Doctor of Physical Therapy

When must prerequisite coursework be completed?
All prerequisite coursework must be completed before you begin the program in August. Application, however, may be made prior to completion of all prerequisites. We do not have a minimum number of prerequisite courses that must be completed at the time of application. Students that are admitted with outstanding prerequisite coursework are admitted conditionally and must successfully complete all outstanding prerequisites prior to matriculation to meet the conditions of acceptance.

Where can I take my prerequisites?
You can take prerequisites at any regionally accredited university or college.

Can I take prerequisites at a community college?
Yes, prerequisites may be taken at a community college; however, taking prerequisites at a four year institution may better prepare you for the coursework you'll need to take as a graduate student.

What is the time limit on prerequisites?
We recommend that prerequisites be taken within the last five years; however we will consider all courses regardless of the amount of time since completion. Because of the nature of the program, it is important that students have knowledge of all prerequisite subjects in order to build on that foundation.

If I’ve ever taken a higher level biology course for four semester hours can I be exempt from the eight semester hour requirement?
No. All Applicants must complete a total of 8 semester hours of biology to include lab coursework. Any biology course will count toward the 8 semester hour prerequisite requirement, but a total of 8 semester hours is required.

What courses count for the Behavioral Science prerequisite requirement?
Any course taken in a psychology, sociology or anthropology department will count toward this requirement. Although Development and Abnormal Psychology are recommended, any six semester hours from these departments will fulfill this requirement.

What statistics course do I need?
The statistics course must include inferential and descriptive statistics. It is recommended that the statistics prerequisite be taken in a department of psychology, sociology, education, or public health but we will accept statistics courses from other departments as well.

Do you accept combined Anatomy and Physiology courses?
We will accept combined courses as long as the full series was completed and the courses included lectures and labs. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C or above.

Can I take ________ course for _______ course?
Students often want to determine if a particular course will substitute for one of the prerequisites. Typically, course substitutions are not accepted and students need to complete the courses as listed. However, if you would like to send a course description from the school catalog, and preferably a course syllabus, with a note regarding your rationale for substitution to dpt@regis.edu, we will be glad to evaluate your request.

What is the deadline for submitting applications?
Application for the class starting in Fall 2014 are available through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) beginning July 2, 2013. Go to www.PTCAS.org for details. Applications must be e-submitted on or before the November 1, 2013 deadline date. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that all application items (including all transcripts, references, and GRE) have been received and the application is complete by the deadline.

Does Regis University require the essay portion of the PTCAS application?
Yes. You are required to submit the essay portion of the PTCAS application.

Do I need to send transcripts directly to Regis University or only to PTCAS?
As part of the application process you should submit official transcripts directly to PTCAS. You do not need to submit official transcripts directly to Regis University at the time of application.

Are there any requirements as to who should complete the letters of recommendation and how many are needed?
Submit three recommendation forms directly to PTCAS. You are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to have your evaluators send electronic letters of reference (eLORS) per the PTCAS application. One letter of recommendation must be from a practicing physical therapist and one completed by a college-level instructor. The third recommendation should be completed by either a professional or academic reference. Arrange for PTCAS to RECEIVE all of your references by the application deadline date.

Should I submit additional material like a resume, observation hour forms, etc?
No. You only need to submit the items required for your PTCAS application which includes the PTCAS application, essays, all official transcripts from schools attended, official GRE score, and required references.

What is the institution code and department code for sending GRE scores?
There is now only one code for Regis University Physical Therapy. It is 7671. Applicants need to complete the General Test of the GRE which includes the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections. Additional information on the GRE can be found by going to www.gre.org.

What is the last test date for the GRE for the current application cycle?
You must take your GRE prior to the November 1, 2013 deadline.

If I take the GRE more than once, how do you interpret the scores?
We will use the best score from each individual section if multiple scores are available.

Do you prefer any major?
No. You may complete an undergraduate degree in any major. No academic major is given priority consideration during the selection process. The requirements for the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program are a baccalaureate degree and the program prerequisites.

Do you have a minimum GPA to apply?
We do not have a minimum cumulative GPA to apply but we do have a minimum prerequisite GPA for application. All applicants must have a 2.75 prerequisite GPA to be eligible to apply.

