Physical Therapy (PhD)

Admissions Requirements

Selection of students for the Doctor of Philosophy program is based on prior academic performance, clinical experience, and references. We seek students who have qualities such as assertiveness, communication skills, and who are critical thinkers. Students must also be emotionally stable team players.

Applicants must be graduates from physical therapy schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates of physical therapy schools in other countries are also eligible with review of academic credentials by an appropriate agency and review of TOEFL scores.

Applicants must hold either an advanced or entry-level master's degree in Physical Therapy, or hold a master's degree in any discipline along with a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Applicants who only hold an undergraduate degree in physical therapy may apply and be required to complete 15 additional credits beyond the 60 credits required from applicants holding a masters degree.

Selection of students for the Doctor of Philosophy program is based on prior academic performance, clinical experience and references.

Applicants must have:

  1. Be a graduate of schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates of physical therapy schools in other countries are also eligible with review of academic credentials by an appropriate agency and review of TOEFL scores.
    • A qualified applicant with a master's degree or an entry-level DPT degree is required to complete a course of study with a minimum of 60 credit hours.
    • A qualified applicant with a post professional doctoral (including transitional DPT) degree may transfer up to 6 credit hours.
    • A qualified applicant with only a bachelor's degree in physical therapy is required to complete a course of study with a minimum of 75 credit hours.
  2. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with writing component is required; Completion of The Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) when appropriate.

The Dean is empowered to evaluate the total qualifications of every student and to modify requirements in unusual circumstances.

Foreign Course Work

Undergraduate course work taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by one of the three services listed below. You should contact:

For more information, please call NSU's Office of Admissions at (954) 262-1110.