For: High school seniors applying to Faulkner University 

The Benefit: Finish two degrees in 6 years instead of 7 as well as guaranteed entrance into the DPT program following satisfactory completion of undergraduate requirements.  

High School Application Requirements 

High school seniors must submit their Faulkner University application and all supporting documents no later than February 1st.  

• GPA: Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher 

• Test Scores:  

• ACT score of >26 OR a minimum SAT score of 1250 

• Coursework:  

• Completion of at least 4 math and 4 science courses  

• Grades of B or better are strongly recommended 

• Honors, dual enrollment, Anatomy/Physiology, and health science courses preferred 

• PT Exposure:  

• Minimum of 15 hours of physical therapy observation  

• Can include shadowing, volunteer service, or health science program participation 

• Must be documented via the DPT Observation Form 

• Letters of Recommendation:  

• Minimum of 2 strong letters (No family or friends accepted) 

• One from an instructor familiar with your academic abilities 

• One from a coach, employer, extracurricular advisor, or licensed healthcare provider who can speak to your professional demeanor and communication skills.   

Interview:   

Selected candidates will be invited to interview with the Admissions Committee. Accepted students receive conditional admission into the DPT program contingent upon maintaining program standards.  

Requirements to Maintain Status During Undergraduate Enrollment 

• Mentorship:  

• Meet with your assigned DPT program mentor at least once per semester.  

• Actively participate in activities with the Department of Physical Therapy, The Faulkner Clinic, or the Health Sciences Club.  

• GPA Benchmarks:  

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and a 3.5 GPA in prerequisite courses by the end of your junior year.  

• Course Grades:  

• Complete all prerequisite courses at Faulkner with a minimum grade of “C” (“B” or higher preferred).   

• If you retake a course it will average with original grade rather than replace it and may risk your direct entry status.  

• Observation Hours:  

• Complete at least 40 hours of observation/volunteering across at least two different clinical settings (e.g. inpatient and outpatient) 

• At least 10 hours MUST be completed in the Faulkner University Clinic  

• Intent to Enter: Submit an “Intent to Enter” form to the Admissions Committee during the fall of your junior year  

• Matriculation:   

• Sign the Freshman Direct Entry contract 

• Pass a final background check and drug screen  

• Meet and sign Essential Functions document  

• Complete the summer Medical Terminology Review Course  

Removal from Program:  

• Falling below GPA benchmarks for more than two consecutive semesters (or by year 3) 

• Earning below a B in a prerequisite course, missing deadlines, or conduct issues  

• • Removal does not prevent students from applying through the traditional pathway  

1. Direct Admit Pathway for Faulkner Undergraduates
   1. Eligibility Requirements
      1. Full-time Faulkner undergraduate with at least 60 or more credits at Faulkner University completed
      2. Prerequisite GPA ≥ 3.5 and Last 60 credits GPA ≥ 3.5
      3. No grade below C in DPT prerequisites
      4. Complete at least 40 hours of observation or volunteer experience in physical therapy across at least two clinical settings. (e.g., inpatient and outpatient)
      5. At least 10 of those hours MUST be in the Faulkner University Clinic
      6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation;
         1. One from a Professor who can speak to your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program.
         2. One from a Physical Therapist who can speak to your professional demeanor, ability to function in a complex environment, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.
         3. One from an employer, coach, or extracurricular activity advisor
      7. Test requirements, either:
         1. Sit for the GRE
         2. Submit proof of ACT >26, SAT 1250
      8. Participate in activities with the Department of Physical Therapy and The Faulkner Clinic/ or Health Sciences Club
   2. Direct Entry applicants are assigned a DPT program mentor.
      1. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with their mentor as early as their freshman year.
      2. The applicant must meet with the mentor during their senior year to ensure that all requirements have been fulfilled.
   3. Complete PTCAS application no later than August 1st of the year prior to expected entrance into the DPT program. (include link to PTCAS- https://ptcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant/login)
   4. Qualified applicants will receive a notification of conditional acceptance from the DPT program and will be required to pay a seat deposit. Accepted students must complete all matriculation requirements prior to the beginning of the program, including the summer Anatomy Review and Medical Terminology Course.
   5. The offer of admission will be rescinded for any applicant who does not meet admission requirements prior to enrollment.

• GPA below benchmarks for more than a semester or at the completion of bachelor’s degree
• Grade below C in any prerequisite course
• Missed application deadline
• Conduct/professionalism issues
• Inability of student to meet Essential Functions as indicated in Click Here

For: Currently enrolled Faulkner students who are not in a Direct Entry program but want an edge in the application process 

The Benefit: Receive a preferential application review and interview 

Requirements for Preferential Review 

Who is eligible?  

• Faulkner students who meet the published traditional criteria for DPT admission  

Application requirements?  

• Verified application in PTCAS by September 15th of your senior year at Faulkner  

• Obtain an official recommendation from a Faulkner University advisor or faculty member