Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in AL

Program Semesters

111

Credit hours

Weeks of part-time clinical experiences

Weeks of Full-time clinical experiences

Why Choose the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Faulkner University?

There are many DPT programs across the country, but students choose Faulkner for its strong Christian foundation, state of the art facilities, on site pro bono clinic, and dynamic interprofessional collaboration. Every course and clinical experience challenges students to think critically, reflect on the concepts they’re learning, and grow as physical therapy practitioners, lifetime learners, and Christians.

Program Highlights:

8 semester DPT program
32 weeks of full-time clinical rotations with sites across the country
Part time clinical experiences in the on-site pro bono clinic starting in year 1
Interprofessional educational experiences
Service Learning activities locally throughout the River Region as well as an international mission trip
Over 5,000 sq ft of dedicated lab space
Opportunities for spiritual growth
Highly experienced and diverse faculty with a variety of backgrounds and experience; Many of whom hold ABPTS Board Certifications and other specializations

Faculty are committed to each student’s academic and professional success and serve as caring mentors, guiding students’ growth as individuals, community members, and followers of Christ. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to lead in your field, find success in a variety of practice settings, and live your values as you navigate an ever-advancing, always-evolving healthcare landscape. To learn more about our Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Montgomery, Alabama, request more information or apply online today.

Mission Statement

The mission of Faulkner University’s Department of Physical Therapy is to glorify God by educating the whole person to become independent physical therapy practitioners and leaders who are committed to addressing the changing needs of the individual, the profession, and a global society with compassion, integrity and best evidence in order to optimize health and movement.

DPT Information

*We are still accepting applications after the CAS system closes. To apply, email chsadmissions@faulkner.edu

Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

Applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to starting the DPT program.

G.P.A Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or greater (4.0 scale) in the following:
- Last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree coursework
- Prerequisite courses

While not required, an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is strongly recommended

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Human Anatomy/ A & P I with lab (4 credits hours)
Human Physiology/ A & P II with lab (4 credit hours)
Biology I and II with labs (8 credits)
General Chemistry I and II (8 credits)
General Physics I and II
General Psychology
English Composition I and II
*Statistics
**Precalculus trigonometry or higher

* Course must be offered through a science or psychology-based program, not business or math.

**Precalculus trigonometry will be waived if student can verify through syllabus and course description that content was taught in physics.

All applicants must complete each of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher. Grades of “B” or higher are strongly recommended to improve the strength of their application.

Official Test Scores

All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 5 years of the admission cycle year. While there is no minimum score required, the combined verbal and quantitative score of 290 or higher and analytical writing score of 3.0 or higher is recommended. 

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required with the application.

A Professor who can speak to your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program. The other must be from a
A licensed Physical Therapist who can speak to your professional demeanor, ability to function in a complex environment, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.
Letters from employers are strongly encouraged but not required.

Observation Hours

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation of physical therapy services within the past two years in a minimum of 2 different settings. (outpatient, acute care, home health etc.)

Interview

Successful completion of an admission interview is required. Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials. Applicants may be selected for additional interviews if needed. These interviews may be in person or virtual. Submission of all required application materials does not guarantee an interview.

Additional Requirements

The holistic evaluation process includes a review of both academic and nonacademic factors. No one factor guarantees admission into the program. These include leadership activities, community service, advanced education, military service and patient care experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time observing physical therapists in various practice settings in order to gain an understanding of the profession. Both observation hours and employment in a clinical facility will be considered. We suggest coming to Faulkner and meeting with our admissions team and touring the College of Health Sciences. We can help you along the way if you have questions about the application process.

***Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faulkner University PT Program Admissions Process is a competitive process; final decisions for admission are based on the recommendations of the Admissions Committee

Please note: Accepted students will be required to complete an Anatomy and Medical Terminology Review course prior to the start of the first semester.

How to Apply

Anyone interested in applying to the DPT program at Faulkner University must apply through the Physical Therapy Application Service (PTCAS) as well as complete the Faulkner University supplemental application form.

Review PTCAS application process: https://help.liaisonedu.com/PTCAS_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_PTCAS_Application
Obtain student transcripts from all universities attended. This will assist you in completing your application.
Create an account through PTCAS.
Request official transcripts from each institution you have attended by using the PTCAS transcript request form. These must go directly to PTCAS. This should be done as early as possible to ensure your application is verified by the deadline. Do not send transcripts to Faulkner unless requested to do so.
Each applicant must submit at least 2 letters of recommendation, 1 from a professor and 1 from a physical therapist. These must be submitted through your PTCAS application.
Submit documentation through PTCAS verifying your 40 observation hours.
Submit your official test scores through PTCAS and select Faulkner University DPT program (code 2962)
Complete the Faulkner University Supplemental Application.
Your application will not be considered until it is VERIFIED in PTCAS.

Each applicant is required to review and attest to their ability to perform the Essential Functions of a Physical Therapist. This form is included in the supplemental application. This form will be completed in the supplemental application so applicants are encouraged to review the document. Any questions should be directed to the Director for the Center of Accessibility.

Program Information

Plan of Study (PDF)

Download the DPT Student Handbook

Course Descriptions (PDF)

Essential Functions Online Form

Center for Accessibility

DPT Tuition and Fees (PDF)

2024 Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

DPT Academic Calendar (PDF)

FAQ

What is rolling admissions?

The program evaluates PTCAS verified applications from June 15th until May 1st. This means that we conduct interviews both in the fall and spring semesters. Rather than admitting applicants all at once, we make admission decisions throughout the year.

