Prospective Students
The DPT program is eight semesters in length and includes a combination of classroom and, laboratory coursework, two integrated part-time clinical experiences, and three full-time clinical experiences, along with participation in community outreach and interprofessional collaborations to promote professional development outside of traditional physical therapy training. As part of their 122 required credits, students must complete 6 elective credits either within the department or by other graduate programs within the university.
How to Apply & UMPT Application Fee
Fee Link Down Below
Applications must be submitted and verified through the (PTCAS) to be considered for admissions. The PTCAS application opens June 15th and is due by November 2nd.
All application materials must be received by the application deadline of November 2nd. The UMPT program's non-refundable $60 supplemental fee must be paid electronically using this link. Both materials and payment must be received by the deadline date in order for your application to be considered.
Interviews
The interviews for the 2026-2027 application cycle will be held virtually during the week of January 3-10, 2027.
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Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree from a fully accredited college or university completed prior to the start of the program in August.
GPA
A minimum GPA of 3.0 for both cumulative and prerequisite GPA's.
GRE
Unofficial GRE scores are required and must be submitted using Institutional Code 1475 on PTCAS at the time of application. Official scores will be required if an admissions offer is made.
Minimum GRE requirements are listed below:
- GRE Verbal Reasoning score of 146
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning score of 146
- GRE Analytical Writing score of 3.0
*Note: Scores older than 5 years will need to be retaken.
UM Applicants
猎奇重口 students are guaranteed an interview for admission with the UM School of Physical Therapy.
International Applicants
International Applicants must complete the admissions requirements listed above along with submitting TOEFL scores.
- Applicants whose native language is not English, must submit TOEFL scores of at least 525 (paper-based test) or 195 (computer-based test). If you are a graduate of an English-speaking university, TOEFL scores are not required.
The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science is solely responsible for the selection of incoming students.
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Anatomy & Physiology - A complete introductory series, equivalent to 8 semester hours including labs.
*A comparative anatomy course and an animal physiology course may be substituted for human anatomy and physiology.
Chemistry - A complete introductory series, equivalent to 8 semester hours including labs.
Physics - A complete introductory series, equivalent to 8 semester hours including labs.
Statistics - A statistics course, equivalent to 3 semester hours.
Social Sciences - Courses equivalent to 6 semester hours offered by Psychology, Educational Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Ethics, Philosophy, Communications, or Women’s Studies departments.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed before matriculation; however, applicants may apply while prerequisite coursework is still in progress. Five of the nine prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline, including at least two of the following: Anatomy & Physiology I, Chemistry I, and/or Physics I.
- Courses completed with a C- or below are not accepted.
- Prerequisite courses older than 10 years will not be accepted.
- Prerequisite course requirements may be met with AP credit (e.g., Psychology) for students who earned a minimum score of 3 on the AP examination, provided the exam was completed within 10 years of admission to the program. Official documentation of AP scores will be required if an admission offer is made to the applicant.
- We will accept CR/NCR grading for courses affected by the pandemic.
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Application Deadline and Verification
While the deadline to electronically submit an application is early November, it is highly advised to submit early enough to have PTCAS verification completed by early November. Applications not verified by PTCAS by this deadline will NOT be reviewed.
*Please be aware that the PTCAS verification process is typically 4-6 weeks. It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm with PTCAS that all application materials have been received in order for verification to occur.
Supplemental Fee
The is a one-time, non-refundable, $60 fee that must be paid by the PTCAS application deadline of November 2nd. The supplemental fee MUST be paid in order for your application to be reviewed and considered by the UMPT Admissions Committee.
Observation Hours
We recommend observation hours, but they are not required. Any completed hours should be listed and verified in the PTCAS application.
References
We require three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a licensed Physical Therapist. The most common references are from professors, supervisors, co-workers, and others in the medical field.
*We will not accept references from friends, family, clergy, or politicians.
Interviews
The interviews for the 2026-2027 application cycle will be held virtually during the week of January 3-10, 2027.
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Admissions Deposit
Students admitted to the UMPT program must submit an anticipated $500 deposit to hold their place in the class upon receiving an offer of admission. The deposit will be applied to the students fall tuition and is non-refundable.
Technical Standards & Essential Functions
All students must meet the technical standards of the UMPT Program. Every applicant offered admission must sign a document indicating they are able to meet the technical standards in order to be admitted.
Criminal Background Check
The DPT program at the 猎奇重口 has partnered with PTCAS and Certiphi Screening to offer the requirement for all candidates to complete a national criminal background check (CBC) process before program matriculation. Once you receive an offer of admission from UMPT, Certiphi Screening will email you with instructions on how to complete the background check process. Receipt of this email indicates that the CBC is required as part of your acceptance to the program.
It is the responsibility of the admitted student to pay the required fee (presently $77.75), which is payable by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The login credentials and information acquired from the CBC should be retained by the student for use later in the program.
For more information on this topic, contact the UMPT office at (406) 243-4753 or email physical.therapy@umontana.edu. You can also search “Background Checks” on the PTCAS website.
Completing of all outstanding prerequisite coursework
All prerequisite coursework must be successfully completed prior to the start of fall classes.
Official Transcripts
If you have been accepted to the program and are matriculating, official transcripts showing a conferred bachelor’s degree must be submitted directly to the UMPT program by the August 1 before classes begin. Official transcripts from every higher education institution ever attended must also be sent to the UMPT Program.
Required Immunizations
Students are required to provide documentation of the required immunizations/titers, CPR certification, and health insurance. All students must be in compliance with updated vaccines and tests prior to matriculation. All documentation must be submitted to UM PT.
Depending on your clinical experience placements, you may need additional immunizations, background checks, or drug tests.
Dual Degrees
At the 猎奇重口, students have the opportunity earn a dual degree in just three years: a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a Master of Public Health or a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Business Administration, thanks to our unique credit exchange agreement.
Master of Public Health/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Physical Therapy