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required. The chart below provides the typical range of GPA's achieved by applicants who were admitted to our DPT program in recent years.

Admitted Students

GPA Range

Overall GPA

3.36 - 4.0


2) Candidates must achieve a minimum prerequisite grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, and have no prerequisite courses with a grade less than a “C.” All prerequisite courses must have been completed within ten years prior to application, and no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Required prerequisites include:

  1. Chemistry: 8 semester hours, two semesters with a lab in each
  2. Physics: 8 semester hours, two semesters with a lab in each
  3. Biology: 8 semester hours, two semesters with a lab in each
  4. Human Anatomy and Physiology: 8 semester hours, two semesters with a lab in each
  5. Statistics: 3 semester hours
  6. Behavioral Science Courses: 6 semester hours (includes courses in psychology, sociology, anthropology and/or ethics)

Candidates are expected to have no more than two prerequisite courses remaining to be taken in the spring semester after they apply.

3) Candidates must achieve competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years. The GRE code for Belmont's DPT is 7589.

There will be no waiver of the GRE requirement because of COVID-19. Candidates who have not yet registered for the GRE are directed to investigate the at-home test option offered by ETS this summer with more information at https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/.

The chart below provides the typical range of scores achieved by applicants who were admitted to our DPT program in recent years.

Admitted Students

Score Range

GRE Verbal Score

146 - 165

GRE Quantitative Score

146 - 166

GRE Verbal & Quantitative Total

295 - 327

GRE Analytical Score

3.0 - 5.5


4) Candidates must demonstrate familiarity with physical therapy in the form of a minimum of 50 hours of observational, volunteer and/or work experience in physical therapy prior to paying an enrollment deposit. Observation hours may be completed after the application is submitted.*

5) At least one of the two recommendations required for application (through PTCAS) must be from a healthcare provider, preferably a licensed physical therapist.*

*Belmont is aware that these standards may be a challenge to complete in the midst of COVID-19. If you have encountered such a challenge, please contact our admissions office at 615-460-6798 to discuss your options.

Course
Subject

Course
Level

Lab
Required

Hours

Acceptable
Courses

Course
Description

Anatomy

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

A&P: SEPARATE courses
A&P: Advanced
A&P: Animal
A&P: Comparative
A&P: Human
A&P: Mammalian
A&P: Neuroanatomy
A&P: Vertebrate.

A study of the cells and tissues as well as the skeletal, muscular, neural and special sensory systems of the human body.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Biology I

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

A&P: Advanced
Biology: Advanced
Biology: Cell
Biology: Embryology
Biology: General
Biology: General I
Biology: General II
Biology: Genetics
Biology: Histology
Biology: Immunology
Biology: Microbiology
Biology: Molecular
Biology: Zoology.

An introductory study of molecular and cellular biology. Topics include the molecular basis of cellular processes, structure and physiology of cells, molecular and Mendelian genetics, and microevolution.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Biology II

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

A&P: Advanced
Biology: Advanced
Biology: Cell
Biology: Embryology
Biology: General II
Biology: Genetics
Biology: Histology
Biology: Immunology
Biology: Microbiology
Biology: Molecular
Biology: Zoology
..

An introductory study of macroevolution, organismal biology and ecology. Topics include the structure and physiology of plants, the structure and physiology of animals, biodiversity and ecological systems.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.
..

Chemistry I

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

Chemistry I
Chemistry: Advanced
Chemistry: Biochem
Chemistry: Inorganic
Chemistry: Organic
..

Fundamental concepts and principles are emphasized. Emphasis is placed on structure, nomenclature, oxidation numbers and the mole concept.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Chemistry II

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

Chemistry II
Chemistry: Advanced
Chemistry: Biochem
Chemistry: Inorganic
Chemistry: Organic
..

Includes solutions, behavior of electrolytes, ionic and molecular equilibria and nuclear chemistry, as well as a brief introduction to the chemistry of carbon and its compounds.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Physics I

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

Physics I
..
(Algebra or Calculus-based)

One year sequence in Physics required (2 semesters or 3 quarters).

Physics II

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

Physics II
..
(Algebra or Calculus-based)

One year sequence in Physics required (2 semesters or 3 quarters).

Physiology

General or College

Yes

SH: 4
QH: 6

A&P: SEPARATE courses
A&P: Advanced
A&P: Exercise Physiol
A&P: Animal
A&P: Comparative
A&P: Human
A&P: Mammalian
A&P: Neurophysiol
A&P: Pathophysiol
A&P: Physiology
A&P: Vertebrate.

A study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal and reproductive systems of the human body.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Social/Behavioral Science

Intro

No

SH: 3
QH: 5

Ethics
Psychology: Any
Social/Behavioral
Science: Any
..

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

1 of 2 social/behavioral science courses required.

