Students accepted into the Augustana DPT Program must meet the following criteria:
- Complete a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale from a regionally accredited institution. Conditional acceptance may be granted, with full admission pending completion of the degree.
- If the cumulative GPA minimum is not met, students will be required to submit an Academic Performance Essay to explain their prior academic performance and indicate steps and strategies for improvement.
- If the cumulative GPA is less than 2.80 on a 4.00 scale, an applicant may still be eligible for admission if a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher has been achieved over the last 60 semester/ trimester- or 90 quarter-hour credits of coursework.
- The Augustana DPT program recognizes the unusual challenges applicants may have faced during their undergraduate educational experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many undergraduate institutions implemented temporary grading policies such as awarding pass/fail grades during the 2020-21 academic years. Such policies may adversely impact both the prerequisite and cumulative GPAs of applicants. The Admissions Committee is committed to considering these extenuating circumstances. Pass/fail grades will not be included in calculating cumulative GPAs.
- Complete all required prerequisite courses 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. Conditional acceptance may be granted if prerequisite coursework is in progress, with full admission granted pending course completion.
- For prerequisite courses that are repeated, the prerequisite GPA will be determined using the highest grade recorded on the transcript; however, both grades, if registered on the transcript, will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.
- Pass/fail grades given for prerequisite courses due to COVID-19 related circumstances, will not be included in the prerequisite GPA calculation.
- Prerequisite courses with a ‘fail’ grade on a pass/fail system will not be accepted towards course requirements.
- Ability to fulfill the technical abilities required for physical therapists. These include skills and abilities in the following areas: perceptual, observational, communication, interpersonal, motor and psychomotor abilities, intellectual, social/behavioral, professionalism, and capacity to perform specific work activities.
- No qualified person with a disability shall be excluded from admission, participation, or denied benefits or subjected to discrimination solely by reason of their disability. It is the responsibility of the student with disabilities to request accommodations that they feel are reasonable are needed to execute the essential requirements described.
- Applicants are encouraged to observe practicing physical therapists performing the job's essential functions to make an informed decision before applying to the program. Students who feel they can complete these essential functions are encouraged to apply. If applicable, please inform the program of any reasonable accommodation(s) that may be required.
- Applicants who cannot complete the tasks listed in the Technical Abilities Document, even with reasonable accommodation, are not eligible for admission. Any previously made offer of admission may be withdrawn if it becomes apparent that the student cannot complete essential tasks even with accommodation, or that the accommodations needed are not reasonable and would cause undue hardship to the institution or that fulfilling the functions would create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of others.
- Students will be asked to attest to their ability to meet the technical standards (or have arranged necessary and reasonable accommodations with the program) before enrollment.
- Completion of an approved criminal background check before enrollment in the program.
- An additional background check and/or drug screening test may be required before beginning clinical experiences in year two of the program. Applicants should be aware that a prior criminal background could restrict the ability to obtain professional state licensure. Applicants are responsible for knowing the regulations for the state(s) in which they hope to practice. Admission into the DPT program does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain such licensure.
