Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Through the 3+2.5 program, students may complete their DPT in just 5.5 years—over one year faster than a traditional 7-year pathway. This partnership allows students to start by completing 90 undergraduate credits at TSU, after which they may apply to the DPT program at ATSU-ASHS. At the end of the first year of DPT coursework, credits from the graduate program will transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree from TSU. This time-efficient path provides significant cost savings by reducing tuition, and students may smoothly transition into the doctoral program, where they will gain hands-on experience and develop the critical thinking, clinical skills, and cultural competence needed for successful physical therapy practice.

Key benefits:

• Earn your doctorate in as little as 5.5 years.
• Cut costs with one less year of undergraduate study.
• Reduce time in the classroom and enter the workforce more quickly.
• Gain hands-on clinical experience preparing you for real-world practice.

3+2.5 DPT program admission requirements:

• Complete 90 undergraduate credits at TSU.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80 on a 4.0 scale for the required coursework.
• Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses for the DPT program.
• 30 contact hours observing or working with a physical therapist.
• Sustained participation in work or extracurricular activities.
• Be in good academic standing at TSU.
• Submit a letter of intent to physicaltherapy@atsu.edu (view Letter of Intent Requirements).

TSU students may apply to ATSU’s entry-level DPT program after completing the required prerequisites (up to three outstanding prerequisites allowed) and submit their application via PTCAS. After applying, their applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee.

DPT Program DetailsDPT Fact Sheet

Occupational Therapy Programs

Through the 3+2 and 3+3 pathways, students may fast-track their path to earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree in just 6 years or a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 5 years with ATSU. These pathways allow students to complete their undergraduate degree in less time by starting graduate courses earlier, with first-year graduate credits transferring toward their undergraduate degree, saving a year of time and tuition. These accelerated pathways provide a faster and more affordable path compared to traditional programs.

The residential Occupational Therapy programs at ATSU integrate specialized coursework with hands-on clinical experience. Students are trained in evidence-based, occupation-focused care while fostering innovative approaches to health care, community advocacy, and program development.

Key benefits:

• Earn your bachelor’s along with your MSOT in 5 years or your OTD in 6 years.
• Reduce the overall cost of your education—your first year at ATSU counts as your final year at TSU.
• Reduce time in the classroom and enter the workforce more quickly.
• Gain hands-on clinical experience to prepare for real-world practice.

3+3 OTD program admission requirements:

• Complete 90 credits at TSU—typically earned in 3 years with a standard course load.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall or for the last 60 credits.
• Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.
• 30 observation hours.
• If under a 3.00 GPA there may be special considerations for a holistic approach.
• Be in good academic standing at TSU.

3+2 MSOT program admission requirements:

• Complete 90 undergraduate credits at TSU.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall for the last 60 credits.
• Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.
• 20 observation hours.
• If under a 2.75 GPA there may be special considerations for a holistic approach.
• Be in good academic standing at TSU.

OTD Program DetailsMSOT Program DetailsOTD & MSOT Fact Sheet