We hope to get to know you soon! Please get to know us better by reviewing the frequently asked questions below. If you have further questions, contact us at ptadmissions@augusta.edu or call 706-721-2141.
What are the application fees? Are they refundable?
There are two fees required for application to the AU PT program. One fee is required by the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) which starts at $155, with exact amount depending on the number of designations. In addition, a Supplemental Fee of $25 is required by the AU Admissions Department. Once your application is complete in PTCAS, an email notification will be sent to access your Augusta University Status portal. WIthin your portal will be a link to pay a $25 non-refundable supplemental fee.
PLEASE NOTE that your application is not complete and will not be processed until receipt of the AU Supplemental Fee.
The PTCAS fee is refundable, the Supplemental Fee is non-refundable.
How long will it take for my application to be received?
After you submit your application through PTCAS and include the Supplemental Fee, it takes four weeks for your application to get to us.
What is the Augusta University code for submitting GRE scores?
Please send your GRE scores to both AU and AU PTCAS. The code for AU PTCAS is 7613 and AU is 5406.
What are the prerequisites for admission?
Learn more by visiting our Admissions page.
If I take the GRE multiple times, can I mix the scores?
Yes. We do allow mixing of GRE scores.
What is the average GPA of accepted learners?
Class of 2025 Averages
What is the average GRE percentile score of accepted learners?
Class of 2026 Averages
If prerequisite courses are retaken, how is it calculated into the GPA?
If you re-took a prerequisite course, the grade for the course is calculated as follows:
Prerequisite GPA is calculated using the best grade for the course;
Overall GPA calculation includes all grades for the course.
Are courses taken at 2-year colleges recognized?
Yes, if the institution is regionally accredited.
Is there an on-campus interview?
A ½ day on-campus interview is required for admission. Interviews are scheduled by invitation only and include an assessment of the candidate’s personality, motivation and ability to adapt successfully to the demands of the program. We also believe it is important for candidates to have the opportunity to explore our facilities, and interact with current learners and faculty to determine if our program fits their needs.
How long do I have to be a resident in Georgia to get in-state tuition?
Twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes the independent student is classified as in-state for tuition purposes. The dependent student is classified as in-state for tuition purposes if the student’s parent has established and maintained domicile in the state of Georgia for at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of class for the term. See the following link for additional information: https://www.augusta.edu/registrar/tuitionclassintro.php
Do residents of Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Alabama qualify for in-state tuition?
It depends from year to year and is based on location of border counties.
How do I apply for in-state tuition?
You may apply for in-state tuition through the Registrar's Office.
How long is the physical therapy program?
The program is currently 9 semesters but will decrease to 8 semesters for learners entering in 2024. Graduation will continue to occur in May, but the program will shift from a May start to an August start.
Why is the physical therapy program changing in length and start date?
The faculty made the decision to revise the curriculum based on multiple factors. We recognize the financial burden of physical therapy school and have therefore shortened the program by one semester. We also recognize the importance of a strong foundation in anatomy and the importance of integrating it throughout the foundational courses. We have shifted the start date to fall to allow for two full semester courses in anatomy (30 weeks). We believe our new curriculum structure will improve the learning experience and allow improved focus on problem-solving and clinical decision making.
What percentage of AU learners passed the national boards on their first attempt?
We have a 100% ultimate pass rate for the licensure exam. In 2022, our first-time pass rate was also 100%. Learn more >>
What is a typical day/week like?
We use block scheduling. The cohort takes all of their classes together within the department. Learners are typically in class from 9-4:00 on M, T, Th and 9-12:00 on Fridays. Wednesdays are reserved for clinical experiences, research, and group work.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, the physical therapy department recognizes business casual and / or scrubs for normal wear with exception of lab appropriate clothing for clinical labs and business suits when deemed necessary. More information is available in the Dress Code Policy.
What type of clinical experiences occur in the curriculum?
Various clinical experience opportunities occur throughout the curriculum. Learners rotate through a pro bono clinic “Christ Community” each semester. We additional integrated clinical experiences each semester which include learning opportunities at assisted living facilities, cardiac rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation, pediatric clinics, and outpatient orthopedic clinics.
Can you tell me more about the clinical rotations?
All learners must complete an orthopedic rotation which occurs for 8 weeks (semester 4) after the first year. The second rotation begins in fall of the 3rd year (semester 7). The third rotation occurs in the following spring (semester 8). An acute care rotation is required, but the other rotations are based on the learner's preference. Our PT program has contracts with many facilities around the U.S. as well as some out of the country.
How will clinical rotations change in the shorter curriculum?
Beginning in the fall 2024, learners will experience three clinical rotations. The first rotation will occur in the fall of the second year (4th semester) and lasts for 8 weeks. The final clinical rotations occur in semester 7 and 8 and are 12 weeks each.
Are there opportunities to participate in leadership?
Our program values student participation and leadership. The Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) is our student run association that offers several leadership or executive positions including a President, Vice President, Service Chair(s), Honor Board, Treasurer, Secretary, Student Affairs Representative, and a PTAG Representative. PTSA provides opportunities for students to participate in a variety of social and service events that benefit the students, the program, and the Augusta community.
Are there any opportunities to participate in community service?
There are multiple opportunities to participate in community service in Augusta and through our PTSA. Our program is heavily involved with the nonprofit organization Christ Community Health Services, which provides health care to the underserved population of Augusta. There are also numerous other opportunities provided each semester through various events and organizations, in which learners are highly encouraged to participate.
Is Augusta University rated by Forbes Magazine?
Augusta University is rated as a Top 10, low-profile, high-value college by Forbes Magazine. Augusta University is the two-state’s most affordable research university with nationally recognized programs in health sciences and cyber security.