Target first cohort: Summer 2027, contingent upon achieving Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE.
Planned class size: 40 students
Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Public Health is developing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to prepare practice-ready physical therapists who will advance across Nevada's communities.
Accreditation candidacy in process
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditationsupport@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT's website.
The University of Nevada Reno is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on Nov 1, 2026. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation. Any person may file a complaint with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) if they believe the program does not meet CAPTE standards. CAPTE can be reached at 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305, by telephone at (703) 706-3245, or by email at accreditation@apta.org.
Anticipated timeline
- November 2026 - Application for Candidacy (AFC) submitted to CAPTE
- January 2027 - CAPTE on‑site review (candidacy visit)
- May 2027 - Candidacy decision
- July 2027 - If candidacy is granted, matriculate first cohort
- Post‑launch - Ongoing monitoring; initial accreditation review occurs after first cohort enrollment and program progress
All dates are tentative and contingent upon achieving Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE. Matriculation is not permitted until candidacy is granted.
Program overview
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Public Health is developing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to prepare practice‑ready physical therapists who will advance health across Nevada’s communities with a strong commitment to rural health and improving access to care across Nevada. The program emphasizes evidence‑based practice, interprofessional education, rural and underserved care and community engagement.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is three years in length and is expected to begin on July 14, 2027, contingent upon achieving Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE. The program will follow a modified semester model.
Application cycle and admission requirements
Our first application cycle is now open through the University’s internal application system, not PTCAS. Applicants can apply directly on the Graduate School application page using the program application link. The application is also available through the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Graduate School’s graduate programs website by selecting the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026.
The DPT program will follow the University’s academic calendar. View the academic calendar for key dates.
- Baccalaureate degree with minimum 3.00 GPA
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation: One letter must be from a licensed physical therapist
- Observation hours: Applicants must complete 40–50 or more hours of physical therapy observation in a minimum of two different clinical settings to demonstrate exposure to diverse patient populations and practice environments.
- Committee interview
- No GRE required
Prerequisite coursework
Prerequisite coursework must have been completed with a C or higher within the past seven years or included as part of a degree completed within the past seven years. Some exceptions can be given on individual cases.
- Biology
- Chemistry I & II (with labs)
- Physics I & II (with labs)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (or A&P I-II or separate courses)
- Statistics
- Psychology
- English/Writing
- Kinesiology and/or biomechanics and/or exercise physiology (Recommended - not required)
Some preference may be given to Nevada residents during the admissions process.
DPT Student Handbook
The contains an overview of the program and additional information regarding degree requirements, specialization program requirements, committees and exams, dissertation requirements, new student checklists and more.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Admission Criteria Point Matrix
Matrix showing points per admission criteria (100 points max value)
| Cumulative Grade Point Average Calculator | |
|---|---|
| GPA | Cumulative GPA Points |
| 3.85-4.00 | 30 points |
| 3.70-3.84 | 26 points |
| 3.55-3.69 | 22 points |
| 3.40-3.54 | 18 points |
| 3.25-3.39 | 14 points |
| 3.10-3.24 | 10 points |
| 3.00-3.09 | 6 points |
Nevada high school graduate
Graduated from a Nevada high school. Gives in-state applicants with Nevada roots an additional point. (3 points)
Nevada resident
Permanent address in Nevada, showing Nevada is likely the applicant's home; or graduated at UNLV or UNR. (3 points)
Rural Nevada county
Any Nevada county except Clark, Washoe, or Carson City.* (3 points)
Good neighbor California county
Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Alpine, or Mono.* (1.5 points)
Military
Veteran, active duty, or ROTC (3 points)
First generation
Neither parent completed a bachelor's degree (3 points)
* - A rural Nevada and a good neighbor county cannot both count
Three letters of recommendation are required, one letter must be from a licensed physical therapist.
Explain why you have chosen to pursue physical therapy, reflect on the personal, academic and/or clinical experiences that have influenced this path and describe how you hope to contribute to healthcare and patient outcomes in Nevada.
- Interview (30% = 30 max points)
- Writing assessment (10% = 10 max points)
Funding
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program will aim to offer scholarship pathways in collaboration with the Â鶹ÊÓƵ and community partners. Prospective students can review the Graduate School tuition and fees table for details.
Additional support may be available through faculty grants, contracts and University financial aid services. Tuition and fee information will be posted once approved. Students are encouraged to consult the Graduate School and discuss funding options with prospective faculty advisors.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a Title IV eligible school and participates in the Federal Student Aid Programs. Students who are admitted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program may be considered for federal aid after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Â鶹ÊÓƵ). The Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s federal school code is 002568. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ is an annual application, and students must submit the application every year for aid consideration.
