DPT Direct Entry

High-achieving high school seniors admitted to Trine University can apply for direct entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Choose a major in biology or exercise science and select either:

• 3+3 Path: Complete your undergraduate degree in three years, followed by the three-year DPT program.
• 4+3 Path: Complete your undergraduate degree in four years, followed by the three-year DPT program.

This highly selective program has limited seats (30), available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fast-Track Your Future with Our 3+3 Program

• Accelerate Your Education: Complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just six years, saving time and tuition.
• Attract Success: Designed for ambitious students ready to fast-track their careers.
• Cohort Collaboration: Progress with a dedicated group of peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Save on Tuition: Spend less on overall tuition with a shorter educational timeline, easing financial stress.
• Strategic Enrollment: Smooth transitions from undergraduate to graduate studies ensure consistent academic progression.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Engage in interdisciplinary studies that broaden your perspectives and innovation potential.
• Meet Professional Demand: Quickly enter the workforce as a highly skilled professional, ready to meet industry needs.

Embrace a pathway designed for efficiency and success—join our 3+3 Program today!

Direct Entry Admission Process

1. Apply and Get Admitted:
   • Complete a Trine University undergraduate admission application.
   • Be admitted to the Biology or Exercise Science major.
2. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
   • Minimum 3.50 GPA (4.0 scale) on high school transcript.
   • Minimum ACT Composite of 25 or SAT (R+M) 1210. (Contact admissions to ask about test optional eligibility)
   • Meet the Technical Standards
3. DPT Direct Entry Application:
   • After admission to Trine, a DPT Direct Entry Application will be sent to you via email
   • Submit a brief essay describing how your extracurricular activities or work experiences have prepared you for a career in physical therapy.
4. Interview:
   • Participate in an interview with a Trine University direct entry admission representative.
5. Acceptance and Enrollment:
   • Receive a formal DPT direct entry acceptance letter and a Letter of Intent.
   • Secure your seat by submitting your enrollment fee and the signed Letter of Intent.
   • Your seat is guaranteed only after the deposit and signed letter are received.
   • Note:  If all 30 seats are filled before your submission, you will be put on a wait list and are not guaranteed a seat

Once enrolled in the DPT direct entry program, to maintain eligibility during the undergraduate years, the following criteria must be met:

• Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA in all undergraduate coursework.
• Score a B or higher in all DPT prerequisite courses.
  • DPT prerequisite courses include 2 biology courses, 2 chemistry courses, 2 physics courses, 2 anatomy and physiology courses, 1 psychology course, and 1 statistics course.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) credits with a transcript-documented grade of 4 or 5 may be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements.

Matriculation to the DPT program requirements:

• Undergraduate Direct Entry students are not required to take the GRE but are required to satisfy all the above eligibility requirements before formal admission to the DPT program.
• Undergraduate Direct Entry students are required to obtain a minimum of forty (40) hours of observation of physical therapy patient care, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The clinical observation verification form is available here.

*Students in the Direct Admit degree program are not eligible for institutional scholarships during their graduate student years.

• 3+3 Path: No scholarships in years four, five, and six.
• 4+3 Path: No scholarships in years five, six, and seven.

Students are encouraged to explore alternative funding options for these final years of graduate school.  Federal financial aid is available and outside scholarships are also an option.