Admission Process

Grand Valley State University's (GVSU) Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program utilizes the Physical Therapist Centralized Application System (PTCAS) for the application process. Please refer to www.ptcas.org to get general information about the PTCAS process. GVSU specific information is posted on the PTCAS website. Students may begin applying when the application portal opens. There is a non-refundable $500.00 deposit required to hold a position in an incoming class, once a student is admitted to the DPT Program. If a student is admitted and agrees to attend, the deposit will be applied to the first semester tuition in the DPT Program.

Application and all supporting documents for PTCAS and GVSU must be VERIFIED by PTCAS no later than the  October 15 deadline. NOTE: It can take PTCAS several weeks to verify applications. Unverified PTCAS applications are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.   

How do you know if your application is VERFIED? – refer to ‘Check Status’ at top right corner of your PTCAS to confirm the status of your application. Definitions of Application Statuses. Your PTCAS must be VERIFIED by October 15.

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Program eligibility requires the following:

• Completion of Bachelor's degree.
• Completion of Prerequisite courses. All prerequisites must be taken for letter grades. For each course, a grade of C or higher is required. The prerequisites and undergraduate degree must be completed by the first day of classes of the professional program.
• Communication and interpersonal skills. On-site interview may be required. Practice interviews for GVSU student and alumni are available by contacting Career Services.
• Ability to perform all Technical Standards & Essential Functions of the physical therapy program.
• Submission of the following materials to PTCAS and GVSU:

PT CAS Admission Materials
Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS): - Students MUST apply using PTCAS 

• PTCAS online application and fees
• Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended; minimum 3.20 cumulative & prerequisite GPA required
• Two recommendation forms - submit the names and email addresses of your 2 references on the PTCAS electronic application. Your references should be completed and returned in electronic form to PTCAS. A licensed physical therapist with whom you have worked / job shadowed / volunteered must complete 1 of the 2 recommendations.
• Documentation of volunteer / work / job shadow PT hours on the PTCAS application– minimum of 20 hours required; the ‘PTCAS Verification Form’ is not required by/for GVSU admissions. 
• Minimum grade of “C” or better required in all prerequisite coursework
• Official results from the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) general and written test. Use PTCAS GRE Code 0282. Go to www.ets.org

GVSU Admission Materials & Requirements

• GVSU Physical Therapy Supplemental Application Form.  This form cannot be submitted until your PTCAS application is verified.  Once your PTCAS application is verified, candidates will receive instruction to submit your GVSU Supplemental Form.
• $30 application fee unless previously paid to GVSU
• Students admitted to the GVSU DPT program must submit final transcripts demonstrating completion of all prerequisite coursework and bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the program
• Students must meet all Technical Standards & Essential Functions of the physical therapy program 

International Student Admissions

• Original or certified original transcripts with official credentialed evaluations (e.g., WES, ECE) 
• Official TOEFL test score minimum 610 (paper-based) or 253 (computer-based) or 102 (internet-based) score required.
• Statement of financial support (refer to GVSU Supplemental Form)

Test scores and documents must be sent directly to GVSU’s Admissions Office at 1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI 49401-9403

Prerequisite Courses

All prerequisites must be taken for letter grades. The prerequisites and undergraduate degree must be completed by the first day of classes of the professional program. For each course, a grade of C or higher is required.

• Prerequisite Course List
• Courses from Michigan universities that fulfill GVSU PT prerequisites.

Academic Advising

The College of Health Professions (CHP) Student Services Office (SSO) in collaboration with CHP faculty and staff provides academic advising, admissions, and other student services to future and current undergraduate and graduate students in support of their academic, professional and personal development on the campus and within the greater community.

• Schedule Advising Appointment
   

Cost

Grand Valley offers an excellent education at a reasonable cost. See tuition, fees, and financial aid information below.

• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships & Assistantships

Students should plan on additional costs for travel expenses to clinical education experiences.