UTHSC's Memphis-based Doctor of Physical Therapy program combines full-time professional study with clinical internships. Students develop scientific knowledge, physical therapy skills, and professional behaviors. Clinical placements offer exposure to different settings and populations, and graduates are qualified to sit for the National Physical Therapist Examination.
- Program
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
- Credential
- DPT
- Location
- Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- October 1, 2026 (PTCAS application deadline)
- Interview
- Panel interview
- Length
- Three years of full-time professional study after pre-professional coursework.
Casper Requirement for University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy
University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
All applicants must complete the Casper assessment as part of admission requirements. The page gives no booking code, accepted language, or Casper-specific deadline.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- PTCAS
- Applications open
- June 15, 2026
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Supplemental documents deadline | September 15, 2026passed |
| PTCAS application deadline | October 1, 2026upcoming |
Applications are reviewed and candidates accepted until seats are filled. Code unfinished prerequisites as in progress in PTCAS; required materials must be PTCAS-verified before registration following acceptance.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy Admissions Statistics
Period: 2024-2025 outcomes
- Two-year combined graduation rate: 98% for 2024-2025
- First-time NPTE pass rate: 2024: 82%; 2025: 90%
- Ultimate NPTE pass rate: 2024: 98%; 2025: 98%
- Employment within six months for graduates seeking work: 2024: 100%; 2025: 100%
Eligibility Requirements for University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree before enrollment; no required major or minor.
- Residency
Tennessee residents receive priority when all else is equal.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL result of at least 550.
Other requirements
- Technical standards: Applicants must meet the standards; those accepting a place declare their ability to fulfill them.
- Foreign transcripts: Have transcripts evaluated by World Education Services and submitted to PTCAS.
Selection Factors University of Tennessee Health Science Center Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Biology | 8 credits AP/CLEP credit is not listed as accepted for this category. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Chemistry | 8 credits AP/CLEP credit is not listed as accepted for this category. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Physics | 8 credits AP/CLEP credit is not listed as accepted for this category. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 8 credits AP/CLEP credit is not listed as accepted for this category. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Psychology | 6 credits AP/CLEP credit is accepted. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Math | 3 credits AP/CLEP credit is accepted. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Statistics | 3 credits AP/CLEP credit is accepted. Each prerequisite needs C or better before enrollment; C- does not qualify. |
| Total prerequisite credits | 44 credits Before an application is considered, transcripts must show 19 credits completed with C or better: biology with lab 4, Chemistry I with lab 4, Physics I with lab 4, Anatomy and Physiology I with lab 4, and psychology 3. In-person prerequisite sciences are recommended, but online prerequisites are accepted. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Prerequisite-course GPA; for up to 8 credits of repeated courses, the higher grade can replace the lower.
- Competitive
- 3.2 prerequisite GPA; the requirements section reports a 3.5 average.
Admissions tests
- GRE (required): Send scores to PTCAS using UTHSC code 7744; a combined verbal-plus-quantitative score of at least 300 is competitive.
- TOEFL (required for some applicants): Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a score of at least 550.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
25 total physical therapy observation hours; multiple settings are recommended.
Supplementary application
One recommendation from an academic adviser, professor in the applicant's major, or another professional source; no personal recommendations.
How applicants are ranked
The committee considers academic performance, GRE scores, motivation and knowledge of physical therapy, and potential for positive patient interactions. The interview carries substantial weight; meeting requirements does not assure admission.
Interview Format at University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Format: Panel interview
Mandatory 20-30-minute interview, typically with a PT faculty member, community PT, and current DPT student, plus a campus tour and information session.
- When
- October 23-24 and November 13-14, 2026
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy
- Program length
- Three years of full-time professional study after pre-professional coursework.
- Structure
Academic work and clinical internships, beginning in fall and ending in May three years later.
- Campuses
- Memphis
Internship sites span Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding states; students should budget for travel and housing away from Memphis.
Campus and facilities
Professional study is based on the Memphis campus; clinical internships may require travel. Prospective students are introduced to clinical settings including acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient practice.
Tuition and Funding at University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Fall 2026, 9+ credits, in-state term total: $10,604
- Fall 2026, 9+ credits, out-of-state term total: $19,430
- DPT student resource fee: $200
Published term charges depend on credit load and may change; clinical placements can add travel and housing costs.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center's Mission and Values
Meet society's physical therapy needs through education, research, service, and patient care while preparing evidence-based, lifelong-learning practitioners and professional leaders who can treat varied populations.
How to Prepare Your University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy Application
- Check that the 19 application-stage prerequisite credits appear on transcripts
- Plan the remaining prerequisites and bachelor's degree before enrollment
- Complete 25 PT observation hours, preferably across settings
- Arrange a professional recommendation and send GRE scores using code 7744
- Complete Casper and submit through PTCAS
- Prepare examples of PT knowledge and patient rapport for the interview
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Tennessee Health Science Center Physical Therapy
Is Casper required?
Yes, for every applicant.
Where do I apply?
Through PTCAS.
When is the PTCAS deadline?
October 1, 2026.
Can prerequisites be unfinished when I apply?
Yes; identify them as in progress and finish with C or better before enrollment.
How much observation is needed?
25 total hours.
Is an interview required?
Yes; it is mandatory.
Sources
- UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy — Admission Requirements
- UTHSC — Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
- UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy
- UTHSC — Prospective Students
- UTHSC Department of Physical Therapy — About
- UTHSC — Fall 2026 Health Professions Tuition and Fees
- webprod8.uthsc.edu
Last updated: September 26, 2026