When will the interviews take place?

The first two interview dates for the 2025-26 cycle are:

October 3rd
November 7th

Additional interview dates for the spring will be announced in late fall.

When is your application deadline?

Priority deadline is September 15th, 2025.

In order to be considered for the October 3rd interview day, applications MUST be verified in PTCAS by September 15th.

To be considered for the November 7th interview day, applications must be verified in PTCAS by October 31st.

Applications will continue to be accepted until all seats are filled.

All applications must be verified in PTCAS by May 1st of desired start date in order to be considered for admission that fall.

Can I still apply if I haven’t graduated or completed all my prerequisites?

Yes, you can apply but applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to beginning the program.

Incomplete prerequisites will be noted at time of application and must be complete prior to beginning the program. Completion of all prerequisites strengthens the application as it provides a more complete picture of you.

Applicants who are missing prerequisite courses and offered conditional acceptance must maintain a prerequisite and last 60 G.P.A of 3.0 or higher. If applicants fail to meet the minimum requirement, the offer of admission will be rescinded.

What if I took my courses a long time ago?

All science courses must be taken within 10 years of the admission cycle year.

Credit for courses older than 10 years may be made through validation by examination or other appropriate mechanism.

All courses must also be from an accredited institution.

I got a “C” in a prerequisite course, should I retake it?

Any repeat prerequisite course grades will be averaged together. Only the first retake will be used. Additional retakes will not be considered.

If you choose to retake a course, it is strongly suggested that you only do so if you feel confident you can improve your grade. Remember that if you can earn an A in the course, the A will be averaged with the C. Your grade will be recorded as a B.

Please contact Faulkner’s Physical Therapy department if you would like to speak with someone about your prerequisites.

What if I did better in an upper-level course, can I substitute that grade instead?

In situations where applicants go above the prerequisite course requirement, the highest grade earned will be utilized to calculate the prerequisite GPA. Ex. If an applicant earned a C in general chemistry, but an A in organic chemistry, the A will be used for the chemistry grade. Faculty make that determination.

Why do you require accepted students to complete a review course prior to matriculation?

Physical Therapy School is difficult, and we want students to be successful. Many students struggle with the transition to graduate level course work. Students who review material prior to entering the program tend to do better and experience less stress. More information about this requirement will be provided to all students who are accepted into the program and pay the seat deposit.

What factors go into determining who is admitted to the program?

No one factor guarantees admission to the program. The holistic evaluation process includes a review of both academic and nonacademic factors. These include leadership activities, community service, advanced education, military service and patient care experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time observing physical therapists in various practice settings in order to gain an understanding of the profession. Both observation hours and employment in a clinical facility will be considered. We suggest coming to Faulkner and meeting with our admissions team and touring the College of Health Sciences. We can help you along the way if you have questions about the application process.

Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faulkner University PT Program Admissions Process is a competitive process; final decisions for admission are based on the recommendations of the Admissions Committee

When will I know if I am accepted into the program?

Admission offers are sent to applicants at various times during the application cycle. Once the applicant has completed the interview, they will be notified of their status. An admission decision may not be made after an interview; however, the program will continue to evaluate their application and keep them abreast of their status.

Does the program have a preference for Alabama applicants?

As a private institution, we do not have an in-state preference.

What can I do to be a more competitive applicant?

We look at a variety of factors in addition to GPA and test scores including:

Record of community service
Demonstrated leadership capabilities
Faulkner University graduate
Christian faith
Strong work ethic
Military service
Interview skills
Positive letters of recommendation

How do clinical internships work?

Self-selected from contracts both local and nation-wide.

Settings include hospitals, private companies, corporations, skilled nursing facilities, sports facilities, pediatric hospitals and other specialty clinics.

To ensure a best fit and optimal chance for success, applicants will be required to get approval from the PT faculty and the Director of Clinical Education.

How many students are accepted into the DPT program each year?

Our program will accept a maximum of 50 students each year.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Nondiscrimination Statement

Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

In connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities, Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks.

Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards faculty and staff on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.

Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the Churches of Christ. Faulkner has an Equal Opportunity Plan available upon request in the Office of Human Resources. Inquiries concerning the application of federal and state laws or regulations may be referred to the Office of Human Resources.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduation Year	Graduation Rate	Employment Rate
2024	91%	100%
2025
2026
National Average	96.8%

Graduation Year	F/M	Minority	Total
2024	18/82%	25%	28
2025	56/44%	19%	36
2026	56/44%	26%	43
2027	53/47%	21%	44

NPTE Pass Rate:

Graduation Year	1st Time	Overall
2024	54%	78.6%
2025
2026
2027

National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Preparation Strategies Implemented for Cohort 2

All students in the second year of the program take a NPTE style exam each semester. For each practice exam taken in the program, students are required to complete an item analysis to be reviewed with their advisor. Areas needing improvement are addressed with things such as mentoring, tutoring or counseling. All clinical courses in the second year of the program embed NPTE preparation into course content.

Throughout the third year of the program, students are enrolled in external NPTE Board Preparation courses to facilitate good study habits, determine content requiring more in-depth study and identify any test taking deficiencies that can be addressed. Students also take 2 retired exams at strategic points during year 3. Prior to graduation, students are enrolled in an on-campus review course. All students are supported throughout the process, even after graduation, until each student passes the NPTE.

Accreditation Statement

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Faulkner University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/ institution directly, please call (334)386-7378 or email hmount@faulkner.edu.