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Gannon University believes the power of rehabilitation can help in healing those who suffer from movement dysfunction. If you are interested in restoring function, relieving pain and preventing disability for individuals of all ages, Gannon’s physical therapy program can help you achieve your goals. As an undergraduate in Gannon’s physical therapy program, you will be prepared for acceptance into Gannon’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. With the guidance of an advisor, students select courses to fulfill prerequisites needed for Gannon’s DPT program. Gannon’s DPT curriculum is seven years in length with graduates completing an undergraduate degree in four years before completing three years of professional preparation.

The job opportunities for physical therapists remain abundant. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs are expected to continue growing through the new millennium. Although many physical therapists practice in a traditional hospital setting, the majority provide services in out-of-hospital settings such as home health agencies, nursing homes, public health agencies, school setting, private physical therapy clinics and a variety of other non-traditional settings. Advances in medical technology continue to allow for the treatment of more severe disabilities. As a result, physical therapists will be needed to care for aging baby boomers who face heart disease, strokes and arthritis, and also to attend to the growing number of newborns who suffer severe birth defects. The average annual starting salary for a physical therapist is $54,000.

How will you help those in need?

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate Admission Requirements Leading to a DPT (4+3)

• SAT total of 1010 or higher in critical reading and math, ACT total of 21 or higher.
• Completion of 16 academic units at the high school level, four of which must be English; four in social sciences, at least three units of math, one being in algebra, both with C’s or higher. Two to four units of science including biology and chemistry with labs and grades of C’s or higher.
• Your academic course selection, grades, rank in class, guidance counselor recommendation and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores will be carefully reviewed for admission consideration.
• Satisfactory recommendation from high school counselor or principal. Students applying to the undergraduate physical therapy program can choose one of nine academic major options (see Major Facts).

4+3 Program: Guaranteed Admission to DPT Program

Students applying to the undergraduate physical therapy program can choose one of nine academic major options (see Major Facts). The curriculium for the 4+3 program is structured the same as the pre-physical therapy curriculum.

Students meeting higher admission criteria have the added advantage of a guaranteed position in Gannon’s doctor of physical therapy program (4+3). This determination will be made by the admissions committee at the time of application.

Students will be given special consideration for a graduate scholarship upon entrance to the doctor of physical therapy program at Gannon. 

Undergraduate requirements

• SAT total of 1050 or higher in critical reading and math, ACT total of 23 or higher
• High school GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
• Must maintain a 3.2 or higher in overall GPA
• Must maintain a 3.2 or higher in pre-requisite GPA with no repeat course work
• GPA will be reviewed at the end of each academic year

3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Requirements

Gannon also offers the opportunity to participate in a 3+3 accelerated program. This program has been designed for qualified students to earn an undergraduate degree and a doctor of physical therapy degree in six years, rather than seven. Students in the accelerated program may choose a major in science or sport and exercise science. Students will receive their DPT degree after successful completion of three years in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Gannon University. The curriculum allows for the completion of the Liberal Studies Core Curriculum, the required credit hours of studies in the selected undergraduate major and the prerequisites for physical therapy in six semesters. At the completion of the junior year, the student’s status will change from an undergraduate to graduate, which may affect financial aid and on-campus housing. In addition, in order for the 3 + 3 students to complete their undergraduate degree, they must be formally admitted to the DPT program and successfully complete the first year graduate courses.

Students who wish to apply should choose the 3+3 accelerated (DPT) program on the application. To be considered for acceptance, they must have completed the same courses in high school as listed above. 

Undergraduate requirements

• SAT total of 1100 or higher in critical reading and math, ACT total of 24 or higher
• High school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher in Gannon undergraduate courses
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher in pre-requisite courses with no repeated courses
• GPA will be reviewed at the end of each academic year