The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science participates in the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Students seeking admission to the DPT program must apply via http://www.ptcas.org.
The deadline for review of all completed applications is November 1st. We are unable to review incomplete applications or applications that have not been verified with PTCAS. All applications must be submitted by November 1st.
The Admissions committee will make one of three decisions for each applicant: 1) acceptance; 2) placement on the waitlist (after January 15th); or 3) denial. Applicants are notified via email, so please be sure the email you enter in PTCAS is accurate and checked often.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to APPLY AND SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE NOVEMBER 1st DEADLINE. This will provide sufficient time to review your materials and determine your eligibility for the required group interview.
A Bachelor’s Degree (or expect to graduate prior to enrollment)
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or expect to graduate prior to enrolling in the DPT program. Credit hours must have been earned in colleges or universities whose names appear on the current list of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education as compiled by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. The bachelor’s degree may be in any field. No preference is given to applicants majoring in the sciences versus those with non-science majors.
Minimum GPA Requirements for Eligibility
Program-specific Prerequisite GPA: 3.0 minimum
Prerequisite Courses
Prospective students may submit an application while enrolled in pre-requisite courses, but all courses must be completed prior to starting the DPT program. Grades of C- (C minus) and below cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for admission. Where possible, we will accept spring and summer 2020 coursework that is graded on a Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis to fulfill a prerequisite course requirement, particularly if the applicant was not given the choice to take the course on this basis. We may, however, require proof from applicants that they were not offered the choice of receiving a letter grade, or that the choice to move to a Pass/Fail grading basis was made prior to seeing the final letter grade in the course.
Credit hours must have been earned in colleges or universities whose names appear on the current list of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education as compiled by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036. Students who have completed coursework in Maryland may review transfer courses at ARTSYS – Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities. This is an online evaluation system that enables students to determine how courses taken at any two-year college in Maryland transfer to any four-year college or university in Maryland. The following courses, or equivalent, are required:
Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits may be used. AP or CLEP credits must appear in PTCAS. If used to fulfill prerequisite courses, the official scores must be mailed to PTRS.
AP SCORE CODE: 7784
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
More information on GRE testing is available on the ETS website.
(GRE scores are required at the time of a completed application)
Official score reports must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) - http://www.gre.org
PTRS Department Code: 1089
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A TOEFL score is required as part of the application process for individuals who do not speak English as their first or native language and/or for individuals who have lived less than 5 years in the United States. http://www.toefl.org. The minimum required TOEFL score for admission into the DPT program is 213 for the computer based exam and 80 for the internet based exam. TOEFL scores are valid for two years.
University of Maryland Institution Code: 5848
PTRS Department Code: 48
Letters of Recommendation
Physical Therapy Observation
A minimum of 50 hours is required at time of matriculation.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete observation of physical therapy practice in at least two to three different clinical settings (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and/or outpatient practice) and with different patient populations (i.e. across the lifespan, varied clinical condition) to ensure exposure to a broad scope of physical therapy practice.
Current CPR Certification
Certifications must be valid on the first day of class and must remain active throughout your enrollment in the DPT program.
The following are the only eligible CPR certification programs that we accept
Please visit the American Heart Association website for more information.
For the upcoming 2023-2024 application cycle, PTCAS is scheduled to open to applicants on June 15, with applicant information to be shared with programs beginning on July 1.
The deadline for review of applications and selection for interviews for admission to the DPT program is November 1st. Offers of admissions will begin mid-November and continue until the class is full. All applicants will receive a final decision (acceptance, denial or waitlist) by January 15th. Applicants are strongly encouraged to APPLY AND SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE NOVEMBER 1st DEADLINE
Tuition
Tuition and fees vary based on the year in which the student is enrolled in the DPT program and whether you are a Maryland state resident.
Tuition and Fees for DPT Program
CAPTE DPT Financial Fact Sheet
Required Device
The Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science (PTRS) will issue the required device to all incoming DPT Program students that the department specifies for their particular cohort. The device will be distributed at new student orientation. The fee for this device will appear on your tuition bill from Student Accounting. The projected cost of the device is approximately $900 which includes a 4 year warranty with on-site next business day service. There is no negotiation on using another device or exceptions to this policy. Students are financially responsible for the cost of the required device as soon as they matriculate into the DPT Program.
Financial Aid
Federal Grants, Loans and Work-Study
The University of Maryland Office of Financial Aid can answer questions concerning the federal aid process. Federal financial aid includes grants, low-interest loans and work-study.
