Why DPT 4+3?

What is the DPT 4+3 Program?

The new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 4+3 Program at Rutgers University accepted its first class in the Spring of 2019. The DPT 4+3 Program is a seven-year program that combines four (4) years of coursework in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science from Rutgers University - New Brunswick with three (+3) years of graduate school at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Doctor of Physical Therapy Program - Newark Campus. This program provides First Year students who are admitted to either the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) or School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) the opportunity to begin preparing for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree from the moment they start their college education. 

The DPT 4+3 Program is only open to First Year students who complete the required Fall semester curriculum satisfactorily. If requirements are met, students must express formal interest before they declare their major in Exercise Science in the Spring semester of their First Year. After being accepted into the major, students are eligible to apply to the Pre-PT Concentration in Spring of First Year. Accepted students have the opportunity to apply to the DPT Graduate Program in the Summer after Second Year of their undergraduate career.

Upon completion of all requirements in the Fourth Year, accepted students will have the opportunity to begin their graduate career in the DPT Program and receive a DPT degree. Unfortunately, upperclassmen and transfer students are not eligible for this program.

What are the benefits of the DPT 4+3 Program?

• This program will allow exceptional students the opportunity to be accepted into a Rutgers-affiliated graduate DPT Program a year earlier.
• This program will help to prepare students for the competitive application process for a DPT program.
• Students will be provided with guidance and professional development specifically designed for future Physical Therapists throughout their undergraduate academic career.
• Students will be assigned a Pre-PT Buddy, an upperclassman in the program, to help guide students along their academic career.

What are the initial things I can do to prepare to apply to the DPT 4+3 Program?

• Express formal interest by filling out the initial interest survey which can be found on our homepage under 'Announcements'.   
• Follow the recommended course plan starting the Fall of your First Year at Rutgers.
  
  • Register for the following courses at Rutgers University in the Fall Semester of your First Year.
    
    • 01:119:115 General Biology
    • 01:377:140 Foundations of Kinesiology and Health
      • If you are unable to register for these courses, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
    • After applying, students will interview for the Pre-PT Concentration
    • A committee will meet and select qualified students into the Pre-PT Concentration
    • Students planning to apply to the DPT program the following year, must prepare to take the GRE exam. 
• Declare Exercise Science as your major in the Department of Kinesiology and Health the Spring of your First Year

What should I do if I missed the deadlines for applying to the DPT 4+3 Program and I want to apply to graduate schools in Physical Therapy?

The Exercise Science major is also great preparation for applying in the traditional manner to graduate schools during the final year of undergraduate study.  Visit the Department of Kinesiology and Health website and meet with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor to learn more about the traditional path as well as other DPT programs to apply to.