Accelerated Pathways and Guaranteed Acceptance
Do you want more for less?
Two degrees in six years instead of seven. You can save a year of tuition and time with our accelerated "3+3" track. Our program is designed to allow students who would like to take an accelerated route to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to complete specific requirements in their first 3 years of undergraduate studies and apply for the DPT program. Once accepted into the DPT program, the 3+3 track allows students to enter the professional DPT program before completion of the Bachelor's degree. The 3+3 students’ senior year is the first two semesters of the DPT program. Students successfully completing the appropriate prerequisites, and DPT-1 and DPT-2 of the professional program (35 credits) qualify for the Exercise Science with pre-PT concentration or Rehabilitation Sciences with pre-PT concentration degree. The degree type corresponds with the student's major. Exercise Science with pre-PT concentration or Rehabilitation Sciences with pre-PT concentration are the bachelors degree pathway for 3+3 students at Andrews University. These degrees will prepare you for the rigors of the DPT program. Exercise Science students will learn to understand the science behind the relationship between fitness and overall health. They will sit for the Certified Personal Trainer exam and have the opportunity for internship prior to entering DPT school. Rehabilitation Sciences students will learn about the field of rehabilitation, including foundational concepts of health, ability and function. Additionally, they will be introduced to current healthcare trends relevant to the field of rehabilitation sciences. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with peers pursuing a concentration in pre-occupational therapy. Both degree paths offer the student excellent preparation for the rigors of DPT school
Do you want guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program?
An "Early Assurance" option is available for Andrews University freshmen who meet the following criteria:
- Declare Exercise Science or Rehabilitation Sciences with pre-PT concentration as the major upon enrollment freshman fall semester
- High school GPA minimum 3.5
- Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA throughout every semester (freshman through acceptance into DPT program)
- Maintain a wholesome lifestyle per the Andrews University Student Handbook
- Exhibit developing professional behavior
- Satisfactory interview
Students who meet these Early Assurance criteria are guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program, however are still required to apply through PTCAS. Students who lose Early Assurance may still apply through PTCAS for the DPT program and will be placed into the applicant pool.