The easiest Physical Therapy Schools with Low GPA to get into in 2023

Are you looking for the easiest physical therapy Schools with low GPA to study? Physical therapy schools are one of the schools that are difficult for applicants to get admitted into by merit.

This has made most applicants believe that it is very hard to gain admission into the school often even with a very high grade point.

Nevertheless, you do not have to bother yourself much because this article will guide you on the easiest way to gain admission into the physical therapy schools of your choice with low GPA requirements if implemented.

Before we proceed, I would like to enlighten you on what physical therapy is all about. See Best Medical Schools in California.

Table of Contents

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery; or physiotherapy.

Who is a Physical therapist?

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defined a physical therapist as a trained and licensed medical professional with experience in diagnosing physical abnormalities, restoring physical function and mobility, maintaining physical function, and promoting physical activity and proper function.

Physical therapists study biology, anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathology, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal sciences during the course of several years of training.

Things to know about physical therapy schools

Since the establishment of the profession about a century ago, physical therapy colleges have gone a long way.

Therefore, when physical therapy became more popular as a viable healthcare option, additional physical therapy schools emerged, offering certifications and bachelor’s degrees.

Then came master’s degrees in physical therapy, but now all authorized schools give the same degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

Transitional DPT (t-DPT) programs are intended to assist practicing physical therapists in expanding their knowledge.

Improve their evidence-based practice abilities and gain a greater understanding of the physical therapy business. See Best Medical Schools in Colorado.

Additionally, PT improves your clinical abilities and allows you to learn about the most recent breakthroughs in physiotherapy. Earning a PT/transitional DPT keeps you from falling behind.

How Hard is it to Get into Physical Therapy (PT) School?

Physical therapy school is not easy to get into. The school is for strong minds. So, if you’re wondering if it’s difficult to get into physical therapy school, it’s actually quite difficult to get into physical therapy school.

Getting into one of the best physical therapy schools in the United States is not certain, irrespective of how high your grade point is.

Admission Requirement for a Physical Therapy School

If you are aspiring to attend Physical Therapy school in the United States and work as a physiotherapist, you must understand the most important physical therapy school admission requirements. As it will assist you in preparing adequately before applying to any school.

1. GPA Requirement

Physiotherapy schools often require you to have completed or be working on a four-year bachelor’s degree.

As a result, your GPA from your undergraduate studies will be required for admission to any school, which is highly significant.

Additionally, the higher your GPA, the more likely you are to be accepted into any physiotherapy program in the United States.

In general, most physiotherapy schools in the United States accept a 3.0 GPA as part of their admissions requirements.

2. Admission Test(GRE)

A good GRE score is also required for admission to any physiotherapy school in the United States.

However, average admitted GRE scores for the verbal component are around 155, 154 for the quantitative section, and 4.0 to 4.5 for the writing section.

3. CASper Test(Online)

CASPer is an online test that evaluates non-cognitive skills and interpersonal qualities that we believe are necessary for successful students and graduates of the PT program. It will be used in conjunction with the other tools we utilize for application screening.

4. An Applicant’s Volunteer Experience

PT programs frequently require a certain number of volunteer or work hours under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

I recommend putting in some time even if the university you want to attend does not provide them. It will make your life at school a lot easier. Make a concerted effort to practice for at least 50 hours.

5. Letter Of Recommendation

If you want to work as a physical therapist, you will need them. Although they may not be required in all schools, believe me when I say that they are a lifesaver.

Obtain at least two letters of recommendation from certified physical therapists, as well as two letters from upper-level lecturers.

6. Two References

As part of the admissions process, you will need two recommendations from two separate physical therapists.

Can you Get into Physica Therapy School with a Low GPA?

Definitely, you can get into Physical Therapy School with a low GPA, but this totally depends on your GPA score.

The truth is, most schools will not let you enroll unless you have a GPA of at least 3.0. But don’t stop at 3.0; try to push it as near to 4.0 as you can.

The greater it is, the better your chances of getting into a physical therapy program.

Here are Physical Therapy Schools that accept low GPA requirements:

University of Illinois at Chicago
Daemen College
CSU Northridge
Bellarmine University
AT Still University
East Tennessee State University
Emory & Henry College
Regis University
Shenandoah University
Southwest Baptist University
Touro University
University of Kentucky
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Physical Therapy Schools with a 2.5 GPA Requirement

In most DPT programs, a minimum grade point average is required. These minimum scores vary by institution and may be low in comparison to the average GPA of those accepted.

This means that some physical therapy programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.

