Target first cohort: Fall 2027, contingent upon achieving Candidate for Accreditation status from CAPTE.
Planned class size: Approximately 40 students
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
The University of Nevada, Reno 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
The University of Nevada, Reno is developing a new Doctor of Physical Therapy program and 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.
Students will not be enrolled in the professional phase of the DPT program unless/until CAPTE grants Candidate for Accreditation status (and enrollment would occur no sooner than the minimum timeframe allowed after CAPTE’s decision). CAPTE review will take place in Fall 2027.
For details required by CAPTE (including licensure-related disclosures), view the pre-accreditation process here. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is located at 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3085. CAPTE can be contacted by email or by phone at (703) 706-3245.
Anticipated timeline
- November 2026 - Application for Candidacy (AFC) submitted to CAPTE
- Spring 2027 - CAPTE on‑site review (candidacy visit)
- Summer 2027 - Candidacy decision
- Fall 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 University of Nevada Reno, 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 in the fall 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 will open using a university internal application system (not PTCAS). This internal application is expected to be available in approximately mid-late summer 2026.
- 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
All prerequisite coursework must be completed within the past seven years.
- Biology (with labs)
- 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 Recommended (not required)
- Kinesiology and/or biomechanics and/or exercise physiology
Some preference may be given to Nevada residents during the admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Developing" indicates the program is in pre-accreditation. The University of Nevada, Reno 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.
Clinical rotation sites will be located across Nevada through partnerships with health systems and community clinics, including those serving rural and underserved communities. Additional details will be shared as affiliation agreements are finalized.
Licensure
After successfully completing the program, students become eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE®). 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.
View more information about state-by-state licensing requirements
The University of Nevada, Reno 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 Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) 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 Nevada Physical Therapy Board website.
Education Requirements: The University of Nevada, Reno 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 Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program