About the Program
Physical Therapy FAQ
Is there a ranking of physical therapy programs?
The American Physical Therapy Association does not rank programs. The accreditation process assures quality in physical therapy education.
What is the eligibility of out-of-state residents?
Selection of applicants is made on a competitive basis. For admission purposes, the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) may give preference to residents of Mississippi, as defined by Miss. Codes §§ 37-103-7 and 37-103-13, and IHL Policy 610. The School of Health Related Professions currently only accepts admission applications from individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
How can I enhance my chance of admission to a physical therapy program?
A high overall grade point average, especially in the prerequisite coursework, and exploring as many aspects of the field as possible are helpful in the admissions process. A record of observations in a variety of physical therapy practice settings, participation in community service, volunteer activities, good interpersonal skills, and above average GRE scores are additional areas of emphasis. Ongoing community service is strongly recommended.
What factors should I consider in selecting an educational program?
Personal considerations such as geographic location, cost, class size and faculty composition will help you decide on a program. Additionally, the design and length of the program, including the availability of face-to-face faculty interaction, should be included in the decision process. Present students, recent graduates and employers of graduates are good sources of information.
Is the physical therapist assistant program a stepping stone to a physical therapist program?
No. The curriculum of the physical therapist assistant student differs from that of the physical therapist and does not provide the prerequisites needed for physical therapist education. However, there are accredited programs that are designed to permit experienced physical therapist assistants to continue working while they attend a physical therapist degree program. UMMC does not offer this type of program.
What are the science course requirements?
Prerequisite science courses, from the Department of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, includes two biology courses with lab, two chemistry courses with lab, two physics courses with lab, and one advanced (300 level or higher) physical or biological science course with lab (e.g., genetics, histology, comparative anatomy, embryology, microbiology). Associated labs if offered, whether incorporated or offered separately, must also be completed. Science courses that will count for science major credit are appropriate. Science courses designed for non-science majors will not meet specified prerequisite requirements and are not acceptable for a prerequisite course. In addition, a statistics course must be completed and may not be a business statistics course.
Students should have completed at least four (4) of the eight (8) prerequisite courses by the end of summer semester of te year in which the applciation is submitted. Applicants accepted for admission must successfully complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or above and the prerequisite and overall GPA must be a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with final grades documented by the official transcript.
Is Human Anatomy and Physiology accepted as a prerequisite course?
Combined anatomy and physiology courses are not accepted to fulfill the two biology course prerequisite requirements.
Even though combined anatomy and physiology are not required prerequisite courses, students have commented that the content was helpful during the DPT program.
Will online coursework meet the pre-requisite course requirements?
In-person classes are strongly recommended but online courses, through an accredited university, are accepted. Consult with the DPT pre-admission counselor prior to enrolling in an online course.
Will UMMC accept prerequisites taken at a community college?
Seven (7) of the eight (8) prerequisites can be taken at a community college. Be sure to confirm that the course(s) is/are designed for science major credit. Combined Human Anatomy and Physiology is not a prerequisite and will not be accepted as a prerequisite course.
What undergraduate degree should I have?
All entering students must have completed at least 90 hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university OR a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Students applying without the baccalaureate degree should have completed a minimum of 60 hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university by the application deadline with a plan to complete the remaining 30 hours before the start of the program and should show 18 hours of upper-level coursework (300 level or higher) in one specific content area completed before the start of the program and documented on the final transcript
A particular degree or course of study is not recommended by the program; likewise, applicants are encouraged to choose a degree or course of study that will meet their personal career goals and provide opportunities for employment upon graduation. Although the application process is competitive, no particular major or course of study ensures acceptance or adequate preparation for pursuit of the professional physical therapy degree. Graduate courses cannot be used to substitute for pre-requisite requirements and graduate level grades are not considered for overall and prerequisite GPAs.
What Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required?
No minimal score required. Verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections of the exam are required. In order for the test results to be received in a timely manner, complete the examination at least one month prior to the application deadline to give GRE adequate time to report the score. GRE scores must be received by the by the application deadline. Official scores should be sent to the UMMC PTCAS code 1858.
When can I apply?
Applications are available in June preceding the date of enrollment. Students must apply for the program through PTCAS after completing 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or anytime after that and be admitted contingent upon successful completion of the remaining requirements. All prerequisites for the program must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher and a minimum overall and required GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale before enrolling in the program.
How do I apply?
The online application process via PTCAS for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program opens in June each year; the application deadline is October 1 of the year that precedes potential entry into the program.
