Getting Started

The Physical Therapy Centralized Application Services (PTCAS) opens the application cycle on July 1st of each year. Finalized applications for admittance into our program are due the first of October. Importantly, the University of Kentucky’s Supplemental Application is always due on the same date as the PTCAS application.

To be eligible for application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Kentucky you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA from all college course work of 2.75 or above prior to the start of the program (August). Science prerequisites are listed below. These courses can be taken at any university, state/community college. 

Science Prerequisite Courses

*Applicants may opt to complete a 300 level or higher biomechanics course to replace their second physics course.

**University of Kentucky students will have to complete one course in Anatomy with lab AND one course in Physiology with lab. If you are not a   UK student, you have the option of completing a two-course sequence in Anatomy and Physiology, each with lab, or one course in Anatomy with lab AND one course in Physiology with lab.

Click here to find equivalent courses at your institution.

Additional Notes

• Students should have five of the eight science prerequisites (courses listed above) completed by the deadline in the semester during which the application is being submitted.
• A grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisite courses listed above.

Other Prerequisite Courses

We also require two additional courses to be completed prior to starting the PT program. However, these courses do not have to be completed prior to application.

• Psychology
  • One semester
  • General or developmental are preferred.
  • UK courses include PSY 100, PSY 323
• Statistics
  • One semester (minimum of three credits)
  • UK courses include BST 230, PSY 215+216, or STA 296

Recommended Elective Courses

The following University of Kentucky courses are NOT required but are highly recommended electives for UK graduates. Courses are listed in priority and completion of these courses with a grade of B or higher will make for a more competitive application.

• PGY 412G (Human Physiology)
• KHP 415 (Biomechanics)
• ANA 410G (Neurobiology of Brain and Spinal Cord Disorders)
• KHP 420G (Exercise Physiology)
• KHP 560 (Motor Development in Infants and Young Children)
• ANA 417G (Functional Human Anatomy)
• BIO 302 (Neuroscience)
• HHS 455 (Research in HHS)
• HHS 402G (Muscle Biology)
• BIO 304 (Genetics)
• CPH 310 (Epidemiology)
• CPH 315 (Chronic Disease Epidemiology)
• CLA 131 (Medical Terminology)

Please use the following link to find equivalent courses at your institution. https://myuk.uky.edu/zapps/transferprospect

If you have questions about whether a course will fulfill any of these requirements, please contact the College of Health Sciences academic advisors (CHS-Advising@uky.edu).

Graduate Records Exam (GRE)

We continue to require the GRE and expect you will be able to sit for the GRE prior to the deadline October deadlines for the PTCAS application (first week of October). If the GRE is not available in summer and fall, we will adjust the application requirements.

You should request scores be sent to PTCAS and the UK Physical Therapy Program (PT Department Code # 7753).

Volunteer Requirement

We require documentation of work or volunteer hours in a physical therapy setting. Experience/knowledge in more than one setting (acute hospital, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation hospital, pediatric setting, etc.) will result in a more competitive application. Evidence of volunteer experience can be uploaded in PTCAS.

Although there is no required minimum, typical applicants average between 50- 100 PT observation hours depending on the year of application. A variety of different physical therapy experiences across the age continuum from child to adult and across a continuum of PT delivery models (acute care, rehab, and outpatient) will strengthen an application.

International Students

International students must meet the University of Kentucky graduate school International Teaching Assistant standards regarding English proficiency, have an awarded 4-year university level degree and submit all required application materials in addition to meeting the Physical Therapy Program requirements. This includes a written and spoken English language exam (either the TOEFL with a TOEFL iBT score of 26 or above or the IELTS with a speaking test score of 7 or above). Please see specific information on the web at: http://www.uky.edu/IntlAffairs/

Students should be aware that admissions requirements for the PT Program are constantly being evaluated and may, at any time, be changed. Students preparing to apply to the program are advised to check regularly with the College of Health Sciences academic advisors (CHS-Advising@uky.edu) or the program office regarding admission requirements.

Limited Interviews

Upon review of all applications, a limited number of applicants will be invited for in-person interviews. The Admissions Committee will weigh numerous factors when considering invitation for an interview. These include but are not limited to the following: the applicant’s GPA and academic record, academic performance in prerequisite courses, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, and volunteer, work, and/or life experiences.

If an applicant is selected for an in-person interview, the in-person interview is evaluated in the following areas:

1. Communication skills
2. Initiative, motivation, and accountability
3. Leadership and/or responsibility
4. Service or service-oriented behaviors
5. Teamwork
6. Professionalism
7. Reflection on strengths and weaknesses