High school seniors
DPT Early Assurance Program for High School Seniors
Messiah University's Early Assurance Program (EAP) provides opportunity for up to 24 students each year to obtain guaranteed acceptance into Messiah’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program during their senior year of high school. Students accepted into this program will receive their bachelor’s degree from Messiah University and transition to Messiah’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Students may choose any undergraduate major at Messiah and meet the criteria. Once accepted into the EAP, students will have two advisors—an advisor specific to their undergraduate major, and a pre-health professions advisor who will help ensure students complete the necessary prerequisite coursework for Messiah’s DPT program.
Please note: Students cannot be committed to multiple EAPs within Messiah University or with other institutions. International and transfer students are not eligible to participate in this program.
Criteria to be considered for the Early Assurance Program:
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 or higher out of a 4.0 scale
- 1200 SAT or 25 ACT or CLT score of 78
Criteria if SAT/ACT/CLT scores are not available:
- High school GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a 4.0 scale
- Must have successfully completed Biology and Chemistry classes (must include labs) with minimum grades of B or higher
- Evidence of extracurricular activities and/or strong-leadership in school or community activities
- Honors courses, evidence of dual enrollment, or AP courses is preferred
Application process:
- Students must complete the online undergraduate application to Messiah University
- Qualified applicants will be invited to attend an information session with faculty from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
To transition/enroll in Messiah University’s DPT program, undergraduate EAP students at Messiah must:
- Graduate with a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA in their undergraduate major/degree at Messiah University
- Complete, and achieve a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA or higher, for all required prerequisite coursework for entry into Messiah’s DPT program:
- 20 hours of observation or volunteer work (PDF) in in any PT setting.
DPT prerequisite coursework
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Biology (8 credits*)
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Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits*)
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Physics 1 and 2 (8 credits*)
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Chemistry 1 and 2 (8 credits*)
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Statistics (3 credits)
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Psychology (3 credits)
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Medical Terminology (1-3 credits)
* Must include a lab
Questions regarding the application process for the Early Assurance Program for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program may be directed to Carly Rippeon, enrollment counselor, at crippeon@messiah.edu or 717-796-1800 ext. 2625 .
Questions regarding the advising process for the early assurance process may be directed to the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science, at depthnes@messiah.edu.