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

Direct admission provides select incoming first-time first-year students an opportunity to complete an accelerated course of study with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, provided progression standards and cohort requirements are met. Accepted students will complete their first three years of study at the undergraduate level. If students with direct admission status meet all progression standards after their junior year at the university, they transition directly into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in their senior year.

During their first three years at the university, direct admission students earn credits toward their undergraduate degrees. 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 are encouraged to 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

• 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.
• Candidates offered direct admission after May 1 have 10 business days from the time of acceptance to submit their intent to enroll and $400 deposit.

Important Dates

December 5, 2025
Physical Therapy Program Open House

January 30, 2026
Physical Therapy Program Open House

February 15, 2026
Priority application deadline

March 1, 2026
Priority confirmation deadline

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.