Traditional entry involves a 4+3 model in which the student completes an undergraduate degree prior to entry into the graduate program in physical therapy. Students can complete their undergraduate degree from Walsh University or other accredited institutions and submit application materials for review.

Traditional Entry Requirements for Admission 

  • B.S. or B.A. degree with an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or greater from an accredited institution
    • Students who are in their senior year of completing their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for admission
  • Application through the the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS)
    • Our program utilizes PTCAS, endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Completion of course prerequisites with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the following:
    • Biology (2 semesters, plus lab) 8 semester hours
    • Chemistry (2 semesters, plus lab) 8 semester hours
    • Physics (2 semesters, plus lab) 8 semester hours
    • Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters) 8 semester hours
    • Psychology (1 semesters) 3 semester hours
    • Statistics (1 semester) 3 semester hours
    • Exercise Physiology (1 semester) 3 semester hours
  • Completion of 8 of 11 prerequisites to qualify for an interview
  • Transcripts from all former institutions attended must be submitted
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken with scores reported (quantitative, verbal, analytical writing)
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • At least one academic reference is required and must be a professor in major or a professor in an upper level science course.
    • At least one professional reference is required from a Physical Therapist.
    • 3rd reference may be professional, academic, or an athletic coach.
    • 30 observation hours of a licensed Physical Therapist in 2 distinct practice settings (examples: outpatient and inpatient, inpatient and pediatrics)
  • Virtual Interview (by invitation only)
  • TOEFL score (international students only)
  • Additional Health Requirements

Additional Prerequisite Course Information

An applicant may major in any undergraduate area, but must successfully complete course prerequisites with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisite courses must be a grade of C or higher to be accepted. Prerequisite course descriptions.

We appreciate your dedication to fulfilling the prerequisites necessary for admission. To simplify the process and address any uncertainties you may have regarding course eligibility, we have implemented a streamlined course evaluation system. Please review instructions and submit your completed Admissions Prerequisite Course Evaluation form (PDF) to mgilbert@walsh.edu

We evaluate prerequisite courses taken at other institutions through review of course syllabi. The requirements listed above represent semester credit hours. If your course work was designated as quarter credit hours, convert your quarter credits to semester credits to ensure that your preparation meets these requirements. In order to convert quarter hours to semester hours, divide the quarter hours by 1.5. (Example: 4 QH/1.5 = 2.6 semester hours).

To begin the application process, review our admissions process and then refer to the Physical Therapy Centralized Application System (PTCAS) to begin.

Please contact Morgan Gilbert regarding traditional entry and any other questions about the admissions process at 330.490.7421 or mgilbert@walsh.edu.