Physical Therapy (DPT)
Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program emphasizes clinical experience. This 3-year, full-time program is designed for men and women who have a bachelor's degree and have completed the necessary prerequisites. Learn more about the DPT program, curriculum, faculty and more!
With the combination of the didactic and clinical experience, I have no doubt I will be a great clinician. The past success of the program gives me faith in the preparation this program provides. I would recommend studying PT at Simmons for anyone that wants a small, collaborative program which sets you up for career success.
- William Faria
DPT Alumnus - Class of 2023
How to Apply
Our summer 2024 application will be available on PTCAS as of June 15, 2023. Limited application fee waivers may be available upon request. Please email [email protected] to inquire about a fee waiver.
Please go to the PTCAS website for more information about the application process and application.
- Simmons no longer requires the GRE exam for the DPT program. Interviews are not required as part of the application process.
Application Requirements
Applicants to the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program should hold a BS or BA degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or university abroad which is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country.
At minimum of 30 hours of physical therapy experience is required, which a licensed PT must verify hour using that PTCAS format. Students may be completing these required hours at the time of application but will need to provide written verification of remaining hours to the Office of Graduate Admission no later than May 1.
Additionally, for any student who is unable to document a minimum of 30 observation hours by May 1 can submit a brief essay addressing the below prompts. This should be no longer than 500 words and can be emailed to [email protected].
One of the reasons we require observation hours is for students to obtain a better understanding of the breadth of physical therapy. The following assignment will hopefully help you to gain some of this knowledge.
In lieu of observation hours, please:
- Reflect and write about why you desire to become a physical therapist;
- Research the various types of practice a physical therapist can engage in, and describe the similarities and differences between at least 3 different practice settings. (This does not mean 3 different outpatient clinics.) Please provide references and working links to Web sites for your research;
- Write a short paragraph about 2 things you didn't know about physical therapy or what physical therapists do.
Application Procedure
Simmons subscribes to PTCAS. Please go to the PTCAS website for our program description and information about the application process.
An applicant will be considered for review if the following requirements are submitted to PTCAS and completed by the deadline:
- Complete application
- Simmons essay and PTCAS essay
- Three letters of recommendation (should include a recommendation from an instructor, a practicing physical therapist and a professional)
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended, whether or not a degree was earned
- Verified observation hours
- If applicable, additional requirements for international students
Please note that if you are currently taking prerequisites during the fall semester, the Office of Admission will also need an unofficial grade report for these courses. Applicants should send a copy of their grade report as soon as it is available directly to the office via email. The grade report can be a screenshot of your student portal page that includes your name and the institution attended.
Academic Records: Transcripts
All official transcripts should be sent to PTCAS, not the Office of Admission at Simmons University.
Official transcripts for all courses completed (undergraduate and graduate) at regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions, whether or not a degree was awarded. This requirement includes courses which appear on another transcript as transfer or study abroad credit. If you attended a study abroad program and the grades appear on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit a separate transcript. Check with the Registrar's Office of your undergraduate institution to confirm this. If there are no grades listed on your home institution's transcript, and a separate transcript exists, we require an official copy.
Applicants who earned a degree abroad must submit an official (signed/sealed) transcript (marks sheet) in the original language and an official English translation, if needed, by someone other than the applicant, a family member or friend. An evaluation by a foreign credential agency may be required but such interpretations do not replace official academic records. Grades (marks) for each year are required not just end of year exam results or a copy of the degree earned.
Recommendations
Three recommendations are required, including a recommendation from an instructor, a practicing physical therapist and a professional. We cannot accept recommendations from family members, friends, religious personnel, coaches, politicians or people for whom you provided childcare since we need evaluations from individuals who can assess your academic ability to engage in graduate studies.
Enrollment Deposit
Accepted students who wish to enroll must submit a non-refundable $750 enrollment deposit by the date indicated in the letter offering admission. This deposit is applied to the first term bill.
Re-application Procedure
An applicant who wishes to re-apply must do so via PTCAS. An updated resume, new recommendations and a statement about why you are re-applying must be included in your personal statement. Additionally, if courses were taken after the initial application, official transcripts must be submitted.
Resources
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2605. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.