Future Students
What degree is offered at Emory University?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) was approved in September, 2001. We discontinued the Master of Physical Therapy degree, so all applicants now apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Is Emory highly ranked?
Yes. Currently the Emory DPT program is ranked eighth in the nation by US News and World Report (as of 2020).
How long is the program?
The DPT program is on-going for nine continuous semesters (35 months).The program begins in mid June and finishes in May, 35 months later.
Are there research opportunities within the DPT program?
The DPT program requires all students to produce research with faculty mentorship. In addition, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available for students during their final semester to assist faculty in on-going research projects.
When do classes begin?
Classes will begin in mid-June.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for the 2020-2021 year is $12,867 per semester.
What is the graduation rate for students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Emory University?
Class | Graduation Rate |
2008 | 93% |
2009 | 95% |
2010 | 95% |
2011 | 98% |
2012 | 94.7% |
2013 | 100% |
2014 | 95.5% |
2015 | 100% |
2016 | 98.5% |
2017 | 100% |
2018 | 95.7% |
What is the state licensure exam pass rate for Emory graduates?
Class | Ultimate Pass Rate |
2008 | 100% |
2009 | 100% |
2010 | 100% |
2011 | 100% |
2012 | 100% |
2013 | 98.4% |
2014 | 98.5% |
2015 | 98.4% |
2016 | 100% |
2017 | 98.6% |
2018 | 98.5% |
What is the employment rate for Emory graduates?
Class | Six-Month Employment Rate |
2008 | 100% |
2009 | 100% |
2010 | 100% |
2011 | 100% |
2012 | 100% |
2013 | 100% |
2014 | 100% |
2015 | 100% |
2016 | 100% |
2017 | 100% |
2018 | 100% |
2019 | 100% |
2020 | 100% |
What courses do Emory DPT students take?
You can read course descriptions and see the semester schedule on the prospective students page.
What clinical facilities can be found on the Clinical Affiliations page?
A list of clinical facilities can be found on the Clinical Affiliations page.
How are students selected for the program?
The admissions committee reviews each application and qualified applicants are invited for interviews. Applicants must have obtained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and must take the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Preference is given to applicants with practical experience in physical therapy healthcare. Preference is also given to applicants showing academic achievement in the biological, physical, and social sciences.
Do you use PTCAS for your application?
Yes we do. See detailed information on the Prospective Applicants page.
When should I apply?
Applications are available through PTCAS in July, 2021. Applicants should have their applications submitted with ALL supporting documents before November 1, 2021. Keep in mind that during peak application season, it takes several weeks before we receive your submitted application from PTCAS. Therefore, your application should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure that it is received on or before November 1, 2021. Please note that only qualified applicants who meet our admissions requirements are invited for interview.
Do you have interviews?
Yes. Applicants in the final stage of admission are asked to visit campus for a formal interview.
Round One PTCAS Deadline | September 15, 2021 | Interviews in November, 2021 |
Round Two PTCAS Deadline (Firm Deadline) |
November 1, 2021 | Interviews in January, 2022 |
When do I receive admission decision after interview?
Final Admission decisions are made in late February through late March, 2022.
Is there a deadline after which applications will no longer be accepted?
Yes. Applications will not be accepted for the incoming class of 2022 after November 1, 2021.
Is there a minimum score requirement for the GRE?
No.
I've taken the GRE multiple times with multiple results. Which score will you use?
All the scores.
Is there a time limit on GRE scores?
Since ETS keeps official GRE scores on file for 5 years, we do not accept GRE scores that are more than 5 years at the time of matriculation into the DPT program.
How important are site clinical observations to students applying for Emory's DPT program?
Clinical observations are an important way to gain knowledge of the profession. Experiences in a variety of settings (pediatrics, sports medicine, acute care, geriatrics) are important to a complete understanding. Keep a log on all your experiences.
What are the prerequisite courses for the program?
All prerequisite courses must be grade-earning courses and are to be completed within five years of matriculation. See detailed information on the Admission Requirements page.
When do prerequisites need to be completed?
All prerequisites need to be completed prior to final matriculation into the DPT program.
Why is there a time limit for the prerequisite courses?
Material presented in the prerequisite courses is used in the program. Therefore, students must have current information. If you have taken a more advanced course using the prerequisite information, the time frame will be applied to the more advanced course.
Do Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in high school count toward course requirements?
