FAQ
How do I apply?
You must complete two applications, which are available online:
- The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) application; and,
- The Idaho State University Graduate School application. Click on the "Apply Now" button. When completing the Graduate School application, select the Fall semester of the year you hope to start our program.
When are applications available?
Applications are available from PTCAS in mid-June. Applications for the Graduate School may be accessed online at any time.
When are applications due?
Idaho State University has two admission deadlines, the first is October 1st. The second date is January 15th. Priority consideration is given to applications completed by the October date. However, 1/3 of the seats will be reserved and all the applicants re-assessed after the January 15th date. This later date allows consideration of applicants who need to complete outstanding prerequisite coursework in the fall semester.
What documents do I need to submit?
The PTCAS application requires official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, an application essay, observation hours documentation, and an application fee. Applicants can self-report their GRE scores in the PTCAS application or send them to code 4640.
The Graduate School application requires transcripts, official GRE scores and an application fee. Please send your GRE results to code 4355 for the ISU Graduate School. At the time of application, transcripts submitted through the Graduate School application may be unofficial, however certain features must be present for them to be accepted, including: The student's name, the institution's wordmark or logo in the header, courses, credits, terms, grades, and the date(s) of any awarded degrees. Once an applicant is accepted to the PT Program, the Graduate School will require official transcripts.
How do I apply for a specific campus?
The ISU DPT Program is one program across two campuses. The PTCAS and Graduate school application will be considered for both campuses. Both locations pull from the same applicant pool. If admitted, you will be given an opportunity to select a preference for attending at either location. Campus assignments are made with consideration for the applicant’s request, and in accordance with class size requirements.
What are the prerequisite courses required for admission?
See the PT Program Admission Requirements for the prerequisite course information.
Is online prerequisite coursework accepted?
Online course work (including online labs) will be accepted as long as it is taken from a US regionally accredited institution.
What kinds of statistics courses will meet the Statistics prerequisite requirement?
Statistics in any field such as Psychology, Sociology, Biology or Mathematics will meet this requirement. Generally, Research Methods courses do not meet this requirement.
Can prerequisite courses be substituted with other/similar courses?
Typically, the answer is no. Please call the Program if you have specific questions at 208- 282-3508 or email to dptadmit@isu.edu.
Will Organic Chemistry, Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry, or Introduction to Bio-Organic Chemistry meet the Chemistry prerequisite?
Only a General Chemistry course can fulfill the Chemistry I requirement. Organic or Biochemistry can be used to fulfill the Chemistry II requirement as long as they include a lab component. Introductory courses will not meet the Chemistry prerequisite requirements.
What do I need to take to fulfill the Social Sciences requirement?
All students must have an Introductory Psychology or Sociology course as well as an Abnormal Psychology or Developmental/Lifespan Psychology course.
May I have prerequisites in progress at the time of application to the program?
Yes.
Up to 2 courses (between 6 and 8 credits) may be in progress at the time of application for the application to be considered for review.
What grades on prerequisite courses are required in order to apply?
A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework is required; however, to be competitive a 3.5 GPA is recommended.
A minimum “C” grade or higher in all prerequisite courses is required. (“C-“ will not be accepted). [NOTE: If the overall or prerequisite GPA is below 3.0, a petition must be submitted for consideration]
My college uses quarter credits instead of semester credits. How do they transfer?
A quarter credit is equal to 2/3 (0.667) of a semester credit. See the ISU Registrar’s policies for more details.
Question: Can I use my High School AP credits to fulfill some prerequisites?
AP Credits will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact dptadmit@isu.edu with questions.
Will it improve my chance to have more than the 80-hour minimum observation hours?
No, as long as an applicant obtains the minimum required hours any extra hours are not considered. Of course, additional observation hours may help further an applicant's understanding of the profession.
May I shadow another medical specialty for my observation hours?
No, you must observe at least two separate physical therapy settings under a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Yes. The GRE with specific scores is required for admission to the ISU PT Program. See ETS for information about testing locations and scheduling the exam. Note that a take at home option is available for students having difficulty finding a testing center seat. Please send your results to GRE code 4640 for PTCAS and 4355 for the ISU Graduate School.
