DPT Admission Requirements
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The Tufts University School of Medicine offers Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs that are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic field. Applications for our DPT programs, located in Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle, are accepted through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). For more information about PTCAS and the application process, please visit www.ptcas.org. Consideration for and release of admissions decisions will start in September for verified applicants, and continue on a rolling basis until the program start dates.
Prospective students interested in joining our DPT programs should be prepared for an accelerated learning experience. Our programs cater to mature learners who are ready to immerse themselves in a rigorous curriculum that spans online, onsite, and clinical environments. Admission to any of our DPT programs requires applicants to meet specific requirements and demonstrate the ability, initiative, and flexibility necessary for success.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution within the United States or from an accredited American university operating abroad. Our DPT programs are offered at three distinct locations—Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle—with each location holding its own accreditation status.
At Tufts School of Medicine, we are committed to providing high-quality education and preparing future physical therapists to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. Whether you choose to pursue your DPT degree in Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, or Seattle, you will receive a comprehensive education that prepares you for a successful career in physical therapy.
DPT-Atlanta
Offered in Atlanta, GA, and the program will accept its first cohort Fall 2027.
DPT-Boston
Offered in Boston, MA, and the program starts in the summer.
DPT-Phoenix
Offered in Phoenix, AZ, and the program starts in the summer.
DPT-Seattle
Offered in Seattle, WA, and the program starts in the fall.
Admissions Timeline
Planning ahead can help make your application process smoother. Use the timeline below to stay on track with key deadlines and milestones, then review the additional application requirements for each program to ensure you're prepared before you apply.
Before You Apply
- Complete at least 7 of the 10 prerequisite courses before submitting your application.
- Complete the required 40 hours of physical therapy observation. We recommend finishing these at least six months before applying.
- Prepare an up-to-date resume highlighting relevant work experience, volunteer service, leadership, research, military service, and extracurricular involvement.
- Request two letters of recommendation—one from a licensed physical therapist and, ideally, one from a professor. Plan to request letters 4-6 weeks before the application deadline.
- Ensure Anatomy & Physiology I and II were completed within the past 10 years.
Admissions Milestones
Timeline | Milestone |
June | PTCAS application opens. |
June–December | Complete your 40 observation hours and prepare your application materials. |
September | Application review and interviews begin. Admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis. |
Mid-November | Priority deadline for all campus locations. |
February | Final deadline for Boston applicants. |
March | Final deadline for Phoenix applicants. |
April | Final deadline for Seattle and Atlanta applicants. |
Please note that before matriculation, students must complete all 10 prerequisite courses and submit a final official transcript.
Admissions Checklist
Ready to apply? Our admissions checklist will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you stay on track.
Looking for a Boost Before Starting Your DPT?
The Accelerated Development of Excellence in Professional Training (ADEPT) Program, a 12-week online certificate course from Tufts University’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and University College, is designed to elevate your physical therapy skills prior to your enrollment in a DPT program. The certificate program offers accelerated learning, academic support, and professional development, with mostly asynchronous coursework and one 2-hour synchronous session per week.
ADEPT graduates who meet program qualifications receive a virtual interview to Tufts' DPT programs in Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, or Seattle. Students admitted to a Tufts DPT program will also benefit from a tuition discount in their final year of study.