Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 3+3 Direct Admission

Carroll's Direct Admission Physical Therapy program offers an accelerated couse of study with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, provided progression standards and cohort requirements are met.  Students accepted to the program will complete their first three years of study at the undergraduate level and then transition directly into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program for their senior year.  Direct admission students earn their bachelor's degree in an approved discipline at the end of the fourth year of study and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the end of the sixth year.

Recommended High School Coursework 

  • One year of biology
  • One year of chemistry
  • Three years of mathematics
  • Other suggested courses include physics, anatomy and physiology, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or early college credits

Application Process

  1. Apply to Carroll University
  2. List Physical Therapy as your first or second choice program
  3. Submit the following items to complete the application process:
    • High school transcript 
    • Senior class schedule (recommended)

Priority Application Deadline: February 15 

  • Candidates that complete the application process and receive a direct admission seat by February 15 may submit their general and program deposits ($200 each) by March 1 to secure their seat.
  • After March 1, seats will be offered based on availability. 

Accept Your Direct Admission Seat

If you are offered a direct admission seat to the Physical Therapy program, secure your seat with these steps:
  • Submit your Acceptance of Admission and $200 general admission deposit (refundable through May 1) to confirm your plan to attend Carroll University.
  • Submit your Reply to Offer - PT Direct Admission form and $200 program deposit (non-refundable) to secure your direct admission seat. 
  • Review and submit the Safety and Technical Standards, which will include Progression Standards.

Important Dates

October 30, 2026
Physical Therapy Program Open House

December 2, 2026
Physical Therapy webinar

December 4, 2026
Physical Therapy Program Open House

January 29, 2027
Physical Therapy Program Open House

February 15, 2027
Priority application deadline

March 1, 2027
Priority confirmation deadline

Direct Admission is only available to first-time, first-year applicants.  Carroll University students with direct admission status must satisfy all DPT program prerequisite requirements by the end of spring semester of their junior year of college in order to advance into year one of the graduate program in their senior year.

Progression Standards

Please refer to the Carroll University catalog for details regarding progression standards for this program.

Panoramic View of campus