Physical Therapy
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Program Overview
The D.P.T. program reflects The George Washington University Medical Center’s mission: teaching with creativity and dedication; healing with quality and compassion; and discovering with imagination and innovation.
Doctoral Program
The George Washington University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program is an eight-semester full-time entry-level professional program that prepares graduates to examine, evaluate, diagnose, develop plans of care, provide interventions and assess outcomes for patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal, neuromotor, cardiopulmonary and integumentary dysfunctions. Students explore the legal and ethical aspects of patient care as well as issues of communication, patient education, health promotion, health policy and practice management.
The program is committed to the development of generalist practitioners prepared to practice autonomously; reflective practitioners who think critically and use best evidence to effectively solve problems; compassionate practitioners who demonstrate excellence in communication and interpersonal skills, a respect for individual and cultural differences, and the core values of the profession; and dedicated practitioners who value the tenets of lifelong learning. Small classes enable students to engage in critical thinking activities that facilitate effective clinical decision making and problem solving. Faculty members use innovative teaching strategies and integrate clinical experiences to facilitate learning and retention throughout the curriculum.
The D.P.T. [program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapist Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Students are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination upon graduation.
Admission Requirements
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Admission deadlines: |
Fall - December 15 |
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The application and all supporting documentation (fees, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores) must be received by the deadline in order for the application to be reviewed. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program uses the online application system PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service). Please go to the PTCAS Web site to begin the application process. The fee for using PTCAS is based on the number of programs the applicant designates. A limited number of application fee waivers are available. Meeting PTCAS’ eligibility criterion for a fee waiver does not guarantee a waiver will be granted for supplemental application fees. In addition to the PTCAS application, all applicants must submit a GW Supplemental Application to the Health Sciences Office of Admissions. |
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Standardized test scores: |
The GRE general test (institutional code 5246) must have been taken within the past five years, except for those applicants already awarded a post-baccalaureate degree. Official GRE reports must be received by the deadline for an application to be considered for admission. |
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Recommendations required: |
Two (2) recommendations must be submitted with your PTCAS application. |
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Prior academic records: |
Transcripts required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts must be forwarded in their original sealed envelopes. If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English language translation must be provided in addition to the original transcripts; translations alone will not be accepted. Official transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grades, U.S. degree equivalency, grade-point averages (GPA), and date of degree conferral. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services, please click here. |
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Statement of purpose: |
In an essay of 250 to 500 words, describe your reasons for undertaking study in the Health Sciences at The George Washington University. You should state your academic objectives, career plans, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. |
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Additional Requirements: |
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Prerequisite course work includes the following:
All science courses must be for science/health science majors. All applicants are required to review the Technical Standards/Essential Functions for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Policy before applying. Note: Accepted applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable tuition deposit. |
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International applicants only: |
Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents and English language requirements. PLEASE NOTE that the Health Sciences programs require the following minimum English language test scores for admission:
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Supporting Documents not Submitted Online should be Mailed to:
Office of Admissions
Health Sciences Programs
The George Washington University
2100-W Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 5079
Washington, DC 20037
Contact for Questions:
hsphora@gwu.edu ~ (202) 994-8528
202-994-0870 (fax)
9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday
