The Augustana University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, inspired by Lutheran-scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, values 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, the university has developed several pathways by which highly qualified Augustana students and its graduates can transition smoothly into earning a DPT.
Students who have earned a Master 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 admission process, MSAT students must declare their intention to apply to the DPT Admission 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 Admission Committee in writing before May 1 of the application year. The seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.
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 admission criteria/requirements, with degree and course requirements being completed prior to enrollment in the program.
- Due to the rolling admission process, eligible Viking Athlete Scholars must declare their intention to apply to the DPT Admission 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 Admission Committee in writing before May 1 of the application year. Seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.
Students who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from the Augustana University Exercise Science undergraduate program are eligible for Tier 1 (direct admit without interview) candidacy.
To qualify, students must:
- Hold or be completing a degree in Exercise Science from Augustana University;
- maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application and upon graduation;
- meet all prerequisite coursework and general admission requirements for the DPT program; and,
- complete all degree requirements prior to enrollment in the DPT program.
Due to the rolling admission process, Exercise Science Scholars must declare their intent to apply to the DPT Admission Committee and submit an application via PTCAS no later than March 1 of the year of expected matriculation. The seat deposit deadline follows the standard schedule for all applicants: Jan. 15 of the matriculation year.
The Early Assurance Direct Admit (EADA) Pathway is for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in health care and will allow them to earn three degrees (Bachelor of Arts, MSAT and DPT) in seven 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%; and,
- complete MSAT degree for entrance into DPT.
- Timelines for communicating intention to continue into the DPT program are to be followed by notifying DPT Admission 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 Admission Committee by May 1 of application year. Seat will not be held for longer than a 12-month deferral.
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.