Ready to apply?

Admission to the program is highly competitive and limited to 36 openings each year. Please visit the PTCAS website for more information and to apply.

Application Timeline

June 15: PTCAS opens

October 1: Priority Deadline for submission of application and supporting materials

December 1: Final Deadline for submission of application and supporting materials

January 1: Selected applicants are invited to interview 

February 15: Interviews are completed

March 1: Initial offers made with a 2-week deadline to confirm acceptance

March 15 - July 1: Offers made as positions are available

July 15: Prerequisites, observation hours, and degree verification are due

Late August: Program start date

student working with patient

Admission Requirements

  • PTCAS Application (opens June 15)
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation — Completed through PTCAS
  • GRE General Test — Sent to PTCAS; University of the Pacific, DPT Program, PTCAS GRE Code = 0211. NOTE: the GRE must be taken at a testing center unless taken between Spring 2020 and Spring 2022.
  • Official transcripts should be sent directly to PTCAS. Official transcripts need only be sent to University of the Pacific if admitted.
  • International Applicants ONLY: TOEFL Exam or IELTS Exam


Important Notes About Applying

  • Please plan ahead! Students who submit applications by October 1 will be given priority consideration for scheduling interviews. After submitting your application, please respond promptly to any information requests by PTCAS as they process it.

  • Bachelor's degree with a major of the student's choice by July 15 of the year you intend to enroll.
  • Successful completion of the listed prerequisite courses, by July 15 of the year you intend to enroll.
  • Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or above
  • Courses are taken on a graded basis; pass/fail courses are not acceptable.
  • Biological science, chemistry, and physics courses must all include significant laboratory experiences.
  • It is recommended that prerequisite courses in Biology, Exercise Physiology, Anatomy, and Physiology be taken within ten years of applying to the program.
  • Observation hours must be completed by July 15 of the year you intend to enroll.  At least 50 hours of observation in physical therapy practice settings, including at least 25 hours in acute care, in-hospital settings (NOTE: sub-acute and any other non-acute care settings do not satisfy this requirement). The Department encourages you to visit the APTA website for the definition of acute care and descriptions of that setting: http://www.apta.org/PTCareers/Overview/. Hours worked as an aide in a PT setting may be counted towards the required observation hours.
  • GRE test scores must be less than five years old at the time of application and must be taken at a testing center unless taken between Spring 2020 and Spring 2022. Please contact the Graduate School if you have questions.
  • A personal interview at the invitation of the selection committee is required.
    All prerequisite courses/labs must be completed at an accredited institution. All courses must have defined objectives, a course description, an objective grading system with a letter grade, and meet the content expectations of the prerequisite. As of Spring 2023, classes may be online, but labs must be in person.
  • Pacific will NOT accept AP courses to fulfill prerequisites.

General Prerequisites

  • General Biology with lab and another course in Biological sciences (not botany) with or without lab: 6 semester credits/9 quarter hours minimum.
  • Human Anatomy with Lab: 4 semester units/5 quarter hours minimum.
  • Human Physiology with Lab: 4 semester units/5 quarter hours minimum.
  • General Chemistry with lab: 8 semester units/12 quarter hours minimum.
  • General Physics with lab: 8 semester units/12 quarter hours minimum.
  • Abnormal Psychology: 3 semester units/4 quarter hours minimum.
  • Statistics: 3 semester units/4 quarter hours minimum.
  • Exercise Physiology: 3 semester units/4 quarter hours minimum.
  • Medical Terminology: 1-3 semester units/ 2-4 quarter hours minimum.

→ View the Approved Prerequisite 

While every effort has been made to create an accurate list, it is the applicant’s responsibility to be aware of the prerequisite requirements.  Colleges and universities do re-organize, rename, add and remove courses, course information and hours so the information above may not be accurate or up-to-date.  If an applicant has questions they can contact Admissions at ptadmissions@pacific.edu for clarifications or to see if another course may meet the requirement.

student working with healthcare dummy
Have you applied?
Complete a FAFSA

Pacific’s FAFSA school code is 001329.

Questions?

Check out our FAQ page, attend an information session, call us at 209.946.2886 or email PTAdmissions@pacific.edu.

Applicants to Pacific's DPT program are strongly encouraged to attend an information session. Experience the campus and learn more about our DPT program. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about our program and admissions process.