They include:

University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
East Tennessee State University
University of Kentucky
University of Mary

What is the Acceptance Rate of Physical Therapy Schools?

The average acceptance rate for best physical therapy schools is 31.76%.

As a result of this, the acceptance rate is one of the factors used to measure the World Rankings of Best Physical Therapy Schools.

Easiest Physical Therapy(PT) Schools To Get Into

Here is a comprehensive list of the 2022 ranking of the Easiest Physical Therapy Schools to Get Into:

University of Delaware
University of Pittsburgh
Creighton University
Washington University in St. Louis
Emory University
Northwestern University
University of Iowa
MGH Institute of Health Professions
U.S. Army-Baylor University
Duke University

Ranking of Physical Therapy Schools

#1. University of Delaware

Acceptance Rate: 66%

GPA Score: 3.77

Graduation Rate: 94.34%

The University of Delaware has been ranked Number 1 in the list of best physical therapy schools.

The University of Delaware is a private-public research university located in Newark, Delaware. UD is the largest university in Delaware.

It offers three associate’s programs, 148 bachelor’s programs, 121 master’s programs, and 55 doctoral programs across its eight colleges.

The aim of the Department of Physical Therapy is to advance physical therapist practice by providing outstanding entry-level and post-graduate education, translating science to deliver quality clinical services, leading federally funded rehabilitation research, and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers and leaders of our profession.

In addition, The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher EducationVisit School

#2. University of Pittsburgh

Acceptance Rate: 59%

GPA Score: 3.0

Graduation Rate: 82%

The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation is the second-best accredited physical therapy school.

Also, the school is an international leader in rehabilitation and disabilities education, research, and community service.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) at the University of Pittsburgh is among the best physical therapy schools in the world.

The school is known for its excellence in academic and clinical education, and high-impact, multidisciplinary research.

Also, The school has been leading the way to help people of all ages and stages of life to overcome movement, function, and mobility challenges.

In addition, The SHRS is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Visit School

#3. Creighton University

Acceptance Rate: 71%

GPA Score: 3.74

Graduation Rate: 99%

The Creighton University School of Medicine is the graduate medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, the United States. It was founded in 1892.

A new satellite campus opened in 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, becoming the first Jesuit medical program west of Omaha.

However, All matriculating students complete pre-clinical coursework in Omaha, and 42 third-year students complete their clinical rotations in Phoenix, with elective options at both campuses during their fourth year.

Furthermore, the school is accredited regionally by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE).Visit School

#4. Washington University in St. Louis

Acceptance Rate: 15%

GPA Score: 4.15

Graduation Rate: 94%

Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university with its main campus mostly in unincorporated St. Louis County, Missouri, and Clayton, Missouri. Founded in 1853.

The Washington University Program in Physical Therapy is leading in advancing human health through movement, integrating interdisciplinary research, outstanding clinical care, and education of tomorrow’s leaders to drive optimization of function across the lifespan.

The Program in Physical Therapy has pioneered a unique, movement-based approach to physical therapy.

Also, the Washington University physical therapy has been ranked as the fourth-best PT school. In addition, the school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).Visit School

#5. Emory University

Acceptance Rate: 19%

GPA Score: 3.78

Graduation Rate: 91%

The school is the fifth-best school for physical therapy.

Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Emory was founded in 1836 as “Emory College” by the Methodist Episcopal Church and was named in honor of Methodist bishop John Emory.

However, the Department of Physical Therapy has been a destination of choice for many prospective physical therapy students.

There is something about the program that promotes exceptional skills, creativity, reflectivity, and humanity while instilling self-confidence as students transform into outstanding professionals.

Furthermore, the mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to cultivate the well-being of individuals and global communities through exemplary leadership in physical therapy education, discovery, and service.

In addition, the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees.

#6. Northwestern University

Acceptance Rate: 8%

GPA Score: 4.09

Graduation Rate: 94%

Northwestern University is the sixth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. It was founded in 1851.

The Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University maintains the richest possible educational environment for students to acquire training in physical therapy.

However, the school is committed to excellent teaching, innovative research and the personal and intellectual growth of its students in a diverse academic community.

In addition, Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).Visit School

#7. University of Iowa

Acceptance Rate: 83%

GPA Score: 3.76

Graduation Rate: 72%

University of Lowa is the seventh-best school that offers physical therapy training.

The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest and the second-largest university in the state.

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences offers a unique learning environment in a leading medical education center.

However, The department consists of faculty members who are dedicated clinical educators and scientists who embrace the department’s mission to advance the health of humankind.

