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:

Opportunities for service locally and internationally
Pro bono clinic integration year 1
8 semester DPT program
32 weeks of full-time clinical rotations with sites across the country
Interprofessional educational experiences
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

Mission Statement

Faulkner University’s Department of Physical Therapy seeks to glorify God by educating the whole person to become compassionate, evidence-driven leaders who adapt to a changing global healthcare environment and optimize health and movement.

DPT Information

General Admission

Minimum Requirements to Be Considered For Admission:

Apply now for Fall 2027

Degree Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

G.P.A Requirements

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 undergraduate and math and science GPA of 3.0 or higher is strongly recommended

Prerequisite Course Requirements

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

Human Anatomy/ A & P I with labs (4 credits hours)

Human Physiology/ A & P II with labs (4 credit hours)

Biology I and II with labs (8 credits)

General Chemistry I and II (8 credits)

General Physics I and II (8 credits)

General Psychology

Statistics*

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

Official Test Scores

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score taken within the last 5 years

- Recommended:

- - combined verbal and quantitative score of 290 or higher

- - analytical writing score of 3.0 or higher

Letters of Recommendation

At least two letters of recommendation are required:

One from a Professor who can speak to your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program.
One from 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

Required:

minimum of 40 hours of observation of physical therapy services within the past two years
Minimum of 2 different settings (outpatient, acute care, home health etc.)

Additional Information:

Additional factors considered by the admissions team:

Interview required of all applicants
- In person or virtual
- Applicants may be selected for additional interviews
Leadership and service activities
Advanced education and training
Undergraduate experiences
Military service
Patient care exposure
Preference is given to Faulkner graduates, Christians and Church of Christ members, however, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

We suggest coming to Faulkner to meet with our admissions team and tour the College of Health Sciences. We provide support to our applicants throughout the admissions process. Click to contact our team and set up an in person or virtual meeting

***Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faulkner University PT Program Admissions Process is competitive; final decisions for admission are based a review of a completed application including academic and non-academic factors.

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

Admission for Faulkner University Undergraduate Students

Direct Entry for current FAU undergraduate students: Current students who meet the established academic standards can apply during their matriculation at Faulkner. Students who complete the requirements will be guaranteed entrance into the DPT program.

For more information on The Direct Admit Pathway options for Faulkner students, click here

Program Information

Plan of Study (PDF)

Download the DPT Student Handbook

2025 Financial Fact Sheet (PDF)

DPT Academic Calendar (PDF)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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 2026-7 cycle are:

October 2nd

November 13th

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

When is your application deadline?

To be considered for the October 2nd Interview Day, applications MUST be verified in PTCAS by September 15th.
To be considered for the November 13th 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 completed prior to beginning the program. Completion of all prerequisites EARLY 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.

Credits 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?

A repeated prerequisite course grade will be averaged with the original grade. Additional retakes will not be considered.

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

Please contact the DPT program or CHSadmissions@faulkner.edu 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 will make that determination.

Do you offer scholarships or other tuition assistance?

The DPT Program has several opportunities available including:
Graduate Assistant Scholarships
Work Study
APTA scholarships (https://www.apta.org/for-students/scholarships-awards )
Other scholarship opportunities- Megan’s list

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 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 into the program. Both academic and non-academic factors are evaluated. 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 to gain an understanding of the profession.

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

Admission offers are sent to applicants at various times during the application cycle. Students are notified periodically 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 residence?

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 including GPA and test scores, community service, leadership, Christian faith, strong work ethic, military service, communication skills and a strong understanding the physical therapy profession. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have a well-rounded application.

Contact the DPT program CHSadmissions@faulkner.edu and schedule a time to meet with our admissions team and tour our facility. We will assist you throughout the process.

How do clinical internships work?

Students will be involved in clinical practice starting in the first semester. During the last two semesters, students will be placed in full time rotations in at least 3 different sites. Students are required to complete 32 hours of full-time clinical experiences prior to graduation. We have contracts throughout the United States in a variety of settings including hospitals, private companies, school systems, skilled nursing facilities, sports facilities, pediatric hospitals and other specialty clinics.

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

**Student Outcomes**
Year	Graduation Rate	NPTE First time Pass Rate	NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate	Employment Rate
2025	97%	58.3%	80.6%	100%
2024	91%	53.6%	96.4%	100%
2-Year average		56.2%	87.5%	100%

OUR COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS ON THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINATION (NPTE)

Student success is at the heart of everything we do at Faulkner. We are committed to preparing our students to ace the exam through an intentional, evolving approach that is centered on each student’s development from the very beginning of the program.

OUR APPROACH INCLUDES:

Preparation from Day One

Success starts early. Students are introduced to evidenced based study strategies, clinical reasoning, and test-taking skills early in the program, with continued development throughout the curriculum.

A Whole-Student Approach

We develop resilient, well-rounded professionals grounded in academic excellence, self-directed learning, as well as physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Individualized Coaching and Support

Students receive guidance and coaching to monitor progress, help them identify strengths, address challenges, and refine their approach to both coursework and exam preparation.

Aligned Assessment Strategies

Our exams and assessments are continually refined to mirror NPTE standards, helping students build confidence and competence in a format consistent with the licensure exam.

Focused NPTE preparation

We have implemented a targeted course focused specifically on NPTE readiness, ensuring students are familiar with exam structure, expectations, and strategies for success.

Regular Practice Examinations

Students complete board-style practice exams throughout the program. These provide valuable feedback on both content knowledge and test-taking performance, allowing us to identify and address gaps early.

Continuous Program Improvement

We regularly review and update our policies, procedures, and curriculum to better support student achievement and optimize outcomes.

Our goal is simple: to provide every student with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to succeed—on the NPTE and in their professional careers.