Social/Behavioral Science

Intro

No

SH: 3
QH: 5

Ethics
Psychology: Any
Social/Behavioral
Science: Any
..

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

2 of 2 social/behavioral science courses required.

Statistics

Intro

No

SH: 3
QH: 5

Biostatistics
Business Statistics
Math Statistics
Psychology Statistics
..

An introduction to statistical reasoning. Topics include descriptive measures, elementary probability distributions, sampling distributions, one and two sample inferences on means and proportions, simple linear regression, and correlation.

Please note - no course may be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.
..

Application Process Overview

The School of Physical Therapy launched the Fall 2025 application on June 15, 2024, on PTCAS. We will fill our 60-person cohort as we progress through a series of interview days that start in September. Our final interview day is typically hosted in February. In cases where there is still availability in the cohort or on the waitlist following this event, the program will continue to interview candidates on an individual basis through June. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to have the best chance of admission consideration. We cannot guarantee interview opportunities for every candidate, but we do our best to consider as many applicants as possible throughout our application cycle. We will commit to being as transparent as possible on our website and in our communications about the status of our incoming cohort. 

Early Decision

Early Decision is available to applicants whose first choice is Belmont University if accepted for admission and who submit/complete their application by the August deadline. The entering class may be filled by candidates who apply and are admitted for Early Decision. If not accepted for Early Decision by late September, applicants should then apply to other programs. While PTCAS has phased out the Early Decision option, Belmont's School of Physical Therapy continues to offer this opportunity for candidates who have a strong interest in attending Belmont during the Early Decision period.

  • Early Decision Application deadline: August 15, 2024 (all transcripts must also be submitted to PTCAS by this date)
  • Interview Day: Mid-to-late September 2024
  • Decisions Announced: within 1 week after the interview day
  • Reply Date for Accepted Candidates: November 1, 2024

Regular Admission

December 1, 2024 - Recommended application submission deadline for admission consideration. Applicants who apply after this date will most likely be considered for an interview as space is available, and will most likely be interviewing for a place on our waitlist. 

June 1, 2025 - Final Application Deadline (as space is available). The PTCAS application must be complete by this date, including official GRE scores, transcripts, and recommendations. 

 

PTCAS Academic Update

Mid-December – The PTCAS Academic Update opens. You cannot make edits to your coursework section until the AU window is open to you.

Mid-January – PTCAS Academic Update priority deadline to submit your updated courses and transcripts to PTCAS. PTCAS will continue to accept updated transcripts after the priority deadline date has passed and through mid-February.

Mid-February – The Academic Update closes. You cannot edit your courses after this date. PTCAS will no longer accept AU transcripts. If your AU transcripts will not be available from your college/university's registrar until after February 15, please contact the admissions office to receive instructions on submitting an unofficial grade report directly to Belmont University School of Physical Therapy. (Do NOT send unofficial transcripts or grade reports to PTCAS).

Prerequisite Completion Deadline

All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a "C" or higher through a regionally accredited institution before June 1, 2025. Final degree-conferred official transcripts must be sent to the Belmont University Admissions Office soon after this date. Accepted candidates who do not meet this deadline will forfeit their seats in the entering class.

Cost of Attendance

Tuition & Fees

Current tuition information is listed below. Typically, tuition and fees increase each year between 3 - 5% for each incoming class and are set by March 1 prior to each upcoming academic year. 

We are pleased to offer a tuition freeze to students in our incoming PT classes! The tuition rate that students enter into Belmont's Physical Therapy program will continue throughout their three years of enrollment. 

Current
Cost

PT Program
2024 Fall Semester

PT Program
2025 Spring Semester

PT Program
2024-25 Academic Year

Tuition

$23,385

$23,385*

$46,770

Student Fee

$650

$650

$1,300

Health In**

 

 

TBD

* For students in the second and third years of the DPT program, this amount is divided equally between the spring and summer semesters to account for summer clinical rotations.

** Graduate Health Insurance Premium required for all full-time graduate students and may be waived with proof of qualifying eligible coverage.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

To determine your eligibility for any financial aid, graduate students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online and should be completed each year. Complete and return the FAFSA by the December 1 priority date.

Belmont will start the financial aid awarding process by February 1 each year. Please allow approximately four weeks to receive a response. Once all the forms are received, your file will be reviewed.

Learn more about the financial aid process for graduate students

View our 2023 Student Financial Fact Sheet

 

Scholarships

Awards Available to Incoming Students

Five academic merit scholarships, each in the annual amount of $10,000, are awarded to selected incoming first year students on a competitive basis. These scholarships are renewable, contingent upon meeting the progression requirements of the PT program. No separate application is necessary for scholarships awarded by the School of Physical Therapy. When you submit an application to the PT program, your application is considered for a scholarship.

