Freshman Direct Entry Pathway 

For: High school seniors applying to Faulkner University 

The Benefit: Finish two degrees in 6 years instead of 7 as well as guaranteed entrance into the DPT program following satisfactory completion of undergraduate requirements.  

High School Application Requirements 

High school seniors must submit their Faulkner University application and all supporting documents no later than February 1st.  

• GPA: Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher 

• Test Scores:  

• ACT score of >26 OR a minimum SAT score of 1250 

• Coursework:  

• Completion of at least 4 math and 4 science courses  

• Grades of B or better are strongly recommended 

• Honors, dual enrollment, Anatomy/Physiology, and health science courses preferred 

• PT Exposure:  

• Minimum of 15 hours of physical therapy observation  

• Can include shadowing, volunteer service, or health science program participation 

• Must be documented via the DPT Observation Form 

• Letters of Recommendation:  

• Minimum of 2 strong letters (No family or friends accepted) 

• One from an instructor familiar with your academic abilities 

• One from a coach, employer, extracurricular advisor, or licensed healthcare provider who can speak to your professional demeanor and communication skills.   

Interview:   

Selected candidates will be invited to interview with the Admissions Committee. Accepted students receive conditional admission into the DPT program contingent upon maintaining program standards.  

Requirements to Maintain Status During Undergraduate Enrollment 

• Mentorship:  

• Meet with your assigned DPT program mentor at least once per semester.  

• Actively participate in activities with the Department of Physical Therapy, The Faulkner Clinic, or the Health Sciences Club.  

• GPA Benchmarks:  

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and a 3.5 GPA in prerequisite courses by the end of your junior year.  

• Course Grades:  

• Complete all prerequisite courses at Faulkner with a minimum grade of "C" ("B" or higher preferred).   

• If you retake a course it will average with original grade rather than replace it and may risk your direct entry status.  

• Observation Hours:  

• Complete at least 40 hours of observation/volunteering across at least two different clinical settings (e.g. inpatient and outpatient) 

• At least 10 hours MUST be completed in the Faulkner University Clinic  

• Intent to Enter: Submit an "Intent to Enter" form to the Admissions Committee during the fall of your junior year  

• Matriculation:   

• Sign the Freshman Direct Entry contract 

• Pass a final background check and drug screen  

• Meet and sign Essential Functions document  

• Complete the summer Medical Terminology Review Course  

Removal from Program:  

• Falling below GPA benchmarks for more than two consecutive semesters (or by year 3) 

• Earning below a B in a prerequisite course, missing deadlines, or conduct issues  

• Removal does not prevent students from applying through the traditional pathway