Please note: While the Graduate Catalog states that applicants with a GPA of 3.5-4.0 for the last 60 credits taken may have the GRE waived, the PT Program always requires the GRE.
What are the minimum scores required for the GRE?
The program has no minimum GRE scores. However, GRE scores are a component of the overall application review. Scores of 148 in the Verbal section, and 4.0 in Analytical, with a Combined Score of 295 are the most competitive.
Do I need to take a subject test for the GRE?
No, just the general test of the GRE is required. See ETS for testing locations and exam scheduling.
Will the MAT be accepted in place of the GRE?
No. As of the 2018 application cycle, the MAT cannot be substituted for the GRE.
If I have taken the GRE more than once, can I count the highest score in each category?
No. All qualifying scores must be received on a single GRE occurrence.
How much does the program cost?
Cost is subject to change. See the Tuition and Fees page for estimated cost.
Is financial aid available?
Please contact the University Financial Aid office for information about available types of aid.
Is there on-campus housing?
Campus housing is available at the Pocatello campus. See Housing. The Meridian campus does not have on-campus housing.
Who should I contact with questions about my application?
Please contact dptadmit@isu.edu or (208) 373-1733.
Is the ISU PT Program accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical
Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE’s statement regarding the ISU PT Program's accreditation may be found on the homepage.
What degree does the Idaho State University Physical Therapy program offer?
Graduates of our program receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT).
Must I have a bachelor's degree to enter the program?
Yes. Your bachelor's degree must be completed by August 1st of the year you are applying to enter.
What undergraduate degree does the Program prefer?
Any bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is accepted. Our prerequisite courses will prepare you for our Program's curriculum. Many applicants choose to select an undergraduate degree that closely aligns with our prerequisites, this will vary by institution. Kinesiology and Exercise Science are usually close matches.
How many students / graduates have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) examination?
This varies from year to year. See the About Us page for details.
How many seats are available in the ISU PT program each year?
Twenty-four seats are offered at the Meridian campus and 24 seats are offered at the Pocatello campus each fall for a total of 48.
How important is one's GPA?
To be competitive in our application process, a cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended. Your goal is to be academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the program's curriculum. The Admissions Committee does not base its decision solely on grade point averages, the ranking process includes a holistic review of references, experience, and interview, along with GPA and GRE scores. However, GPA is a major consideration to help determine potential for success within the rigorous program.
Will a felony, misdemeanor, or withheld judgment prevent me from applying to the program?
As part of the clinical year program students are placed in off-campus sites for clinical training. Clinical training sites may require criminal background checks prior to placement at that facility. Conviction of a felony, misdemeanor or withheld judgment may result in a student being denied a clinical assignment which, in turn, may cause the student to be unable to complete the program. Further, conviction of a felony, misdemeanor or withheld judgment may prevent a student from obtaining licensure as a physical therapist. Licensure laws vary by state.
For example, some clinical sites specify the following regarding student background checks:
The student may not have a history or criminal record (including conviction, plea agreement, withheld judgment, or pending charges) concerning any of the following crimes (felony or misdemeanor): (1) sexual assault, rape, indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious behavior, or any crime involving non-consensual sexual conduct; (2) child abuse or neglect, sexual exploitation of children, child abduction, contributing to the delinquency or neglect of a child, enticing a child for immoral purposes, exposing a minor to pornography or other harmful materials, incest, or any other crime involving children as victims or participants; (3) vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation; (4) homicide or manslaughter; (5) assault or battery occurring within the prior seven years; (6) drug trafficking or other offenses involving narcotics, alcohol or controlled substances during the prior five years; (7) theft, embezzlement, fraud, or other crimes involving dishonesty committed during the prior five years; (8) driving under the influence during the prior two years if the Student's duties in the Program may involve driving; and (9) any felony conviction.
Contact Us
(833) 499-1813
