Preference is given to applicants with practical experience in physical therapy health care. Such experience may be in a variety of settings and should be of sufficient length to have given the applicant exposure to a variety of problems encountered by ill or disabled persons.

Preference is given to applicants showing academic achievement in the biological, physical, and social sciences. Courses should be above the introductory level and may have been taken at the baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate level. The student should seek academic preparation that assists in developing skills necessary to integrate problem-solving with the study of sciences, provides knowledge necessary to succeed in science courses within the professional curriculum, and promotes an understanding of human interactions, specifically those interactions with ill or disabled persons. Courses that could satisfy completion of emphasis areas may include, but are not limited to, biological science (vertebrate anatomy, physiology, biology, zoology, microbiology, genetics, embryology); physical science (chemistry, physics, mathematics); and social science (psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy).

Minimum grade point average (2.8 on a 4 point system) and scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination score are required. The rigorous program of study necessitates recruitment of applicants with above average academic history and potential. Applicants are evaluated for selection on the basis of probable academic success in the curriculum, experience in and knowledge of the profession of physical therapy, and personal attributes, such as maturity and effective interactions with people. Each applicant is individually and competitively evaluated within the applicant pool for that year. Enrollment is limited and competitive. All qualified applicants may not be admitted.