Physical Therapy

The George Washington University offers a comprehensive Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to prepare students for a successful career in physical therapy practice, research, and leadership. This rigorous program combines both didactic coursework and extensive clinical experiences to develop competent, compassionate, and innovative healthcare professionals. Students will gain a solid foundation in human anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation sciences, supported by cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods.

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address diverse patient needs across various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health centers, and skilled nursing facilities. Throughout the program, students participate in supervised clinical rotations that span multiple specialties, providing real-world experience and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. These practical experiences are complemented by faculty-guided research projects, preparing students to contribute to the advancement of physical therapy knowledge and practice.

The George Washington University maintains strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities, affording students access to a wide range of clinical sites and opportunities for hands-on learning. The program also emphasizes professional development, leadership skills, and advocacy, encouraging graduates to become influential practitioners and leaders in their communities. With an emphasis on diversity, excellence, and innovation, the DPT program at GWU aims to shape the next generation of physical therapists who are prepared to improve patient outcomes and advance healthcare practices nationally and globally. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for licensure examinations and pursue careers across diverse healthcare environments, contributing meaningfully to patient recovery and health promotion.

1. Completion of a Bachelor's Degree

The program invites applications from candidates who have, or will have received by the time of enrollment, a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must demonstrate completion of a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation into the program.

2. Prerequisite Coursework

The following courses must be academic, college-level course work completed at a regionally accredited institution and earned with a C or better (C- grades and lower do not apply)

• Anatomy and Physiology (two semester sequence, or one semester of each; human focus preferred)
• Biology (two semesters, lab recommended)
• Chemistry (two semesters with lab)
• English (two semesters: one composition, one literature, or one writing intensive)
• Physics (two semesters with lab)
• Psychology (two semesters: must include psychology beyond the introductory level)
• Statistics (one semester; mathematical focus preferred)

All science courses must be for science/health science majors.

3. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

The GRE is required for all applicants and should have been completed within the last five years. Official GRE score reports must be received by the application deadline for an application to be considered for admission. The institution code for GW is 5246. This code submits your scores directly to GW. PTCAS does not track receipt of official scores on behalf of GW.

4. Statement of Purpose

In addition to your PTCAS essay addressing your interest in physical therapy, please include a statement of purpose on your GW Application describing your reasons for undertaking your studies specifically at The George Washington University Physical Therapy program.

5. Official Transcripts

Please submit an official transcript from every college and university you attended, whether or not a degree was earned, directly to PTCAS.

All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by World Education Services and submitted directly to PTCAS. 

6. Recommendations

Two recommendations are required and must be submitted through PTCAS.  Please do not submit additional recommendations on the GW supplemental application. One letter of recommendation must be from a physical therapist. Recommendations are not acceptable from family members and friends.

Additional letters of recommendation are preferred/encouraged from:

• Individuals who served in a supervisory capacity for you and who can strongly attest to your work ethic, and/or
• Academic instructors who can strongly attest to your academic ability

7. English Language Test

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are required to submit official test scores for either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearsons Test of English (PTE) Academic, or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:

• TOEFL: 250 computer-based or 100 Internet-based
• PTE: overall score of 68
• IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0

TOEFL code: 5246

International applicants who meet the following conditions may be considered for admission without submitting TOEFL, PTE or IELTS or scores:

• They are a citizen of countries where English is the official language (as identified by GW ISO list of Exempt countries) OR
• They hold at least a bachelor degree from a country where English is the official language as well as language of instruction OR
• They hold at least a bachelor degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at The George Washington University offers a comprehensive and competitive financing structure to support students throughout their educational journey. Tuition for the program varies depending on the academic year, but as of the latest available information, the estimated full-time tuition cost is approximately $54,480 per year. Additional costs may include enrollment fees, student health insurance, and various student service fees, which can amount to an additional several thousand dollars annually.
Graduate students are encouraged to explore multiple financing options to support their studies, including federal loans, private loans, scholarships, and assistantships. Federal loan programs such as Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are available to eligible students, offering low-interest rates and flexible repayment plans. To access these loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). GWU provides personalized financial advising to assist students in understanding their options and developing a comprehensive financing plan.
Scholarship opportunities are available based on merit, need, or a combination of both. The university’s Office of Financial Aid provides detailed information on scholarships specifically for health sciences students, including the Physical Therapy program. Additionally, students can apply for private scholarships from external organizations, professional associations, and corporate sponsors, which can significantly offset educational expenses.
Work opportunities such as graduate assistantships, research positions, and part-time employment are also available and can provide valuable income and practical experience. These positions often come with stipends and tuition remission benefits, helping to reduce the overall financial burden.
Financial aid packages are tailored to individual circumstances, and the university encourages prospective and current students to review their options early in their academic planning. The GWU Financial Aid Office provides detailed guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines.
In summary, financing a Physical Therapy degree at The George Washington University involves a combination of federal aid, scholarships, private loans, and work opportunities, all designed to make the pursuit of a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree accessible and manageable for qualified students.

The George Washington University offers a comprehensive Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare focused on movement, function, and quality of life. The program emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice, integrating the latest research, advanced technology, and patient-centered care. Students engage in rigorous coursework that covers anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and clinical practice skills, ensuring a strong foundation in the scientific principles underlying physical therapy. The curriculum includes both didactic learning and extensive clinical internships, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced clinicians. The program also fosters interprofessional collaboration, emphasizing teamwork with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes. State-of-the-art laboratories and simulation facilities support hands-on training, while partnerships with local healthcare facilities provide diverse clinical placement opportunities. The GWU DPT program places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service learning, encouraging students to serve underserved populations and develop cultural competence. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for licensure and certification examinations, and many go on to careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports facilities, research, and academia. The university’s location in Washington, D.C., offers students unique opportunities for professional networking, internships, and exposure to health policy and advocacy. The program’s faculty includes experienced clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to mentoring students and advancing the field of physical therapy. Admission to the program is competitive and requires a strong academic record, relevant healthcare experience, and a commitment to patient care. Overall, the GWU Doctor of Physical Therapy program aims to develop highly skilled, compassionate, and innovative physical therapists capable of making significant contributions to health and rehabilitation.