Specific instructions for completing the DPT application are provided on the Physical Therapy website. Support documents required to complete the application include the resume, plan of study, and documentation of observation hours Individual transcripts from all universities attended must be submitted to UMMC Office of Enrollment Management and to PTCAS.
What are the qualifications of program faculty?
The academic and clinical faculty includes a varied group of credentialed professionals and outstanding educators who are recognized for their expertise. Expertise within the program faculty includes clinical practice specialty areas, administration and research.
Faculty members actively publish and make poster, paper and workshop presentations regularly. They are recognized as leaders in professional and scientific associations locally, nationally and internationally. Faculty members encourage students to become actively involved in the professional association.
Can I apply to more than one program on the medical center campus?
Students may apply to multiple programs. Each admissions process is a separate activity.
What is the length and sequence of coursework within the program?
The program is three calendar years in length beginning in May. Learning activities within the program include lecture, practical laboratory experiences, interprofessional education activities and clinical education assignments. The first year of the program focuses on classroom and laboratory activities on the campus. The second and third years include more clinically applicable coursework and clinical education experiences. The clinical education experiences require the student to temporarily relocate with at least one experience being at an affiliated organization outside of the state. Students are responsible for their own living expenses during this time.
Is there a waiting list?
No. Students who are not accepted for admission during one enrollment year must submit a new application for any other enrollment year. This includes all forms, documentation and transcripts. Upon selection of the class, an alternate list is generated. Once the class is enrolled, the alternate list is closed.
If documented on my college transcript, will Advanced Placement (AP) or CLEP courses meet any of the prerequisite requirement(s) for application to the physical therapy program?
Neither AP nor CLEP courses will meet any of the specified prerequisite course requirements for entry into the physical therapy program.
Dual enrolment courses may meet prerequisite requirements, as long as a grade is recorded on the transcript and the course meets the prerequisite requirements.
What is the average GPA of students accepted into the program?
The average GPA is usually over a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The range is from a 3.00 to 4.00. To be considered for admission, both the overall GPA and the pre-requisite GPA must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, a grade of "C" or higher must be earned for any required course.
Will the MCAT, GMAT or a foreign doctor of medicine degree substitute for the GRE pre-admissions requirement for the DPT program?
No. The GRE will not be waived.
What is the salary for a physical therapist?
The salary for a beginning therapist is dependent upon the type of clinical setting, the size of the community and the region of the country.
How many students are accepted each year into the entry level program?
One class of up to 50 students is admitted each year. Classes begin during the summer semester. The available resources, market demand and the number of qualified students determine the class size.
How many observation hours are required? How do I get the hours? Who arranges them?
Applicants are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of observation in physical therapy departments or practices. A maximum of 20 hours may be used from any one site. A minimum of 8 observation hours must be completed in the current year of the application and prior to the application deadline. Observation in a variety of clinical settings is encouraged. No more than a total of 20 hours may be counted from all internship experiences completed for a degree.
Applicants are responsible for arranging their own observation hours. Applicants will need the following information about their observation experience: date of observation, hours observed, name of PT, license number of PT, clinic name, clinic address, and clinic phone number.
Can I work or attend the program on a part-time basis?
The program is not designed for part-time enrollment. The educational program is sufficiently intense that employment limits necessary study time. Work is discouraged and a variety of financial aid opportunities are available.
May I visit the School of Health Related Professions, Department of Physical Therapy, prior to applying?
Each year, SHRP has three or four planned visit days to acquaint potential students with the programs available at UMMC-SHRP. The days are scheduled in the spring and fall of each year. Specific dates can be found on the SHRP website. Personal appointments may be scheduled with a representative of the PT Department by emailing Dr. Joy Kuebler, Physical Therapy Pre-Admission Counselor, or calling (601) 984-5587.
Planned campus visit days may be presented through webinar or on campus. Please refer to the website for specific dates, times, and locations.
Is on-campus housing available?
Housing is not available. However, many local rental and purchase properties are available throughout the Jackson metro area. Visit the UMMC off campus housing site for more information.
When and where may I complete an application?
The online DPT application will open in PTCAS June 15 of the year preceding enrollment. All information requested in the online application must be completed.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow up with PTCAS throughout the process to ensure their application is “verified” by the application deadline. Applications that are not “verified” by the October 1 deadline may not be considered.
PTCAS application must be verified and all supporting documentation must be received by the UMMC Office of Enrollment Management and all applicants must pay a non-refundable UMMC application fee of $25 by October 1.
More information may be obtained from the Office of Enrollment Management.
Nikki Hubbard, Enrollment Data SpecialistOffice of Enrollment Management
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 N. State St.
Jackson, MS 39216-4505
(601) 984-1080