Admissions Information

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 2025: October 1, 2024

Application Instructions

  1. Submit the PTCAS application by October 1, 2024.
  2. Complete an application to the YSU College of Graduate Studies by October 1, 2024.

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)
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Beginning with the 2024-25 application cycle for admission to the program in Summer 2025, the GRE will no longer be required.

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. Anatomy & Physiology must be passed with a B. All other 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.
  • 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.