Physical Therapy (DPT)
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Texas State University
Physical Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program Overview
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Texas State University is a three-year, nine-semester cohort course of study totaling 99 credit hours, located on the Round Rock Campus within the College of Health Professions. The program is designed to educate competent entry-level generalist physical therapists who can examine, evaluate, manage, and treat patients across contemporary healthcare settings. Established in 1984, the Department of Physical Therapy has a strong track record, with a 100% national board exam pass rate and 100% employment rate for graduates.
The program features an onsite Texas State Physical Therapy Clinic and a student-run pro bono clinic, giving you hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of experienced, licensed faculty. The curriculum follows a spiral model in which topics are introduced early and revisited with increasing depth throughout the program. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1-to-10 and approximately 40 to 46 students admitted per cohort, you benefit from personalized instruction and mentorship.
Texas State's DPT curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure in all 50 states, preparing you for a versatile career in physical therapy. The program also offers collaborative relationships with local clinical sites, short-term study abroad options, and international clinical education site opportunities. Graduates emerge as professionals equipped to provide purposeful, precise, and efficient movement-based care grounded in expertise in mobility and locomotion.
Key Program Highlights
- 100% national board exam (NPTE) pass rate and 100% employment rate for graduates over the last 20 years
- Onsite Physical Therapy Clinic and student-run pro bono clinic for extensive hands-on clinical training
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Faculty-to-student ratio of 1:10 with board-certified specialist faculty who maintain active clinical practices
Curriculum and Course Modules
The DPT curriculum at Texas State University is built on a spiral curricular model where foundational topics are introduced early and expanded upon throughout the program. Spanning nine semesters over three years, the coursework integrates didactic learning with progressive clinical education experiences. Students complete both part-time clinical rotations in the Central Texas area and full-time clinical experiences that may extend beyond the region.
Anatomy I: Structural Anatomy
2 Credit HoursAn introduction to the structure and function of the human body with emphasis on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and integumentary systems, including basic neurological screening, palpation, embryology, and vasculature.
Anatomy II: Spine
2 Credit HoursStudy of static and dynamic aspects of the vertebral column and skull, including bony landmarks, muscular and ligamentous attachments, blood and nerve supply through lecture, lab, and dissection.
Clinical Decision Making III
1 Credit HourPrepares students to apply systematic clinical decision making to the geriatric patient, considering physical, psychosocial, cultural, environmental, and ethical factors, including pain science for chronic pain.
Clinical Decision Making IV
1 Credit HourUses a body systems approach for students to apply previously learned knowledge and skills for differential diagnosis in complex patient presentations.
Research in Physical Therapy III
1 Credit HourA continuation of the DPT research sequence that culminates in a supervised project to analyze outcomes in a defined area of clinical practice.
Research in Physical Therapy IV
1 Credit HourThe final course in the research sequence, including completion of data collection and analysis for an oral presentation and final paper, required for graduation.
Specialized Focus Areas
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Texas State University DPT program is competitive, with approximately 600 applications reviewed each year and around 40 to 46 students accepted per cohort. The program uses a holistic application review process that considers both academic achievement and life experience. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeCompletion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment
- Overall GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (plus any completed graduate courses)
- Science GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA in all science courses (biology, chemistry, and physics)
- Prerequisite GPAMinimum 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite courses including psychology, statistics, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and physics
- GRE ScoresCompetitive GRE scores in verbal and quantitative reasoning sections (general test only)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic)Overall 6.5 with minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- Duolingo English TestOverall score of 110
- TOEFL EssentialsOverall score of 8.5
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Texas State University's Graduate College offers a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and funding opportunities for graduate students, including those in the DPT program. While the PT program itself does not have program-specific financial aid, university-level and external funding options are available. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on funding opportunities and application support.
Graduate College Scholarship
USD 1,000 per semester (up to 3 semesters)Available to continuing master's and doctoral students with a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA who demonstrate intellectual, creative, and leadership promise. Application period runs October 1 through February 1 annually.
Texas State Merit Fellowship
Intended to recruit the highest quality master's or doctoral degree-seeking students to Texas State University. Recipients qualifying for at least USD 1,000 in competitive scholarships may also receive a nonresident tuition waiver.
Doctoral Research Support Fellowship
Up to USD 5,000Supports graduate student research at the doctoral level, covering expenses directly related to conducting dissertation or capstone research. Two rounds of funding applications are available each year.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for DPT Graduates
Graduates of the Texas State University DPT program are prepared for diverse and rewarding careers across the healthcare sector. With a reported 100% employment rate and 100% national board exam pass rate, the program has an exceptional track record of launching successful physical therapy professionals. The degree qualifies you for licensure in all 50 states, opening doors to a wide range of clinical and specialized practice settings.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employment Settings
Rankings and Recognition
Texas State University is a public research institution founded in 1899, recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an emerging research university. The university has been climbing in national rankings and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| National Universities (U.S.) | U.S. News & World Report | #257 |
| Top Public Schools (U.S.) | U.S. News & World Report | #145 |
| Top Performers on Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 |
| Health Professions (DPT Accreditation) | CAPTE | Fully Accredited |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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