Understanding PT School Prerequisites

Every DPT program sets its own prerequisite requirements, and the variation between programs is one of the most confusing parts of the application process. Some require two semesters of chemistry; others want three. Some accept combined Anatomy and Physiology; others want them as separate courses. This guide breaks down what most programs expect, where the variation lies, and how to navigate the differences.

The Core Prerequisites

While exact requirements vary, the PTCAS prerequisite comparison tool shows strong consensus around a core set of courses. Based on PTCAS data, here is how commonly each subject is required:

Anatomy and Physiology (required by virtually all programs)

This is the most directly relevant prerequisite and the one programs scrutinize most closely. You will encounter it in one of two formats:

• Combined A&P: A two-semester sequence (A&P I and A&P II), each with a lab component, totaling 8 semester hours
• Separate courses: Individual Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, each with labs

The vast majority of programs accept either format. GW confirms they accept a two-part combined sequence or separate courses. Duke and UT Chattanooga also accept both. However, a small number of programs do not accept combined A&P, and some only accept A&P from biology or anatomy departments (not kinesiology or exercise science). Always verify with your target programs.

A&P is also the prerequisite most likely to have a recency requirement. Duke requires it within 5 years of application. The University of Miami strongly recommends completion within 6 years. Most other programs enforce a firm cutoff of 7 to 10 years for science prerequisites.

Chemistry with Lab (~98% of programs)

Most programs require two semesters of general chemistry with labs, totaling 8 semester hours. A few also require organic chemistry or biochemistry. Programs on the quarter system may require a three-course sequence to cover equivalent content. GW explicitly requires a three-part sequence for quarter-system applicants.

Physics with Lab (~99% of programs)

Two semesters of physics with labs, totaling 8 semester hours. The content (mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics) applies directly to understanding human movement and therapeutic modalities. Algebra-based physics is accepted by most programs, though some may prefer calculus-based. Pre-calculus or trigonometry is often a prerequisite for the physics courses themselves, even if not listed as a standalone DPT requirement.

Biology with Lab (~89% of programs)

Most programs require one or two semesters of general biology with labs. Biology serves as the foundation for understanding cellular processes, genetics, and organismal function. Programs that require two semesters of A&P sometimes count the A&P sequence toward the biology requirement, but this is not universal.

Statistics (~95% of programs)

Statistics prepares you for evidence-based practice and research methods, both central to modern physical therapy. The course should cover descriptive and inferential statistics (hypothesis testing, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, confidence intervals). Programs generally accept statistics from any department, including math, psychology, or biology. Duke accepts both calculus-based and non-calculus-based statistics.

Math beyond statistics: Only about 13% of PTCAS-participating programs require a college-level math course beyond statistics. The University of Minnesota is a notable exception, requiring a math course (algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, or calculus) that cannot be satisfied by statistics alone.

Psychology (~93% of programs)

General psychology is the baseline at most programs, but requirements beyond that vary significantly:

• Baylor requires general psychology plus abnormal or developmental psychology
• Duke requires 6 semester hours of general or upper-level psychology
• University of Florida requires general psychology plus one additional course from developmental, child, abnormal, or psychology of disability

Strategic advice: To maximize flexibility across programs, take General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. This covers every common configuration.

English/Writing

Required by some programs but not all. Several Texas DPT programs, for example, require 6 credit hours of English rhetoric, composition, or literature. Even when not required, strong writing skills matter for your personal statement and clinical documentation.

Additional Courses

Some programs also require or recommend medical terminology, exercise physiology, or ethics. These tend to be program-specific rather than universal. The PTCAS comparison tool is the best way to identify these outliers for your target programs.

GPA Expectations

Most programs set a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0. Some set higher floors: IU Indianapolis requires 3.2 in both. However, minimums are not targets. The mean undergraduate GPA of accepted DPT students nationally is widely reported at approximately 3.58, and competitive programs often see averages of 3.5 to 3.7.

PTCAS calculates several GPAs using its own standardized formula: overall cumulative, science (biology, chemistry, physics, A&P), and prerequisite. Your PTCAS GPA will likely differ from your transcript GPA because PTCAS does not recognize institutional grade forgiveness policies. All attempts count toward your cumulative GPA.

Aim for B or higher in every prerequisite. If you earned a C in a key science course (especially A&P, chemistry, or physics), retaking it is worth considering. Our post on retaking prerequisite courses covers how PTCAS handles retakes and when it makes strategic sense.

Grade and Course Policy Details

Minimum Grades

Most programs require a C (not C-) in each prerequisite. GW specifies that C- grades and lower do not count. The University of Minnesota explicitly states that grades below a C are not accepted.

