Why DPT 4+3?

What is the DPT 4+3 Program?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 4+2.5 Program at Rutgers University is a rigorous, six and a half-year academic pathway designed for students committed to pursuing a career in physical therapy. The program integrates four (4) years of undergraduate study leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, followed by two and a half (2.5) years of professional graduate education at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program – Newark Campus. Originally established in 2019, the program has since continued to offer a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum that prepares students for clinical excellence and leadership in the field of physical therapy.

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?

• “Students will receive personalized one-on-one mentorship from a licensed physical therapist, focused on professional development tailored specifically for aspiring Physical Therapists throughout their undergraduate studies.”
• 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?

1. 1. Express formal interest by filling out the Initial Interest Survey.
   2. 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.. 
   3. Get Involved with  Pre-PT club Fall First Year
      • Join through their Instagram: @ruptclub
   4. Get shadowing or volunteer experience in a PT clinic before applying
   5. Apply to Pre-PT Concentration the Spring of your First Year
      • Applications OPEN  February 1 and CLOSE March 10
      • Email Dr. Nagle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for access to the application
        
   6. Declare Exercise Science as your major in the Department of Kinesiology and Health the Spring of your First Year
      
      • Attend one of the first two Declaration Meetings
   7. After applying, selected students will interview for the Pre-PT Concentration
   8. Select Applicants will be accepted into the concentration.

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.