Prospective students have a wide variety of background questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions are outlined.

 

When should I apply?

Must I complete all prerequisites before I can be accepted?

What information is considered during the admission process?

Will any particular undergraduate major enhance my chance of acceptance?

When will I know if I have been accepted?

When does the program start and how long does it last?

Is the program full time?

What type of experience is needed?

Are out-of-state students accepted?

How can I learn more about your program?

 

When should I apply? Applications for the class to be seated in May 2010 will be accepted from August 1 through December 15,
2009. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Medical College of Georgia uses a rolling admissions process. Well qualified
applicants will be invited to Augusta for interviews soon after their applications are complete, including all official transcripts,
reference forms, and official GRE score reports. Admissions decisions will generally be made within two weeks of the interview date. The best qualified candidates will be offered either a full or contingent admission until the class is fully enrolled. A waiting list of
otherwise qualified applicants will be maintained. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is limited to an enrollment of 36
students/class year. It is in the applicant’s interest to apply at the earliest possible date and we strongly encourage you to do so.
(top of page)

Must I complete all prerequisites before I can be accepted?
No. We can consider your application before you have completed all prerequisites. If you have not completed them, indicate where
and when you plan to take each course. Be sure to confirm that the courses you need will be offered the semester you plan to take
them. You must have documentation of completing all prerequisite courses before registration, so allow time for final official
transcripts to reach the Office of Academic Admissions. (top of page)

What information is considered during the admission process?
We review the overall grade point average, prerequisite grade point average, grade point average over the last 40 semester hours of
course work attempted and GRE scores to determine who is qualified for a personal interview. At that point, criteria include the
interview, writing ability, overall attributes of the candidate and references. Three references are required that focus on your ability to
be successful in a clinical setting. At least one must be from a physical therapist, although a physical therapist reference form from
each of the clinical settings you have observed is recommended. (top of page)

Will any particular undergraduate major enhance my chance of acceptance? No. As long as you have completed the
prerequisite courses, your undergraduate major doesn't matter. We recommend that you major in an area that you enjoy without
regard to whether it will help you enter our program.
(top of page)

When will I know if I have been accepted?
Soon after your interview, we will send you a letter with our decision. If you are accepted, you will have a deadline by which to inform
the Office of Academic Admissions of your intention to enroll. (top of page)

When does the program start and how long does it last?
The program begins in May and continues for nine consecutive semesters (36 months). Graduation occurs in May of the third year.
(top of page)

Is the program full time?
Yes. Courses are taken sequentially on a full-time basis; part-time study is not available. We strongly discourage off-campus
employment while enrolled in our program. Classes generally meet from 9:00 to 4:00 Monday through Friday. Most students find that
class preparation, attendance and study require 40-60 hours per week. The Office of Financial Aid  is very helpful in finding
alternative financial resources, and some work-study programs are available on campus. (top of page)

What type of experience is needed?
To ensure that you have adequately explored physical therapy and are confident in your career choice, we require at least 100 hours
of experience in a wide variety of physical therapy settings (rehabilitation, acute care, sports medicine, pediatrics, etc.). We
recommend that at least 20 of these hours occur in an inpatient hospital setting. We prefer direct patient contact or observation.
Experience in a different health field, such as nursing, does not fulfill this requirement. More than the minimum number of required
hours of experience may strengthen your references but are not ranked as part of the admission process. (top of page)

Are out-of-state students accepted?
We give preference to in-state residents but do accept a limited number of out-of-state students. To determine if you qualify as an in-state resident, contact the MCG Office of Academic Admissions at (706) 721-2725 or (800) 519-3388. (top of page)

How can I learn more about your program?
The Office of Academic Admissions regularly schedules Closer Look Tours for all departments, including physical therapy. The programs provide campus-wide information and faculty interaction in specific departments. To register for a visit, complete this online form or call (706) 721-2725 or (800) 519-3388. (top of page) You may apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program by completing an online application form or by contacting: 

 

Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building-Administration
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: (706) 721-2725
Toll free: 1-800-519-3388
Fax: (706) 721-7279

 


email: gradadm@mcg.edu

For more information about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at MCG
e-mail us at: ptadmissions@mcg.edu, or contact the department at
(706) 721-2141.