Indiana State University offers an on-campus Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Terre Haute. Students combine classroom and laboratory learning with research, community engagement and supervised clinical education. Four clinical experiences expose students to different practice settings, including placements outside the local area. The full-time program prepares graduates to take the National Physical Therapy Examination.
- Program
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Credential
- DPT
- Location
- Terre Haute, Indiana, United States
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- October 1, 2026 (Published PTCAS application window ends)
- Interview
- No interview
- Length
- Three years of full-time study, including summers
Casper Requirement for Indiana State University Physical Therapy
Indiana State University Physical Therapy does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is absent from the current published admission requirements. A prior admissions document lists Casper, but the current admissions page lists the requirements for this application cycle.
Indiana State University Physical Therapy Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- PTCAS
- Applications open
- June 15, 2026
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Published PTCAS application window ends | October 1, 2026upcoming |
| DPT department says applications close | October 15, 2026upcoming |
Submit all materials through PTCAS. The admissions page gives October 1 as the window end, while the department page gives October 15 as the closing date; applicants should confirm their PTCAS deadline and aim for the earlier date.
Indiana State University Physical Therapy Admissions Statistics
Period: Classes of 2024 and 2025, two-year averages
- Graduation rate: 93%
- Ultimate licensing-exam pass rate: 98.3%
- Employment rate: 100%
Eligibility Requirements for Indiana State University Physical Therapy
- Degree / credits
A bachelor’s degree in a field other than physical therapy from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, completed before enrollment
- Residency
Indiana residents receive admission priority and qualify for in-state tuition
- Citizenship
Eligible U.S. and international applicants may apply
- Language proficiency
International applicants may be required to take the TOEFL. International applicants must earn their degree and prerequisites at a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
Other requirements
- Program Preview: Attend a Program Preview event; the admissions page also permits arranging an individual meeting
- Technical standards: Review the DPT technical standards
- Student technology: Own a laptop and tablet and be proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Selection Factors Indiana State University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Human anatomy | 3 credits with lab |
| Physiology | 3 credits with lab |
| Biology | 4 credits with lab |
| General chemistry I | 4 credits with lab |
| General chemistry II | 4 credits with lab |
| General physics I | 4 credits with lab |
| General physics II | 4 credits with lab |
| Statistics | 3 credits |
| Medical terminology | 1 credit |
| Psychology | 6 credits across two courses, including abnormal or developmental/lifespan psychology |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Cumulative undergraduate GPA and prerequisite-course GPA are considered separately
- Competitive
- 3.2/4.0 preferred for each
The school calls 3.2 preferred, not a firm admissions minimum. Prerequisites need C or higher, must be completed within 7 years before the program begins, and may be attempted up to three times. Up to 8 prerequisite credits may be pending at application. AP courses and online labs are not accepted; labs must be in person. Physiology, biology, chemistry and physics courses must be designed for science majors.
Admissions tests
- GRE (not required): Not required for application
- TOEFL (required for some applicants): May be required of international applicants
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
At least 60 hours of paid work or volunteer/observation experience supervised by a licensed physical therapist, across two different practice settings. Verification may be submitted electronically through PTCAS or as an uploaded paper form.
Supplementary application
Submit an essay under PTCAS guidelines and three recommendations: one from a licensed physical therapist, one from an academic source, and one additional professional or academic reference.
How applicants are ranked
Admission is competitive; Indiana residents receive priority. The required Program Preview replaces in-person interviews; no scoring formula is published.
Interview Format at Indiana State University
Format: No interview
The Program Preview includes a program overview, facilities tour and group sessions with faculty and students.
- When
- October 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Eastern, virtual option remains listed after the in-person events
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Indiana State University Physical Therapy
- Program length
- Three years of full-time study, including summers
- Structure
100 graduate credits, including 18 clinical-education credits
- Campuses
- Indiana State University, Terre Haute
Lectures, labs, simulation and service learning accompany a research project and four clinical experiences of 10, 10, 10 and 6 weeks. Part-time study is unavailable.
Campus and facilities
On-campus study in Terre Haute uses instructional and examination labs, the Applied Medicine Research Center, a simulation center and a student-run pro bono clinic. Clinical experiences span different practice settings; students complete experiences outside the local area and pay their associated travel and housing costs.
Tuition and Funding at Indiana State University
- Estimated program tuition, Indiana resident: $46,200
- Estimated program tuition, out-of-state: $95,400
- Estimated institutional fees: $900
- Estimated other program-related expenses: $18,842.02
- Published estimated total, Indiana resident: $65,942.02
- Published estimated total, out-of-state: $115,142.02
The 2026 fact sheet covers students enrolled during 2026-2027; estimates may rise and clinical travel and housing are extra.
Indiana State University's Mission and Values
The DPT program aims to develop compassionate, clinically and culturally competent physical therapists through student-focused learning, scholarship, community engagement and service, with attention to health equity in rural and underserved communities.
How to Prepare Your Indiana State University Physical Therapy Application
- Check that your U.S.-accredited degree and prerequisite courses qualify
- Finish science prerequisites and confirm that labs were taken in person
- Arrange and verify 60 supervised observation hours in two settings
- Request all three specified recommendations and prepare the PTCAS essay
- Register for Program Preview or arrange an individual meeting
- Submit every PTCAS material before the applicable deadline
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana State University Physical Therapy
When does the cohort begin?
In the first summer term, typically May
Is the GRE required?
No
How much PT observation is required?
At least 60 supervised hours in two practice settings
Can prerequisites be unfinished when I apply?
Up to 8 credits may be pending
Are online prerequisite labs accepted?
No; labs must be taken in person
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, with a U.S.-accredited degree and prerequisites; TOEFL may be required
Is there an interview?
Program Preview replaces in-person interviews
Can I study part-time?
No; the program is full-time
Sources
- Physical Therapy (DPT) — admissions and program information
- Physical Therapy — Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation
- DPT Frequently Asked Questions
- 2026 DPT Student Financial Fact Sheet
- DPT Program Outcomes
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Admission Requirements — older PDF
- cms.indstate.edu
- today.indstate.edu
Last updated: September 26, 2026