UAB has an early acceptance program for academically superior high school seniors, attracting them to UAB’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program with guaranteed admission to the School of Health Professions after college.

Eligibility for DPTEAP

Since acceptance to DPTEAP means acceptance to the physical therapy program, entry is highly competitive.

• Minimum GPA: 3.5 Overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Test Scores: at least 29 ACT or a minimum 1330 SAT
  • Keep in mind that this is the combined score of Critical Reading (formerly known as Verbal) and Math - total possible 1600. If the new writing portion is required, which UAB does not, the SAT has three parts which could total 2400. However, for purposes of applying to DPTEAP, we only count the 1330 minimum out of 1600.
• Selection Process: The Physical Therapy Faculty Committee interviews a select number of eligible candidates. The committee is seeking individuals who have demonstrated leadership, motivation, and high academic credentials..

Applying for DPTEAP

STEP 1: Apply to UAB

You must first apply through UAB Undergraduate Admission.

You must be accepted to UAB as an undergraduate no later than May 1.

STEP 2: Fill out Application

Fill out the DPTEAP Online Application. Completion of the online application includes responses to the questions, your resume, and two letters of recommendation - preferably all uploaded at the same time.

If your letter of recommendation writers prefer to submit their letter themselves, continue to Step 3.

STEP 3: Recommendation Letters

You need one recommendation letter from a teacher and one recommendation letter from a coach or extra curricular activity advisor. If they prefer to submit the letter themselves, share the appropriate link below with them.

Upload teacher letter of recommendation.

Upload coach/extracurricular activity advisor letter of recommendation.

Interviews & Decisions

Application ‘Priority Decision’ deadline is January 15, with interviews and decisions to occur in February.

Application ‘Final Decision’ deadline is June 1, with interviews and decisions to occur in July.

The DPTEAP Admissions Committee interviews eligible candidates.

Criteria for Remaining in Good Standing

The following requirements and conditions are to be met by all DPTEAP students in order to remain in good standing for maintaining their acceptance into the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physical Therapy:

• Maintain an overall 3.2 GPA and a 3.4 GPA in all prerequisite coursework.
• Stay in contact with the DPTEAP Mentor each semester.
• Regular ongoing academic counseling with an undergraduate major advisor.
• Complete HIPPA training.
• Develop a profile of volunteer experiences. This includes:
  • Shadowing several different physical therapists to have a variety of experiences in acute injuries, geriatrics, pediatrics and sports injuries.
  • Volunteer in service organizations benefiting other people, especially those serving underserved populations.
• Participate in ongoing activities with the Department of Physical Therapy and demonstrate leadership and maturity consistent with the expectations of other non early admission students.
• Graduate with an undergraduate degree from UAB.
• Must submit a minimum of 20 hours observation of a licensed physical therapist.