Frequently Asked Questions

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What degree is offered by Emory University?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) was approved in September, 2001. We discontinued the Master of Physical Therapy degree, so all applicants now apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Is Emory highly ranked?

Yes. Currently the Emory DPT program is ranked eighth (8th) in the nation by US News and World Report (as of 2004)

How long is the program?

The DPT program is on-going for nine continuous semesters (35 months).The program begins in mid June and finishes in May, 35 months later.

Are there research opportunities within the DPT program?

The DPT program requires all students to produce research with faculty mentorship. In addition, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available for students during their final semester to assist faculty in on-going research projects.

When do classes begin?

Classes will begin in mid-June.

How much does the program cost?

Beginning in Fall of 2009, tuition for the 2009-2010 year is $9,533 per semester.

What is the employment rate for Emory graduates?

The six-month employment rate for Emory DPT graduates is 100% (through 2002). The national average is 78.8%.

What is the state licensure exam pass rate for Emory graduates?

The first-time pass rate for Emory DPT graduates is 96.2% (through 2002). The national average is 81.4%

How many students are accepted into each class?

At this time, the physical therapy program accepts 50 students each year.

What courses do Emory DPT students take?

You can read course descriptions and see the semester schedule on the prospective students page.

What clinical facilities are associated with the Emory DPT program?

A list of clinical facilities can be found on the Clinical Affiliations page.

How are students selected for the program?

The admissions committee reviews each application on an on-going basis. Applicants must have obtained a minimum grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 point scale and must take the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Preference is given to applicants with practical experience in physical therapy healthcare. Preference is also given to applicants showing academic achievement in the biological, physical, and social sciences.

Do you use PTCAS for your application?

Yes we do. See detailed information on the ‘Prospective Applicants’ page.

When should I apply?

Applications are available and reviewed beginning September. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications with all supporting documents as early as possible.

Is there a deadline after which applications will no longer be accepted?

Yes. Applications will not be accepted for the incoming class of 2010 after February 1st, 2010.

Is there a minimum score requirement for the GRE?

There is no minimum score that is required. Average scores for successful applicants in 2009 were 1137 for the combined Verbal and Quantitative scores and 4.35 for the Analytical Writing score.

I've taken the GRE multiple times with multiple results. Which score will you use?

We take the highest scores.

Is there a time limit on GRE scores?

Since ETS keeps official GRE scores on file for 5 years, we do not accept GRE scores that are more than 5 years at the time of matriculation into the DPT program.

How important are site clinical observations to students applying for Emory's DPT program?

Clinical observations are an important way to gain knowledge of the profession. Experiences in a variety of settings (pediatrics, sports medicine, acute care, geriatrics) are important to a complete understanding. Keep a log on all your experiences.

What are the prerequisite courses for the program?

All prerequisite courses must be grade-earning courses and are to be completed within five years of matriculation. See detailed information on the ‘Admission Requirements’ page.

When do prerequisites need to be completed?

All pre-requisites need to be completed prior to final matriculation into the DPT program.

Why is there a time limit for the prerequisite courses?

Material presented in the prerequisite courses is used in the program. Therefore, students must have current information. If you have taken a more advanced course using the prerequisite information, the time frame will be applied to the more advanced course.

Do Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in high school count toward course requirements?

No.

Is there a time limit on being out of school with a degree before returning?

No, as long as the pre-requisites courses are not more than 5 years at the time of matriculation into the DPT program.

What is the process of being accepted into your program?

The process of being accepted into our DPT program is listed on the ‘Admission Procedure’ page.

Do you have interviews?

Yes. Applicants in the final stage of admission are asked to visit campus for a formal interview. The first round of interviews is held in November.

Can I visit your school and talk with someone about the program?

Yes. We welcome prospective applicants who wish to come and talk about the DPT program. Call the Admissions office to schedule a visit.

Do you accept transfer students?

No.

Do you have a part-time curriculum?

No.

When do clinical experiences in the DPT program start and how long do they last?

Part time clinical experiences (1 day per week) begin in the second semester and continue through the sixth semester period. These experiences are integrated with concurrent courses and provide an opportunity for immediate clinical practice of classroom learning. Three full time clinical experiences, each twelve weeks in duration, occur during the seventh and eighth semesters.

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