Application Overview
The DPT program at Youngstown State University uses the centralized application service, PTCAS. To learn more about the PTCAS application process, please visit the PTCAS website.
Students must also complete a supplemental application to the YSU College of Graduate Studies.
Firm deadline for admission in 2024: October 2, 2023
COVID-19 DPT Application Information
Please note the changes outlined below are only applicable for the 2023-24 application cycle for admission to the program in Summer 2024.
Observation Hours
You should attempt to complete observation hours by our deadline. We recommend checking with outpatient facilities as they are more likely to permit student volunteers than inpatient facilities and nursing homes. However, if you are unable to complete your observation hours prior to the application due date, you can list planned hours on your application and complete them prior to our start date in May. If this completion is prohibited due to limitations of availability because of COVID -19, we will be flexible with this criterion.
References
We require 3 references be included on your PTCAS application at the time of submission. While a physical therapist reference is usually required, we realize applicants may be unable to complete observation hours due to COVID-19 and therefore, are unable to secure a physical therapist reference. If you are unable to secure a reference from a physical therapist, you may use 2 academic references and 1 employer reference or 3 academic references.
GRE Testing
We will continue to require the GRE. The scores must be on your PTCAS application (code: 0314) by the application due date. We will accept the GRE completed through the GRE at home option, in addition to the traditional option.
Pass/Satisfactory Credits
We strongly recommend that applicants choose the option to receive a traditional letter grade when given the choice. However, pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory credits will be accepted for courses taken through Spring 2021. Beginning with courses in Summer 2021, a traditional letter grade will be required.
Application Instructions
- Submit the PTCAS application by October 2, 2023.
- Complete an application to the YSU College of Graduate Studies by October 2, 2023.
Note: Please do not send transcripts to YSU at the time you complete the Graduate Studies application. You will be notified when transcripts need to be sent to YSU. During the application process, transcripts are only required to be sent to PTCAS.
The following materials will be required through the PTCAS application:
- References (3 total - 1 Physical Therapist; 1 Faculty; 1 additional Physical Therapist/Faculty or Employer)
- Documentation of 40 observation hours under the direct supervision of a physical therapist(s) in a physical therapy setting (recommended that hours be completed in at least two sites)
- Applicants MUST submit GRE scores to the YSU PTCAS code 0314. This will ensure your scores are present on your PTCAS application for review. Please note this differs from the general YSU code. When selecting the school in the ETS system, please select the Youngstown State listing with "PTCAS" in the school name.
- Transcripts from all schools attended
Eligibility
- Receipt of completed PTCAS application and YSU College of Graduate Studies application by specified deadline.
- Overall GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- A 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses. A minimum of 6 courses completed prior to applying. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C or better.
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree, and all prerequisite courses, prior to starting the program.
- A recommended GRE score of 295 on Part I and 4.0 on Part II.
- Submission of references and observation hours as stated above.
The selection/admissions process is competitive; meeting eligibility criteria to apply does not assure admission into the program. The admissions process is subject to change based on admissions committee decisions; applicants should carefully review the application materials.
Criminal Record
State Licensure:
A criminal record may prohibit you from being able to practice as a PT in the State of Ohio. To obtain a license in the State of Ohio, you must pass a background check after graduation and prior to taking your national licensure exam. YSU cannot advise you regarding whether you will or will not be allowed to be licensed in the State of Ohio or any other state. Questions regarding those offenses that would prohibit licensure in the State of Ohio must be directed to the State of Ohio OT/PT/AT Licensure Board.
Clinical Education:
If you possess a criminal record, the YSU DPT program cannot guarantee clinical education placements. Clinical education is a requirement of the program for graduation. Many clinical sites now require background checks. Depending on the criminal offense sites may not allow you to participate in clinical education at their facilities. YSU cannot determine which offenses will be deemed unacceptable to a clinical facility.