Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about KU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
I live in Missouri and close to the KU Medical Center campus. Do I qualify for Kansas resident tuition rates?
No. Very specific requirements must be met to qualify for Kansas resident tuition rates. Our program does not have tuition compacts or agreements with neighboring states, including Missouri. If you are a resident of any state other than Kansas, even if living just blocks away from the KU Medical Center campus, you will be considered a non-resident applicant. Learn more about the requirements. Please direct questions to the Office of the Registrar.
Do you offer an online application?
Yes. Applications to KU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program are handled by the National Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service.
How much is the application fee?
In addition to the PTCAS fee, the supplemental application fee to KU is $75.00 for KU's doctoral program in physical therapy.
Is a criminal background check required?
Yes. Prior to their final acceptance and initial enrollment in classes, all students will be directed to have a background check completed by Validity Screening Solutions. See full details about the background check procedure.
When is the application deadline?
November 1. Learn more about how to apply.
What should my undergraduate major be?
We accept students without regard to their major. The key factor is completing all the prerequisites. Many of our applicants select a major that requires the courses we require as prerequisites, but this is not mandatory.
Do you require or recommend prerequisite courses and/or a bachelor's degree be completed at the University of Kansas main campus in Lawrence?
The Lawrence campus of the University of Kansas is an excellent institution. However, we do not require that applicants receive their degree from KU and we are under no obligation to accept graduates from any State of Kansas universities. A prior degree from KU does not help nor harm your chances of being accepted to our programs. Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college, university, junior college, or community college. All prerequisite science courses must be completed within the last 10 years.
Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
No. Beginning with the application cycle opening July 1, 2021, the Graduate Record Examination will no longer be considered in the admissions process for KU’s physical therapy program.
Are your students allowed to work while attending your program?
We do not prohibit students from working while they are in the program. However, it's important to remember that classes and studying will demand a great deal of your time. It will ultimately be up to each individual student to decide if they can strike a satisfactory balance between working and succeeding in our program. We strongly suggest DPT students not attempt to work during their first year in the program.
My degree was acquired at an institution outside the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Students with degrees from a university outside the U.S. may be considered provided they meet the requirements equivalent to a bachelor's degree from a program in the U.S.
When do classes begin?
Each new class begins around the first week of June. All of our semesters follow the calendar established by the University of Kansas, except during the full-time clinical experiences associated with the third year of the curriculum. Summer semesters generally begin in the first week of June, fall semesters generally begin in the third week of August and spring semesters generally begin in the third week of January.