Physical Therapy Admissions Standards

The six-year clinical doctorate program in physical therapy at Nazareth College accepts applicants for full-time study from the freshman year. Students are admitted directly into the program as a freshman and aren't required to reapply for admission to the graduate phase of the program.

Freshmen applicants may apply on any timeline: Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Regular Decision.

To be considered for direct acceptance into the physical therapy program, prospective freshmen must show evidence of successful academic performance within a rigorous high school curriculum. Competitive applicants will meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to the program.

Minimum grade point average (GPA): 85% (out of 100%) or 3.0 (within a 4.0 scale).

Strongly preferred math and science experience: Successful completion of the following high school courses with a grade of B or higher:

  • Three years of math
  • One year of biology with a lab
  • One year of chemistry with a lab
  • One year of physics with a lab

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the DPT program. Preference is given to applicants who complete four or more years of coursework in both math and science.

New York students: For students graduating from a New York state high school, performance on Regents tests, particularly math and science exams, will be used.

Test optional: Nazareth College is a standardized-test-optional college, meaning that SAT and ACT scores will be used by the admissions committee if the candidate so chooses.

In addition to academic strength, the admissions committee considers:

  • positive letters of recommendation
  • evidence of good citizenship
  • leadership qualities
  • exceptional talent or skills that will contribute to the Nazareth community