DPT Admission Pathways

The Augustana DPT Program, inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, highly values the Augustana graduates who have received an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity, and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world. In affirmation of these graduates' high standards and integrity, we have developed several pathways by which highly qualified Augustana students and graduates can smoothly transition into the DPT degree.

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Students who have earned their Masters of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) at Augustana, and meet the GPA, prerequisite course and other admission requirements and criteria will be automatically be placed into Tier 1 (Direct Admit without interview) candidacy.

Due to the rolling admissions process, MSAT students must declare their intention to apply to the DPT Admissions Committee, and submit an application through PTCAS, before May 1 of the year of expected matriculation. Seat deposit is due on the same schedule (Jan. 15 of matriculation year) as for all admitted students.
MSAT students may defer by 12 months without losing their seat. This must be clearly communicated to the Admissions Committee in writing before May 1 of the application year. The seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.

Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway

The Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway is for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and will allow them to earn 3 degrees (Bachelor of Arts, MSAT, and DPT) in 7 years. Students accepted into this program are guaranteed admission into both MSAT and DPT graduate programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree at Augustana, provided they fulfill and meet all of the MSAT and DPT program requirements. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to sit certification/licensure exams to be dual credentialed as an Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist.

Requirements for the EADA Pathway include:
- Acceptance into Augustana University
- Complete required prerequisite courses for Augustana's MSAT and DPT programs
- Meet all admissions criteria and requirements for Augustana's DPT Program
- Complete BA degree with minimum GPA of 3.0 for entrance into MSAT
- Pass the MSAT Annual Examinations with a minimum score of 70%
- Complete MSAT degree for entrance into DPT

Timelines for communicating intention to continue into the DPT program are to be followed by notifying DPT Admissions Committee and submitting an application to PTCAS before May 1 of the year of expected matriculation. Seat deposits are due on the same schedule (Jan. 15 of matriculation year) as other applicants.

Students may defer for 12 months prior to continuing into the DPT program provided that intention is communicated to DPT Admissions Committee by May 1 of application year. Seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.

Additional Considerations for Augustana Students, Graduates, and Alumni

Students who have already completed a degree with Augustana University are expected to be academically excellent with a strong foundation based on the core values and principles. The DPT Program believes interested students should have the opportunity to continue their education and pursue their DPT degree with Augustana. Therefore, the following considerations are provided for Augustana students, graduates, and alumni.

Early review of applications – while applications in this rolling admissions model are reviewed in the order they are received, applications from Augustana students, graduates and alumni will be reviewed first in the batch of applications being reviewed at each cycle (biweekly). Students are still encouraged to apply early as once the cohort is filled; all other qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
Preference points on application – all Augustana students, graduates and alumni will be awarded a preference point on their application. This does not guarantee an offer of admission, or invitation for an interview.
All Augustana students, graduates or alumni who are categorized on initial application review as Tier 3 (Deny), will be offered counseling and feedback for how to strengthen their application should they choose to re-apply.

Augustana Viking Athlete Scholar Pathway

Student-athletes with exceptional athletic achievement, who also have fulfilled the prerequisite course and other admission requirements and criteria, are eligible for Tier 1/ Direct Admit status through the Viking Athlete Scholar Pathway.

Students must be a current athlete in one of Augustana University’s recognized sports.
Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 or greater to be eligible (students must maintain this GPA and graduate with a minimum 3.5/4.0).
Students must meet all admissions criteria/requirements, with degree and course requirements being completed prior to enrollment in the program.
Due to the rolling admissions process, eligible Viking Athlete Scholars must declare their intention to apply to the DPT Admissions Committee, and submit an application through PTCAS, before May 1 of the year of expected matriculation. Seat deposit is due on the same schedule (Jan. 15 of matriculation year) as for all admitted students.
Viking Athlete Scholars may defer by 12 months without losing their seat. This must be clearly communicated to the Admissions Committee in writing before May 1 of the application year. Seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.