Admissions Process

Emory & Henry’s DPT Program admits one new cohort of students each August with a cohort class size of 34 students. Our PTCAS application deadline for the 2023/24 cycle is March 1, 2024.

Important Deadlines

  • PTCAS opens: June 15, 2023
  • Early Acceptance Deadline: August 15, 2023 - click here for additional info on Early Decision
  • Early Acceptance Verdict Date: September 26, 2023
  • Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
  • Program Start Date: August 19, 2024 (tentatively)

All applications will be reviewed and those selected for an on-site interview will be notified via email. On-site interviews are scheduled for October 21, 2023, November 18, 2023 and January 13, 2024, and February 16, 2024 (March dates have not been confirmed yet).

Carefully review the checklist below before submitting your application. If you have any questions regarding the admissions process please contact Tracie Rinehardt, Director of Admissions at trinehardt@ehc.edu, or by calling 276-944-6791.

How to Apply to Our Program

Applications for Emory & Henry’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are completed and verified utilizing the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System.

Apply to the program here 

Application Checklist:

  • Application:  Applications will be accepted online through PTCAS.
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with either a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale) or last 45 hours GPA of 2.75. A minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0.
  • A minimum of 40 hours of clinical experience (volunteer or work-related) with a licensed physical therapist. A variety of settings is highly recommended.
  • Completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within five years prior to application (the last recommended date for applicants to take the GRE to meet the program’s application deadline is November 30th). There is no minimum GRE score needed to apply.
  • Two letters of recommendation, at least one must be from a licensed PT that you have shadowed. The second letter can be any professional reference, including professor, advisor, work supervisor, etc.. 
  • Emory & Henry has a strong history and reputation for preparing students to be critical thinkers and to be civically engaged. As such, applicants are required to provide an example (in 1-2 paragraphs) of how they have worked to improve lives in their communities, and how this has impacted their personal growth. This question can be found on the School-specific page of the PTCAS application.
  • Foreign applicants whose native language is not English must achieve a minimum of 79 on the iBT TOEFL examination or a Band 6 on the IELTS. Also, please submit an approved credential report for coursework completed outside the United States.
  • Supplemental Fee:  In order to process your application, you will need to submit a non-refundable supplemental fee of $30.00.

Pay Supplemental Application Fee Online


Early Decision Information- DPT

Early Acceptance Deadline:  August 15, 2023

Applicants may be offered early admission, denied admission, or deferred to regular applicant status. The early decision program is a non-binding option for applicants who have decided that Emory & Henry Doctor of Physical Therapy program is their first choice.

The early acceptance application deadline is August 15, 2023. In addition to completing the PTCAS application, applicants must arrange for PTCAS to receive all official transcripts and fees, as well as pay the Emory & Henry supplemental application fee, by August 15. Early acceptance candidates must take the GRE and request scores no later than July 31.

Admission decisions on early decision applicants will be made by September 25, 2023.

  • Supplemental Fee:  In order to process your application, you will need to submit a non-refundable supplemental fee of $30.00.
  • Early acceptance requirements include: a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5; a minimum combined GRE combined (verbal and quantitative) score of 300; a minimum  GRE analytical writing score of 3.5.

On-Site Interviews

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be offered an interview by the Admissions Committee: either a cumulative or last 45 hour GPA of 2.75 or greater; a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or greater; Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score (no minimum required), 40 or more hours of documented PT observation, personal statement and supplemental essay.  Each scoring element is assigned a percentage of the total score to determine which applicants will be selected for on-site interviews. 

Although we accept prerequisite coursework from an accredited two-year institution, additional consideration is given to applicants who have not taken any science prerequisite coursework from a community college.

Furthermore, additional consideration is given to Emory & Henry alumni who meet all admissions criteria. However, admission into the program is not guaranteed.