Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Admissions Information

Application to the UToledo Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program occurs once per year. Applications must be made through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS). PTCAS application becomes available in early June. ALL application materials must be submitted to and be received by PTCAS on or before October 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. This is a FIRM deadline. In addition, once you apply through PTCAS, you will receive an email from UToledo Graduate Admissions Office to pay your UToledo Graduate non-refundable fee ($45 domestic or $75 international). Ability to perform before Essential Functions for the DPT Program (remove students). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the PTCAS application is completed, ALL letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are submitted by the deadline.

The UToledo DPT program typically receives over 300 applications per admissions cycle. Approximately 160 applicants are invited to an interview. The invited interview is an opportunity for applicants to meet a faculty member and current student. The interview typically occurs in late fall term and is a part of total application score.  It is a requirement of the application process, however it does not guarantee a seat in the cohort.  

  • View The University of Toledo academic calendar for specific university semester beginning and ending dates. Please note that the DPT program follows an alternate schedule for many terms which would include clinical education experiences. 


APPLICAtion Requirements 

NOTE: The GRE is not required for the DPT application process.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
    • Note:  It is not required that the applicant has earned a bachelor's degree at the time of application to the program, but it must be earned before the student can matriculate into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program the following summer.
    • Note: It is not necessary to earn an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a Pre-PT concentration. Although it may be more efficient to earn a degree that requires most, if not all of the program prerequisite courses, but it is not necessary. Therefore, consider earning an undergraduate degree in something that is of interest to you and/or that will provide you with employment opportunities or other graduate school options in the event you do not attend a physical therapy program. 
  • Preference will be given to those who complete the majority of their coursework at and earn their bachelor degree from The University of Toledo and to those who have taken honors courses.
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.30.
  • Minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted through the PTCAS application portal.  The following letters must be included:

    • One letter from a licensed physical therapist who has supervised the applicant in a health setting
    • One letter must be from a university or college professor who has taught the applicant in at least one class if you are a current student or one letter from an employer if you are not a current student
    • One letter of your choice who is either another PT supervisor, academic reference, or who can speak on your academic or professional qualities and who is NOT a family member.
    • Note: If more than 3 letters of recommendation are submitted only the first 3 meeting the requirement will be considered.
  • Group interview
  • Knowledge of the physical therapy profession
    • Observation, or shadowing, of a physical therapist is highly recommended to obtain knowledge of the profession; however, there is not a minimum number of observation hours required.

Note: It is not required that the applicant has earned a bachelor’s degree at the time of application to the program, but it must be earned before the student can begin the DPT program the following summer.

prerequisite requirements

Equivalency determination of prerequisite courses

Essential Functions for DPT Students


Admissions Process

The University of Toledo participates in the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). The PTCAS application typically becomes available in early July preceding the upcoming admissions cycle. Please refer to the following guidelines when applying to The University of Toledo DPT program:

  • Thoroughly read all the instructions on the PTCAS website. All transcripts and supporting documents for PTCAS must be VERIFIED by PTCAS no later than October 15 deadline. It may take some time for PTCAS to review application materials. Unverified PTCAS applications will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

  • There is a non-refundable graduate fee of $45 domestic/$75 international that must be received by October 1, 2024 11:59 PM EST.

  • The submission deadline for PTCAS application, ALL transcripts, and ALL supporting documentation which includes letters of recommendation must be completed by October 1, 2024 11:59 PM EST.

  • Applicants admitted in the DPT program and who accept will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $700.00 in order to secure a seat in the entering class. This amount is not refundable, but the deposit will be applied towards the first semester tuition in the DPT program.

Last Updated: 2/5/24