Pass/Fail

Most programs do not accept pass/fail grades for prerequisites. Some still accept P/F for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic (roughly January 2020 through Summer 2021), including Duke, UAB, and Mayo Clinic. Outside of pandemic accommodations, avoid taking prerequisites pass/fail.

Lab Requirements

All science prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, biology) require laboratory components. Lecture without lab does not satisfy the requirement. Most programs accept combined lecture/lab courses. The key question is whether online labs are accepted, which varies by program (see below).

Community College Courses

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is encouraging: most DPT programs accept prerequisites from community colleges as long as the institution is regionally accredited.

Several programs have confirmed this explicitly:

• UCSF: "Prerequisites can be taken at any regionally accredited community college"
• UNC: "The grade received is far more important than the school attended"
• UT Health San Antonio: GPA is calculated the same way regardless of institution type
• CSU Northridge: No preference given to four-year institutions

A few programs may prefer university-level science coursework, so always verify. But in general, community college is a legitimate and cost-effective way to complete prerequisites.

Online Courses

Post-COVID, acceptance of online coursework has expanded significantly across DPT programs.

• Non-lab courses (psychology, statistics, English, medical terminology) are widely accepted online
• Lab sciences are where policies diverge. GW explicitly accepts online labs for the 2025-26 cycle. Duke accepts online courses from accredited institutions. SDSU, however, requires all labs to be completed in person.

The safest approach: take lecture courses online if convenient, but complete labs in person unless your target programs explicitly accept online labs. When in doubt, contact the program directly.

AP, IB, and CLEP Credit

There is no universal policy. Some programs accept test credits, some limit them, and some reject them entirely.

• Georgia State accepts AP/IB with a score of 4+ for Chemistry I and Physics I (but the second course must be at the college level)
• UCF allows a maximum of 3 prerequisites to be filled with AP/IB/CLEP
• Indiana University accepts AP with a score of 3+ but does not accept CLEP

In PTCAS, test credits can only be listed if they appear on an official college transcript. They are entered with "CR" as the grade and are excluded from GPA calculations. This means you get credit but no letter grade, which can be a competitive disadvantage since programs want to see graded performance in prerequisite subjects.

Bottom line: Do not rely on AP/IB/CLEP to cover core science prerequisites if you are applying broadly. Taking the courses for a grade gives you a stronger application.

Applying with In-Progress Courses

You can apply to PTCAS before finishing all prerequisites. List courses as "In Progress" or "Planned" in your application. Programs have different limits on how many outstanding prerequisites they allow:

• Chapman: Maximum of 3 prerequisites remaining
• CSU Northridge: Only 1 can be in-progress or planned
• Fresno State: All 10 must be done by end of fall term; maximum 2 in-progress during the fall application term

PTCAS opens an Academic Update window (December through February) so you can submit final grades for courses completed after your initial application. Failing to list planned courses can result in rejection, as programs may assume you do not intend to take them.

Post-Baccalaureate Options

If you have already graduated and need to complete prerequisites, post-baccalaureate pre-PT programs offer a structured path. Notable options include:

• Northwestern University SPS: Full pre-PT certificate plus a shorter completion program for students who need only a few courses
• Brenau University: Post-baccalaureate pre-PT program within the College of Health Sciences
• Loyola Marymount University: 16-20 month pre-allied health program
• Kean University: Post-baccalaureate pre-health program with a PT concentration

These programs offer structured course sequences, targeted advising, and a clear pathway to DPT readiness without a second bachelor's degree. You can also complete individual courses at local colleges or universities on your own timeline.

How to Build Your Prerequisite Plan

1. Start with the PTCAS comparison tool. Identify which courses are required across your target programs. Focus on courses that overlap across all or most of your list.
2. Create a spreadsheet. Track each program's specific requirements, minimum grades, recency policies, and any unusual courses (medical terminology, exercise physiology, calculus).
3. Plan your course sequence early. Map prerequisites across your remaining semesters so you have time to retake a course if needed without delaying your application.
4. Build in buffer time. If anatomy recency is an issue, plan that course strategically relative to your application year.
5. Verify online and lab policies for your target programs before enrolling in any online science course.
6. Talk to admissions offices. If you have a question about whether a specific course satisfies a prerequisite, email the program directly. They would rather answer your question now than reject your application later.

Prerequisites are one of the most controllable parts of your application. Plan them carefully, earn strong grades, and use the PTCAS Directory to stay ahead of program-specific surprises.

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For study guides on each prerequisite course, visit our Study Saturday series. For advice on retakes, see retaking prerequisite courses. For the full application picture, check our PTCAS guide and application tips.