What is the average GPA/GRE scores for accepted students?
For the class starting in 2013 the average cumulative GPA was 3.57 (range 2.7-4.0) and prerequisite GPA was 3.61 (range 3.03-4.0), the average GRE (new exam) was 155 verbal (range 146-166), 154 quantitative (range 146-168) and 4.5 analytical writing section (range 2.5-5.0); the average GRE (old exam) was 553 verbal (range 390-650), 629 quantitative (range 540-710) and 4.5 analytical writing (range 2.5-5.0).

Did you give preference to Colorado residents?
No. Preference is not given to Colorado residents over other applicants.

Do you give preference to Regis College undergraduates?
We give additional consideration to applicants who complete the undergraduate Health and Exercise Science major or minor at Regis University, but we do not guarantee admission to these students.

As a Jesuit institution, do you use “religion” as a criterion for acceptance?
No. Regis University does not use religion as a criterion for admission. However, additional consideration is given to graduates of Jesuit institutions, regardless of faith.

How many hours of volunteer service do I need for the program?
We don't require a specific number of hours; however, we expect candidates to have enough experience to serve as evidence of their commitment to the career choice of physical therapy. You should obtain a broad exposure to the various roles and responsibilities of the practicing physical therapist and have a general understanding of the future direction of physical therapy as a profession. A great reference for information about the field of physical therapy is the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org).

How many applications do you receive?
We received over 950 last year, and we interviewed 264 of those applicants.

How many applicants do you accept?
We expect to start a class of 80.

If I applied last year, do I have to send in an entire application?
Yes. Regis University participates in the common application (PTCAS). Therefore, all reapplicants will need to submit new complete applications via the PTCAS system. The application for the Fall 2014 start will be available starting July 2, 2013.

What are my chances of being accepted into the program (if I have a low GPA, or GRE)?
We look at a number of factors when evaluating applications including prerequisite grades, GPA, GRE score, recommendations, and completion of highly recommended courses. It is the combination of these factors that determine whether you will be invited for an interview. It is then a combination of your academic evaluation and interview evaluation that determines acceptance.

When will I find out if I have been selected to interview? When will my application be reviewed?
We will begin to review applications after the deadline. Invited candidates will be notified of their assigned interview date by email starting mid December to mid January. No exceptions are made to assigned interview dates. All invited candidates must interview in person. Those candidates that are not selected to interview will be notified by email as well.

Are your interview dates flexible?
No. No exceptions are made to assigned interview dates.

Do you offer phone or Skype interviews?
Rarely. In general all candidates are required to interview in person on campus. The only exception to this rule is if an applicant is unavailable to interview due to a service focused commitment. Examples include candidates serving abroad in the Peace Corps. In these cases, we will consider an alternate interview request and approval will be made on a case-by-case basis. We feel it's important for prospective students to experience our campus, see our facilities and personally meet our faculty and students. Only a personal visit would make this possible.

What is the tuition?
The tuition for the Fall 2013-Summer 2014 academic year is $765 per semester hour and the program is 110 semester hours. Books and fees cost approximately $10,000 over the eight semesters.

How long is the program and when does it begin?
The program is completed in eight consecutive semesters, full-time, full calendar year. The program begins in August (Fall semester) of each year.

Can the program be completed on a part-time basis?
No. The program is full-time, full-calendar year (i.e., Fall, Spring, and Summer).

Can I work while in the program?
External employment is not recommended, particularly during your first year. An exception to this may be departmental graduate work-study positions.

How do students pay for the program?
The majority of student in the program are paying for tuition and living expenses through student loans. Once admitted to the program, you will have a financial aid counselor available to work with you on securing loans. Additionally, we offer ten Dean's Scholarships, in the amount of $25,000 per scholarship, to each incoming class. All students admitted to the program are considered for the scholarships. Awards are based on academic achievement and/or diversity.

Is there housing available for graduate students on campus?
Regis does not offer graduate student housing on campus. We offer a limited number of apartments associated with the University off campus to Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Profession students. The majority of DPT students live within a 5-20 minute commute from campus in apartments or homes for rent. Once admitted to the program, the Office of Admissions works with incoming students to help those that are interested get connected with roommates. Additionally, incoming new students are paired with a current student to help them make a smooth transition to Regis.

What is the program's focus/teaching style?
The primary teaching style can be described as facilitated discussion. Faculty will pose a question and seek feedback from the class. As an answer develops, the faculty will help hone that answer toward the most correct or appropriate answer. This style is based on Andragogy or Adult Learning Theory. This theory would have the learner identify what they want to know, seek out possible answers or solutions and then come up with the most probable solution. In this manner, the learner takes ownership of the process and the answer, rather than depending on an expert to divulge an answer early.