In addition to the tuition & fees identified by the cost calculator, the program has specific course fees.
| DPT Fee Table |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| DPT Student Specific Fees | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| Course Fees* | $550 | $350 | $450 |
| Background Checks | $20-$160 | $0 | $0 |
| APTA & APTA Nevada Fees (each year) | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| Drug Screening Fees | $210-$336 | $210-$336 | $210-$336 |
| BLS Certifications | $25-$100 | $ | $25-$100 |
| Out of Town Clinical Education Housing &Transportation+ | $0 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Out of Town Clinical Education Transportation+ | $0 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Name Tag | $30 | $0 | $0 |
| Logo Attire (scrubs, polo, jacket) | $200 | $0 | $0 |
| Maximum Estimated Total | $1,466 | $3,276 | $8,476 |
*Course fees are projected and pending approval for year 1 courses.
+ These fees are estimates.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ provides detailed information regarding tuition, fees, and cost of attendance for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program on the Doctor of Physical Therapy Cost of Attendance webpage. Students may also access the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Cost Calculator to estimate anticipated educational expenses.
Attention Year 1 Students
New Students will begin the program at the tail end of the current year Â鶹ÊÓƵ and should submit both the current year and upcoming year Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
Example For Year 1 Students:
2026-2027 Â鶹ÊÓƵ – Summer 2027 (Â鶹ÊÓƵ form closes June 30, 2027)
2027-2028 Â鶹ÊÓƵ – Fall 2027, Spring 2028, Summer 2028
Additional resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty bring experience in clinical practice, education and research to prepare students for hands-on, evidence-based physical therapy practice. Faculty expertise spans orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, clinical education and movement science. Â鶹ÊÓƵ
- Daryl Lawson, PT, MPT, D.Sc., Professor and Director of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program - Specialty: Orthopedics, wound management and diabetes-related wound care.
- Jennifer Nash, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS, Clinical Associate Professor - Specialty: Neurologic and geriatric physical therapy, balance and fall prevention.
- Yuri Yoshida, Ph.D., P.T., Associate Professor, Physical Therapy - Specialty: Biomechanics, functional movement and rehabilitation following orthopedic conditions and procedures.
- Jessica Yurtinus, P.T., D.P.T., G.C.S., Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program - Specialty: Geriatric physical therapy, mobility, balance, fall prevention and healthy aging.
"Developing" indicates the program is in pre-accreditation. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in November 2026. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to matriculation of the first cohort of students.
Programs may revise and reapply in a subsequent cycle. Students cannot matriculate until CAPTE Candidate for Accreditation status is granted. We will communicate any timeline changes on this page.
The program anticipates enrolling ~40 students in the first cohort to ensure a high-quality educational experience.
Students will complete four clinical education rotations in a variety of practice settings and across the lifespan, providing opportunities to work with diverse patient populations and conditions. Clinical settings may include outpatient, inpatient, rehabilitation and specialty care environments. Clinical sites are located primarily throughout Nevada, including rural and underserved communities, as well as in neighboring counties in California. Additional clinical partners and rotation opportunities will be added as affiliation agreements.
If you have any questions about clinical rotations, please contact the Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Jessica Yurtinus.
Our first cohort of students will be eligible to sit for the licensure exam in July 2030. For more information, please visit the website.
Licensure
After successfully completing the program, students become eligible to take the . Graduating students must take and pass the NPTE to become a licensed physical therapist. In addition to taking and passing the NPTE, graduating students must apply for licensure to practice as a physical therapist in each U.S. state or territory where they will work.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ DPT encourages all prospective and current students to fully explore the licensure requirements in each state(s) where they wish to practice in the future. For more details regarding state licensure, visit the ) page. The FSBPT provides students and current licensees with contact information for the respective physical therapy licensing boards for all U.S. states and territories, as well as useful tools to determine state-by-state licensing requirements.
Nevada Physical Therapy Licensure
Those planning to apply for a license to practice physical therapy in Nevada are encouraged to review the relevant Nevada statutes and regulations regarding the practice of physical therapy. Learn more at the
Education Requirements: The Â鶹ÊÓƵ DPT program has determined that the program meets the educational requirements for state licensure in Nevada as outlined in NRS 640 and NAC 640.
Non-Education Requirements: Non-Educational requirements, as outlined in NRS 640 and NAC 640 (as of May 2020), include the following: Must pass national exam; must provide official transcript from DPT program; must take and pass a jurisprudence assessment; must submit fingerprints and background check; must submit an application and pay a fee; must be of good moral character.
Contact the program director
Daryl Lawson
Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
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