The Augustana University Doctor of Physical Therapy-Colorado (DPT-CO) Program does not require a specific undergraduate major of study. Undergraduate coursework in specific areas that provide a foundation for graduate study in physical therapy are required, with other courses being strongly recommended. The strongest applicants will have taken all the required prerequisite courses and several of the highly recommended courses prior to entering the program.
Prerequisites for DPT-CO
Required Prerequisite Courses
- Anatomy & Physiology I With Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II With Lab
- Biology I With Lab
- Biology II or Biological Science
- Chemistry I With Lab
- Chemistry II With Lab
- Physics I
- Physics II
- Psychology or Sociology
- English Composition/Writing
Anatomy and Physiology coursework must have been completed within 10 years of matriculation into the Augustana DPT Program OR applicants must provide evidence of relevant and ongoing work experiences in the topic area that have kept their knowledge current. However, applicants are strongly recommended to take refresher courses as needed to ensure they are well-prepared for the accelerated nature of the DPT program.
Required prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C or higher in each course and a prerequisite course GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
Applicants may apply with up to four (4) prerequisite courses still in progress.
All requirements must be complete prior to matriculation. Provisional acceptance may be granted if prerequisite coursework is in progress, with full admission granted pending course completion. For prerequisite courses that are repeated, prerequisite GPA will be determined using the highest grade recorded on the transcript. AP courses taken in high school that are accepted by the student's undergraduate program to fulfill degree requirements will count toward pre-requisite requirements so long as they appear on the undergraduate transcript with a description of the courses in which they apply.
Preference points for admission will be awarded to applicants who have completed highly recommended courses (listed below) with a grade of B or higher.
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control/Motor Learning
- Human Development
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics/Genomics
- Computer/Data Science
- Communications/Public Speaking
- Ethics/Medical Ethics/Bioethics
- Nutrition
- Health & Wellness
- Community/Population Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Sports Psychology
- Research Methods/Experimental Design
- Biostatistics
- Medical Terminology
- Exercise Prescription
Any high school Advanced Placement courses need to be listed on your undergraduate transcript to count toward required prerequisites. Augustana University does not accept any transfer credit from another DPT program. All courses required for the DPT degree, both didactic and clinical, must be completed with the Augustana University DPT Program.