Awards Available to Continuing DPT Students

Dr. David Greathouse Scholarship

Awarded to a rising third year student who has demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service and exemplary clinical performance within the program.

Sara Pigg Walker Scholarship

Awarded to a rising third year student who has demonstrated leadership, scholarship, professionalism and exemplary clinical performance within the program.

Gail Bursch Clinical Education Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to a third year student good academic standing who demonstrates professionalism. The scholarship was created to financially support physical therapy students for out of state or international clinical education experiences.

Dr. Michael Voight Emerging Leader in Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to a third year student in good academic standing who demonstrates professionalism and promise as a leader in the area of Sports/Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. The scholarship was created to financially support physical therapy students for out of state or international clinical education experiences.

Off-Campus Housing Helper

Check out our Off Campus Housing Helper & Preferred Housing Partners Pamphlet for Belmont students.

Additional Resources

The links below will take you to important resources for future and current Physical Therapy students:

Reach100% 2019 APTA STUDENT MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE PLATINUMU.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

American Physical Therapy Association

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy: View pass rates for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service - Belmont University School of Physical Therapy accepts applications exclusively through PTCAS.

Course Descriptions to Satisfy Prerequisites: These courses are recommended for Belmont University undergraduate students who are preparing to apply for our program. You may use this as a guide to assist in comparing the courses you are considering to satisfy our prerequisites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Belmont University makes no distinction between in-state and out-of-state students for admission or tuition purposes.

Yes, Early Decision is available to applicants whose first and only choice is Belmont University. Early Decision candidates pledge to only apply to Belmont; however, if not accepted for Early Decision, applicants may then apply to other programs. All Early Decision candidates will be notified of a decision by mid-late September. The entering class may be filled by candidates who apply for Early Decision.

We do not require a specific major to apply for our program, as long as the prerequisites are completed. Common majors include psychology, exercise science and biology.

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 50 hours before an application will be reviewed. The application will remain incomplete until this requirement is met.

Yes, as long as the institution has regional accreditation, you are welcome to complete prerequisite courses through two-year colleges.

Yes, you may. However, by the spring semester, no more than 2 prerequisites may remain to be completed. Additionally, all courses must be complete and your degree conferred by June 1.

If an applicant has been working in a science field since taking prerequisite courses, there may be an exception to the 10-year policy. This exception can only be determined after an application has been submitted and reviewed. Please contact us if you have questions about your situation.

We do not provide transcript evaluations prior to receiving an application. However, if you have questions about a specific course, please feel free to contact us.

We do not calculate the average GPA or GRE scores. Typically, though, competitive applications to our program will have a 3.5 or higher GPA (both cumulative and prerequisite) and a 150 or higher in both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE, with a 4 or higher in the analytical writing. Of course, these are just guidelines; however, all candidates must have a minimum 3.2 GPA (both cumulative and prerequisite) to be considered.

We do not have a minimum GRE. Generally, competitive applications to our program have a 150 or higher in both the verbal and quantitative sections, with a 4 or higher in analytical writing. However, that is just a general guideline, as the GRE is only one of many factors in the admissions decision.

Yes, with multiple GRE scores, we will take the highest score in each section.

7589.

The only application we require is the PTCAS application. Nothing supplemental needs to be sent to Belmont.

All materials should be sent to PTCAS; nothing should be sent directly to Belmont. Instructions and addresses for transcripts and recommendations (called "evaluations" on PTCAS) are available on their website after you have created an account.

We require two recommendations. One must be from a PT. The second may be from a person of your choosing such as a professor, employer, another PT, etc. Neither should be from a family member, friend, clergy, etc.

We do not require a specific form, but you will need to input all of your hours into PTCAS, with contact information for verification. So, you should track them in a document that can easily be referenced and uploaded.

A face-to-face interview with a faculty member is a required part of the admission process. The interview days also act as visit days that include a program overview, lab demonstrations and an opportunity to talk with current students.

We're always glad to have visitors, but typically we encourage candidates to wait until they are invited for an interview before coming to campus, as the interview day includes a much more comprehensive look at the program, interactions with faculty and current students, lab demonstrations, etc. However, if you are going to be in Nashville anyway and would like to stop by, the admissions coordinator will be glad to schedule an appointment to give you a brief tour of the building, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can schedule an in-person appointment with Lauren Lauzon here.

We admit a class of 60 students per year. A new cohort class begins each fall semester.

No. Belmont University School of Physical Therapy does not accept transfer credit from any other physical therapy program.

All questions concerning financial aid should be directed to our Student Financial Services department. You can reach the Student Financial Services Office by phone at 615-460-6403 or online.

Contact Us

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Sarah Caylor
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
(615) 460.6722
Schedule a Call

MSOT Program: msot@belmont.edu
OTD Program: otd@belmont.edu
DPT Program: pt@belmont.edu