No
Is there a time limit on being out of school with a degree before returning?
No, as long as the pre-requisites courses are not more than 5 years at the time of matriculation into the DPT program.
What is the process of being accepted into your program?
The process of being accepted into our DPT program is listed on the Admission Procedure page.
Can I visit your school and talk with someone about the program?
Yes. We welcome prospective applicants who wish to come and talk about the DPT program. Send an email to dptadmissions@emory.edu or call the Admissions office at 404-727-4002 to schedule a visit.
Do you accept transfer students?
No.
Do you have a part-time curriculum?
No.
When do clinical experiences in the DPT program start and how long do they last?
Part-time clinical experiences (2 weeks each) begin in the third semester and continue through the fifth semester period. These experiences are integrated with concurrent courses and provide an opportunity for immediate clinical practice of classroom learning. Three full time clinical experiences, each ten weeks in duration, occur during the sixth and seventh semesters.
Does the program have a dress code?
Yes. The department has set a dress code for students in the DPT program. Classes are often held in The Center for Rehab Medicine (CRM). It is a working hospital for patient rehabilitation and students are asked to dress professionally. Also, for guest speakers and grand rounds, you should make sure to dress nicely. The professors will help guide your choice of wardrobe if you have questions. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go out and buy a new wardrobe.
- Girls: Professional dress: any color slacks, nice shirt (no baggy tee shirts), closed toe shoes, knee length skirts
- Guys: Professional dress: any color slacks, nice shirt
What not to wear: denim, high heels, sandals, low cut shirts, tight/fitted shirts
Tip: It does get cold in the rooms. You may want to bring a sweater.
Students will be asked to purchase two lab coats, one long and the other short. The longer coat will be used during Anatomy lab; you will want to wear your long lab coat to protect your clothes. Lab coats can be purchased at the Medical Bookstore on campus (the same place where you can buy your books) or at any medical supply/uniform store. The short coat is the coat you will wear when being inducted into Emory’s School of Medicine during the White Coat Ceremony. These coats are also worn to class for guest speakers, grand round seminars, and clinical affiliations. The short coat is the nicer of the two coats.
During later labs, you will need to wear shorts, t-shirts, sports bras for the ladies. Even in lab, use your best judgment to remain decent. These labs are held in the CRM so the class will also be asked to order sweat-suits. Once your class officers are elected, your class can start the ordering process. Don’t worry about it until you arrive, however.
What is the parking situation?
If you have a car, the best place to park for an easy walk to class is at the Michael St. Parking Deck. Parking is about $650 per year. If you plan to park in this deck, make sure that you turn in your paper work early so that you will get your first choice of decks. Registration is in early May for the parking year starting in the fall. Summer parking passes are sold separately from the yearly parking passes. For further information please see Emory’s Parking and Community Services website.
Is there public transportation?
Another form of transportation to the Emory campus is the Cliff Shuttle service which is a private shuttle system that provides free transportation around the main, Briarcliff and Clairmont campuses, and serves commuters from designated neighborhoods. Some students pick up the Cliff shuttle at the Clairmont campus, but there are other off campus locations that are available also (such as the North DeKalb Mall).
Is there financial aid?
It is possible to live entirely off government loans and private loans without sacrificing housing or leisure time activities. Students may have to use Graduate Plus Loans which the student would have to apply for directly with the lender. The key to financial aid is to turn in all of the forms as early as possible and to keep in contact with the financial aid office. Continue to call the office until you are sure that your aid has come in. You will receive more specific information about financial aid throughout the day of your orientation.
If you plan to take loans for summer semester, you will have to send in all the paperwork before you arrive. Also, you will have to fill out the paperwork for the fall semester long before you actually begin fall semester. This is important because the Department of Physical Therapy calendar DOES NOT coincide with Emory University’s Academic Calendar or the Financial Aid calendar. Therefore, make sure to pay attention to due dates for any forms you receive.
The best advice we have for you is to 1) If you receive a form in the mail, turn around and send it back as soon as you can and 2) make sure to keep copies of everything that you are sent. Also, for Emory loan information, please see the financial aid website listed below.
Mailing Address:
300 Boisfeuillet Jones Center
Atlanta, GA 30322-1960
Phone: 404-727-6039 | 800-727-6039
Fax: 404-727-6709
Weekday Office Hours: Reception: 8:00AM-5:00PM