So, through the faculty members’ clinical teaching skills and commitment to advancing new knowledge in physical therapy, and students are artfully mentored to meet the challenges facing health care today.

In addition, the school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission(HLC).Visit School

#8. MGH Institute of Health Professions

Acceptance Rate: 50-60%

GPA Score: 3.0

Graduation Rate: 96.6%

MGM Institute of Health Professions is the eighth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions (The MGH Institute) is a private university centered on the health sciences and located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1977 by Massachusetts General Hospital.

However, the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program prepares physical therapists to be successful practitioners and leaders in complex and evolving health care systems.

In other words, they emphasize critical thinking and clinical decision-making, collaborative team-based care, and lifelong learning to accomplish the goal.

The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)Visit School

#9. U.S. Army-Baylor University

Acceptance Rate: 30%

GPA Score: 3.25

Graduation Rate: 98%

U.S. Army-Baylor University is the ninth-best school that offers physical therapy training.

The military physical therapy program is located at the historic Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and is the Home of Military Medicine.

Students are awarded a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Baylor University upon completing our program. Also, Program applicants do not need to be in the military to apply.

The current class size is 26 students and they complete 124 semester hours in didactic and clinical education during the program.

In addition, the school is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Visit School

#10. Duke University

Acceptance Rate: 10%

GPA Score: 4.03

Graduation Rate: 100%

Duke University is the tenth-best school that offers physical therapy training. Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day town of Trinity in 1838.

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is an inclusive community of scholars engaged in the discovery, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge in the optimal care of patients and the instruction of learners.

However, students’ team experience programs allow them to gain hands-on clinical experience under the direction of a skilled clinician.

Also, the faculty pursue research through innovative clinical practices, educational research, improving diagnostic accuracy, and more.

In addition, Duke University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).Visit School

Easiest PT Schools to Get into in Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S both by landmass and population. As a huge state, a lot of quality physical therapy schools established their campuses in this state.

Citizens of this state have a high interest in education, especially in the area of medicine. However, below are the 13 easiest schools in Texas you can get into:

Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
Texas State University College of Health Professions
Archer College of Health and Human Services
Mayborn College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences – University of Texas-El Paso
Hardin – Simmons University College of Health Professions
School of Health Professions – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
School of Health Professions – the University of Texas – Medical Branch at Galveston
University of the Incarnate Word School of Physical Therapy
School of Health Professions – University of North Texas Health Science Center
School of Health Professions – University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center
College of Health Sciences – Texas Woman’s University
School of Health Professions – University of Texas – Health Science Center at San Antonio

What are the Easiest PT Schools to Get into in California?

California is one of the biggest states in the U.S. There are over 39 million residents in California as it is home to the headquarters of many international companies.

However, you can attend any of the top pt schools in California, but you need to understand that they are very competitive. So, for that reason, you need a strong GPA and GRE score to have a chance of getting admission.

Easiest Physiotherapy School To Get Into In Canada

Physical therapy is a regulated profession in Canada. This means that by law you are required to be licensed to practice.

Also, physiotherapists’ jobs are high-demand occupations in Canada.

Below is a list of the easiest schools in Canada you can get into:

McMaster University
Queen’s University
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
The University of British Columbia
The University of Alberta
Western University
The University of Saskatchewan
University of Manitoba
Université de Montréal
McGill University
Université de Sherbrooke
Université Laval
Dalhousie University
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

How Easy Is It To Get Into Physical Therapy School

Physical therapy is a good field of study. So, saying that it is very easy will be incorrect information. This is because different schools weigh different factors differently and have different application processes.

But as many Physical therapy schools are considered very difficult to get into, there are some schools where you don’t necessarily need a very high score to gain admission.

What Are the Requirements to Get into Physical Therapy School?

GPA Requirement
Admission Test(GRE)
An Applicant’s Volunteer Experience
Letter of Recommendation
Two References.

What Are The Easiest Physical Therapy Schools To Get Into?

University of Delaware
University of Pittsburgh
Creighton University
Washington University in St. Louis
Emory University
Northwestern University
University of Iowa
MGH Institute of Health Professions
U.S. Army-Baylor University
Duke University

What Are the Physical Therapy Schools that Accept 2.5 GPA?

University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
East Tennessee State University
University of Kentucky
University of Mary

Last Thoughts

Gaining admission into a physical therapy school can be difficult and competitive, but doing the required things, such as adequate preparation and getting your admission requirements, is a step toward getting in quickly.

However, I feel that this post on the easiest Physical Therapy schools to get into will help you in making the best possible decision ever.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Admin

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