Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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?
The Fall 2010 admission cycle will open on July 15, 2009. The Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) applications and Regis University supplemental application, must be e-submitted online before midnight EST November 2, 2009. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that all application items have been received and the application is complete.
| Document | Application Available | Application Deadline |
| PTCAS Application | Wednesday, July 15, 2009 | Monday, November 2, 2009 |
| Supplemental Application | Wednesday, July 15, 2009 | Monday, November 2, 2009 |
| Interview invitations | December 2009 - January 2010 |
|
| Interviews | Friday, January 29 and Monday, February 1, 2010 |
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| Decision letters mailed | Mid to Late February 2010 |
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 this time. You only need to submit the following items directly to Regis University as part of the application process: Supplemental Application, Supplemental Application Fee ($40), Official GRE score report.
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.
Do I need to enter all of my coursework in the Regis University Doctor of Physical Therapy Supplemental Application?
No. You only need to list the highly recommended and prerequisite coursework you have completed. All other coursework should be listed on the PTCAS application.
Should I submit additional material like a resume, observation hour forms, etc?
No. We only need the items requested in the supplemental application which includes the supplemental application, supplemental application fee and official GRE scores. All other items such as transcripts and your essay answers should be sent directly to PTCAS.
What is the institution code and department code for sending GRE scores?
Regis institution code = 4656 Department code = 0619 (FYI, all schools will have a department code of 0619 for physical therapy). 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?
Your application should be submitted and complete (including PTCAS and Regis University Supplemental Application) by the November 2, 2009 deadline date. We recommend that the GRE be taken no later than October 15, 2009 to ensure that your scores are received by the University prior to the application deadline. We will give priority review to all applications that are complete, including official GRE scores by the November 2 deadline date. If your GRE test date is after November 1 this may jeopardize your overall application due to an incomplete status.
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 2009 the average GPA was 3.53, (range 2.77-4.0), the average prerequisite GPA was 3.48, the average GRE was 480 verbal, 640 quantitative and 4.5 in the analytical writing section.
If I take the GRE more than once, how do you interpret the scores? Do you take the best combined? Do you average the two?
We will use the best overall test score from one individual test as your GRE score for application review purposes. We will use the best score whether it was the first or last test taken. We will not take the best scores across the three sections from different test dates.
Did you give preference to Colorado residents?
NO
Do you give preference to Regis College undergraduates?
YES. Preference is given, but guaranteed admission is not.
As a Jesuit institution, do you use “religion” as a criterion for acceptance?
NO
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 500 last year, and we interviewed 180 of those applicants.
How many applicants do you accept?
Approximately 64-68. We expect to start a class of 64.
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 will be available starting July 15, 2009. The application deadline will be November 2, 2009.
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 November 2, 2009 deadline. Invited candidates will be notified of their assigned interview date by email starting mid December to mid January. For planning purposes, please note that interviews will be scheduled for either Friday, January 29 or Monday, February 1, 2010. No exceptions are made to assigned interview dates. All invited candidates must interview in person. We do not grant phone interviews for any candidates. Those candidates that are not selected to interview will be notified by email as well.
Are your interview dates flexible?
No. Be aware that our schedule interview dates are either Friday, January 29 or Monday, February 1, 2010. No exceptions are made to assigned interview dates.
Do you offer phone interviews?
We do not grant phone interviews for any candidates. All invited candidates must interview in person on campus . 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 2009-Summer 2010 academic year is $687 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 four scholarships, $16,000 apiece, to each incoming class. All students admitted to the program are considered for the scholarships. Two are based on academic achievement and two on 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.
Are you accredited?
Yes, the APTA's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredits the physical therapy program at Regis University. Regis University is regionally accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.