Website: http://www.umaryland.edu/fin/
E-mail: aidtalk@umaryland.edu
Phone: (410) 706-7347
Maryland State Awards
Maryland residents may apply for grants, scholarships and need-based financial aid through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) - Office of Student Financial Assistance. Information concerning eligibility requirements for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program and other awards are available on the MHEC website at http://www.mhec.state.md.us.
Residency Classification
Application for In-State Classification
VA Benefits
Upon receipt of your Enrollment Certification form, the department's SCO (School Certifying Official) will certify your enrollment to the VA using the Veterans Enrollment Management system. Once enrollment is certified, your tuition is paid directly to Student Accounting. In accordance with federal regulations, GI Bill® students should not be imposed a late fee, and therefore, a list of GI Bill® students is reported to Student Accounting to prevent penalty.
All new and continuing veteran and dependent students who are eligible for and intending to use educational benefits are REQUIRED to submit the following documentation to ptadmissions@som.umaryland.edu
You can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, http://www.gibill.va.gov, or contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI-Bill-1) and speak with a veteran’s benefits counselor.
All applicants have the right to appeal an admissions decision. Your appeal should be in writing and addressed to the following:
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Attention: Director for Academic Affairs for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
100 Penn Street, Suite 115
Baltimore, MD 21201
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-1816
ptadmissions@som.umaryland.edu
Please visit our Graduate Outcomes page for information on graduation rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate.
Aynsley Leigh Hamel, MDE
Academic Services Specialist, Entry-Level DPT Program
(410) 706-0566
ahamel@som.umaryland.edu
The Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is designed to be completed in 2 years 7 months with the goal to prepare physical therapy students to function as independent entry-level practitioners in a diverse global society. The curriculum is organized in a unique block design that helps to integrate foundational and clinical science content across the lifespan. The first year is comprised of strong foundational science content and robust learning experiences which includes full cadaver dissection, lecture and laboratory sessions taught in a systems approach as well as a translational course that bridges foundational and clinical sciences. Two professional issues courses are taught in the first year as well to establish a solid professional foundation, including scientific inquiry, that complements the medical training. The second-year coursework builds on the foundational sciences and focuses on clinical science preparation across the lifespan.
Laboratory sessions in these courses integrate concepts of clinical care and include encounters with patient/client educators, simulated cases, onsite/offsite clinical exposure, and interprofessional education lab experiences. Students participate in three full-time clinical experiences during the program, totaling 32 weeks. The first full-time rotation takes place during the second year, which provides an opportunity for students to interact with patients and the clinical environment early in the program and integrate knowledge they have gained thus far. The second and third full-time rotations take place after students have completed the didactic portion of the program, enabling them to examine, evaluate, diagnose, and intervene appropriately for primary, secondary, and tertiary physical impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. Mentored case reports and manuscript preparation are completed during the full-time clinical experiences integrating both clinical care, dissemination of clinical findings, and scholarship.
SCH = Semester Credit Hours
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Director of Faculty and Student Affairs reviews the academic status of students and makes recommendations for advancement according to the advancement criteria below. The Director of Faculty and Student Affairs may employ the AAC and other faculty as appropriate to assist in making recommendations.
The student is required to successfully complete the following before graduation:
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-1816
ptadmissions@som.umaryland.edu
Please visit our Graduate Outcomes page for information on graduation rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate.
Aynsley Leigh Hamel, MDE
Academic Services Specialist, Entry-Level DPT Program
(410) 706-0566
ahamel@som.umaryland.edu
Our clinical education program consists of one Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICE) and three Full Time Clinical Experiences (FTCEs).
Integrated Clinical Experience consists of two days per week in clinical practice for three weeks and occur during the summer of the second year. Students are simultaneously involved in the Medical Issues block of the didactic curriculum during this experience.
The Full Time Clinical Experiences occur during the second and third year. The first full-time experience is eight weeks in length, whereas the second and third full-time experiences are each twelve weeks in length, totaling 32 weeks of clinical education experience. The first full-time rotation takes place during the second year, which provides an opportunity for students to interact with patients and the clinical environment early in the program and integrate knowledge they have gained thus far. The second and third full-time rotations take place after students have completed the didactic curriculum and demonstrated readiness for clinical practice through written and performance-based assessments. Students will complete an experience in each of the following settings: medically complex, elective rehabilitation specialty, and community-based.
Rachel Skolky, PT, MSPT, DPT, GCS
Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115B
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-2163
rskolky@som.umaryland.edu
Sarah Smith PT, DPT
Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Instructor
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115G
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-4123
sarsmith@som.umaryland.edu
What is the size of the DPT class?
The size of a typical entering DPT class is 71.
