Student Admissions

Application: Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) 
Deadline for PTCAS applications: October 2, 2023
Classes begin: May 20, 2024

The LSU Health Shreveport Doctor of Physical Therapy Program accepts applications for admission via the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Applicants should send all application materials (e.g., transcripts, GRE) directly to PTCAS. Applicants should NOT send any application documents directly to the Physical Therapy Program or LSU Health Shreveport.

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Residency

Preference will be given to Louisiana residents. Information regarding establishing LA residency may be obtained by the Office of the Registrar or on their website. 

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

In the School of Allied Health Professions’ admissions and recruitment processes, we pursue diverse cohorts of students in each program to enhance the learning experiences of all of our students, and foster an open and welcoming environment that promotes inclusion, respect, and compassion.

LSU Health Shreveport adopts a definition of diversity that embraces a broad spectrum of human expression and characteristics that include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, social and cultural attributes, abilities, sexual orientation, religion, rural or metropolitan background, military or veteran status, and age. In addition, diversity also includes life experiences, record of service, and other talents and personal attributes that enhance the work and learning atmosphere. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse community through the recruitment, enrollment, hiring, and retention/graduation of students, faculty, staff, and leadership who meet this definition of diversity.

LEARN MORE about the AHEAD Scholar Tuition Waiver for Students from Underrepresented Groups. 

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The following are the minimum admission requirements for application to the Physical Therapy Program:

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class in the PT Program. 

2. Minimum average math/science GPA of a 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale). 

• All undergraduate math/science grades (including repeated courses) are used in calculation of the average. Math/science classes are defined as courses with subject headings of biology, zoology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, math, physics, statistics, etc.
• Courses with subject headings of kinesiology, community health, exercise science, health promotion, etc. are NOT considered part of the math/science GPA; even though they may meet prerequisite requirements.

3. Minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the last five years sent to GRE DI code 7739:

• 285 combined quantitative and verbal scores.

• 3.0 from the analytical writing portion of the GRE. 

4. Grade of “C” or better in required pre-requisite courses from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university by the first day of class in the PT Program:

• English Composition (6 hours)

• Advanced English Composition, Technical Writing, or Exposition (3 hours)

• Chemistry (8 hours) – Lab based

• Biology/Zoology (8 hours) – Lab based

• Advanced Biology (3 hours) – Recommended: Histology or Cell Biology

• Physics (8 hours) – Lab based

• Anatomy (3 hours) – Recommended: Human Anatomy

• Physiology (3 hours) – Recommended: Human Physiology

• Mathematics (3 hours) – Must complete a math course of at least one level above college algebra. For example, if a person takes algebra 1, they would also need to take a 3 credit trigonometry course, algebra 2, calculus 1, etc. 

• Psychology (6 hours) – Recommended: Abnormal Psychology, Growth and Development

• Statistics (3 hours) – Behavioral or Experimental

• Public Speaking (3 hours)

• Medical Terminology (1 credit) 

Credits in Statistics may be used to meet Math requirements if taught in the Math Department.
Credits in Statistics may be used to meet Psychology if taught in the Psychology Department.

5. At least 60 hours of practical experience in physical therapy. Practical experience must be under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Earned a minimum of 30 hours from each site.

6. After initial processing of applications, selected applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview.

• Beginning in the fall of 2020, the Program in Physical Therapy will be utilizing CASPer® as part of our decision making process for admissions. This is a computer-based assessment that will help us to assess non-academic attributes. For further information, please visit the CASPer® website at www.takecapser.com. 

  At this point in time, there is nothing additional you need to do in order to complete your application. If you are offered an interview, then we will send you further information about signing up to take the exam. If you have already taken the exam this admissions cycle for another institution, you will not have to take it again.

7. Accepted students must certify that they meet the technical standards established by the program with or without reasonable accommodations.

Please note: Accepted students are assigned a provisional admission status until meeting conditions outlined in the acceptance letter and completing pre-matriculation requirements set forth by the Office of the Registrar. As part of the pre-matriculation requirements, accepted students are required to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to matriculation. Offers of acceptance are contingent on passing both.

Important Application Information:

• Applicants to the Program are considered for admission on a competitive basis. Satisfaction of basic requirements does not guarantee admission. The admissions committee considers math/science grade-point average, GRE scores, CASPer scores, interview scores, quality of courses taken and letters of recommendation. The committee chooses those considered most qualified for the study and practice of physical therapy.    
• Accepted applicants are enrolled once a year in the summer term. 
• The LSU Health New Orleans and Shreveport campuses have separate admissions. Prospective students may apply to one or both of the programs. If a student desires to apply to both programs, they must submit an application to each campus.