2013-2014

Physical Therapy - Entry Level, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

College of Health and Human Services

We designed this clinical doctoral plan to include both didactic study and clinical experiences. Through this plan, you develop competencies in diagnosis, evidence-based practice, and primary care as well as a working knowledge of health-care economics. Experience in these areas prepares you to meet the current standards of the highly competitive physical therapy profession.

This plan is nationally recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association.

  • To receive a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, consisting of 112 - 113 units of graduate-level courses, depending upon the student’s initial degree and transcript.

    For more information see the Requirements for Doctoral Degree: DPT

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 111 - 114
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Research Individualized research is required.
Additional Fees/Program Fees Required

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • GRE® revised General Test
    • Must also complete PTCAS application
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
      • Laboratory and lecture-based anatomy and physiology courses
      • Laboratory and lecture-based general chemistry
      • Laboratory and lecture-based college level physics
      • One semester of general psychology, statistics, and abnormal or developmental psychology
    • Personal statement or essay
    • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Doctoral Requirements
  • Third Spring term (15 units)
    *Required coursework only available at the Flagstaff Mountain Campus
    **Required coursework only available at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

  • PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION
  • Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $2400 per year for each of three years has been approved for this program.