Frequently Asked Questions

• Early Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICE) in onsite interprofessional clinic.
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL)/ content-based learning teaching approach.
• Cadaver-based anatomy with full dissection.
• Intentional Inter-Professional Education (IPE) opportunities.
• State-of-the-art facilities with cutting edge technology and the most current, relevant equipment.
• Top faculty from all over the country with low faculty to student ratios.
• Community partnerships with faculty that offer hands-on volunteer experience.
• Opportunities for student research with faculty as well as research facilities.
• Walking and biking trails that are connected to campus.
• Celebration Garden and Wellness Park located on campus. This eight-acre park features a walking trail, labyrinth, pavilion, babbling brook, and accessible playground and exercise equipment to promote health, wellness, and inclusive play.
• Shopping and dining options located conveniently on campus at Heritage Village.

No.

While it is not recommended, some students are able to work flexible hours during the program.

You can schedule a campus tour at this link.

You can schedule a virtual meeting at this link.

You can register for events at this link.

Tuition and fees are how much it costs to be enrolled in the program. A student’s cost of attendance consists of allowable educational costs that consist of direct costs charged by the institution such as tuition, fees, equipment, and housing as well as indirect costs the student may pay out-of-pocket for books, supplies, board, personal miscellaneous and transportation expenses that may be incurred during enrollment. Click here for information about the Cost of Attendance.​

The PTCAS application opens mid-June each year and the final deadline to apply is April 1 the following year.

All applications are received through a centralized application service called PTCAS. This service is provided by APTA and allows you to apply to multiple programs using one application.

PTCAS fee information can be found here. ACHE PT does not charge any additional supplemental fees.

ACHE School of Physical therapy admits up to 40 students each year.

Yes! We highly encourage applicants from any state to apply.  ACHE does not charge out of state tuition.

Rolling admissions is where seats are continuously offered throughout the admissions cycle. As soon as we start interviewing, we start making offers for admission.  Think of it as first come first serve for qualified applicants.

Submitting your application before the priority deadline gives your application priority in the admissions process. Your application will be reviewed before any interviews have begun and before any seats have been offered. Applying after the priority deadline just means that we have begun offering seats and started conducting interviews. The final application deadline is the last date that new applications will be received.

ACHE School of Physical Therapy does not have a minimum cumulative GPA requirement. Applicants are reviewed through a holistic admission process, taking into consideration all factors indicating an applicant is a fit for the ACHE PT mission.

• Biology with laboratory:  7-8 credit hours
• Chemistry with laboratory:  8 credit hours
• Human Anatomy & Physiology with laboratory: 8 credit hours
• Physics or Biomechanics with laboratory: 7-8 credit hours
• Psychology: 3 credit hours

All course prerequisites must have a grade of C or better. Grades of pass are acceptable.

All prerequisite coursework must be completed within 10 years of application.

Yes, PTCAS will calculate your overall GPA based on all credits completed regardless of if they were “repeat” courses or not. However, the ACHE DPT program will calculate your Prerequisite GPA by using your highest grade earned in prerequisite coursework. For instance, if you completed Human Anatomy twice and earned a C grade the first time and an A grade the second time, the A grade will be used in the calculation of your prerequisite GPA, not the C grade.

Two letters of reference submitted via the PTCAS application process.

• Note: Letters of reference can come from faculty in previous higher-ed experience, physical therapists, employers, etc. At least one letter from a physical therapist is preferred. Substitutions can be taken on a case-by-case basis.

The CASPer test is a computer based situational judgment test. This test must be taken during the current application cycle to be considered for admission.  More information on the CASPer test can be found at this link.

Any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

No. There are no set number of shadowing hours required. However, if you submit them on your application they will be considered. 

Our interviews are held on select Fridays throughout the interview cycle and take place from 8:15 A.M. – 3:45 P.M. CST. You will meet with the dean, faculty, staff, and students.  Your small group interview will be about 50 minutes and will include a PT faculty member, and either a current DPT student or member of the community.  While on campus, you will tour the ACHE facilities, so comfortable, but professional, shoes are recommended.  Lunch will also be provided to enjoy with current students. ​To conclude your day, you will receive additional institutional/program information and have the opportunity to tour the ACHE Research Institute Health and Wellness Center.

• Applications Received: 345
• Average GPA: 3.34
• Average Prerequisite GPA: 3.21