How long is the DPT program?
Students complete the DPT program in three years (nine semesters).
What is the graduation rate and pass rate on the national licensing exam?
Visit our DPT Program Graduate Outcomes page to learn more.
How many applications does the University of Maryland, Baltimore DPT program receive?
Each year the application number varies. Please keep in mind we have 71 spots in each new first year class and the applicant pool is highly competitive.
How do I obtain an application?
The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science participates in Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Students seeking admission to the DPT program must apply via this service at http://www.ptcas.org. Once PTCAS has received all required materials for your application, they will verify your application and send it to the schools for which you have indicated an interest.
What is the completion deadline?
The application deadline is November 1st. We strongly encourage you to apply early in order to give ample time for PTCAS to verify your application.
If I request one, will I be granted an extension of the November 1st PTCAS application deadline?
An extension of the November 1st deadline WILL NOT be granted under any circumstances.
Where can I obtain the In-state Classification Form?
If you want to be considered for in-state residency you must complete the In-State Classification form. Please visit https://www.umaryland.edu/registrar/residency/application to learn about the process. Please read through the instructions carefully. The form should be sent to the Office of the Registrar. You will find the address once you click on the link. **The completion of your In-State Classification form DOES NOT affect the status of your application.**
How will I know if my application is complete with PTCAS?
You will be able to check the status of your application using the login you created for your application. Once your application is deemed complete, PTCAS will begin the verification process. Once your application is verified, we will begin the review process. We are not able to review any applications that are not verified with PTCAS, no exceptions.
If I have questions about the application process what should I do?
Contact PTCAS regarding any questions about the application process. If you have program specific questions in relation to the application process, please feel free to email ptadmissions@som.umaryland.edu.
Do all the prerequisite courses need to be completed before applying?
No. Applicants can submit an application including in-progress courses and still be considered for the current admission cycle. However, all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entering the program.
Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?
Yes. All letter-graded prerequisite coursework must be completed within 5 years of application. Grades of C- (C minus) and below cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for admission. Repeated courses are averaged together. Credit hours must have been earned in colleges or universities whose names appear on the current list of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education as compiled by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC 20036. Students who have completed coursework in Maryland may review transfer courses at ARTSYS – Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities. This is an online evaluation system that enables students to determine how courses taken at any two year college in Maryland transfer to any four year college or university in Maryland.
What are the requirements for observation hours?
Observation hours must be supervised by a physical therapist licensed in the US and must have been completed within the prior two years of the application submission. It is recommended for applicants to complete at least half of the required hours prior to submitting their application for admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete observation of physical therapy practice in at least two to three different clinical settings (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and/or outpatient practice) and with different patient populations (i.e. across the lifespan, varied clinical condition) to ensure exposure to a broad scope of physical therapy practice.
Is community service or are volunteer hours required?
No. It is recommended that applicants demonstrate on-going volunteer/non-paid service. Experiences should be different than the physical therapy observational hours. Community service can include participation in groups/organizations that provide service to the community at the national, regional, state, or local level.
What are the requirements for CPR certification?
CPR certification must include infant, child and adult resuscitation. Courses delivered solely via a web-based format are not acceptable. Hybrid format courses are acceptable: on-line instruction and in-person skills practice and testing. Students are required to provide documentation of their current CPR certification.
Will the Office of Student Services provide services to me if I am a prospective applicant? If I am a non-traditional applicant? If I am an unsuccessful applicant?
Yes, preferably by appointment. Please be advised that regardless of your particular situation we cannot tell you if you are a competitive applicant or if you are likely to be accepted into the program. Only the Admissions Committee can make that determination when they review your completed application.
Can I visit the school or speak with a staff member?
Yes, however, we urge you to visit during a scheduled Open House if your schedule allows. We are available to speak with you over the telephone, email or in person. We prefer an appointment is set up in advance to be sure to give adequate time for your visit.
How do I strengthen my application?
If you have questions about strengthening your application, we urge strongly to contact us prior to applying. Although we are more than happy to answer any questions and make recommendations, we are not able to guarantee you will receive a positive decision should you reapply.
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Allied Health Research Building
100 Penn Street, 115
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-1816
ptadmissions@som.umaryland.edu
Please visit our Graduate Outcomes page for information on graduation rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate.
Aynsley Leigh Hamel, MDE
Academic Services Specialist, Entry-Level DPT Program
(410) 706-0566
ahamel@som.umaryland.edu
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is accredited by the CAPTE
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) | 3030 Potomac Ave, Suite 100 Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
703-706-3245 | accreditation@apta.org | http://www.capteonline.org