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PTCAS, the physical therapist centralized application service provided by APTA, allows you to apply to multiple physical therapist education programs with one application and set of resources.
Still deciding your career path? Learn more about physical therapist careers.
Get Started
The PTCAS application is only one step in the PT program admissions process. You must meet all PTCAS and program requirements before your application will be reviewed.
Apply early! It can take up to 5 weeks for PTCAS to verify your file, once it is in "complete" status.
Pathway to Physical Therapy Virtual Engagement
Programs, Applications, and Careers | Sept. 9, noon-6 p.m. ET
Welcome to Pathway to Physical Therapy, a virtual engagement opportunity designed to support and empower participants exploring a future in the field. Whether you are just beginning your college journey or preparing to apply for the current Physical Therapist Centralized Application Services, or PTCAS, cycle, these sessions will provide valuable insight into the application process, academic expectations, and the student experience. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the GRE, explore important financial considerations, and interact directly with physical therapy programs and their faculty and students.
Additional Prospective Student Resources
Physical therapists are licensed doctors who work with multiple patient populations impacted by disease, injury, and movement dysfunction. Read more.
PTCAS makes it easy to apply to DPT programs across the country. Here’s what you need to know.
From long-term planning to student loan refinancing, we have resources to assist your financial management.
APTA offers numerous opportunities to get involved and provides resources to support you now and into your career.
Explore how your membership makes a meaningful impact on the entire physical therapy community, and connect with fellow APTA members via our
For Physical Therapist Programs
Access information and resources for prospective PTCAS programs, as well as for current participating programs.
Access PTCAS ResourcesPTCAS Applicant Deadlines
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Jan. 18
Academic Update Priority DeadlineDate preferred by many programs for application to have completed the academic update process.
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Feb. 1
PTCAS Changes Document PostedSuggestions made by applicants and programs for PTCAS are shared.
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Feb. 15
Academic Update ClosesFinal deadline to submit newly completed coursework and updated transcripts through the academic update process.
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May 31
Application Close Date for Current CycleApplication submissions no longer being accepted.
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June 1
Document Receipt DeadlineLast day PTCAS will accept documents from applicants (2021-2022 applicants).
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June 2
Professional Transcript Entry Approval DeadlineIf you are using a professional transcript entry service, coursework must be approved date.
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June 3
Resubmission DeadlineIf your application was sent back, this is the deadline for resubmitting it.
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June 15
PTCAS Application Submissions OpenTime to submit your applications. Applications are submitted beginning August 1, every 1st and 15th of the month or on the following business day should that date fall on a weekend or federal holiday.
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Aug. 1
Initial Application Submission Date For Each CycleApplication deadlines can be submitted the first and fifteenth of every month, or on the following business day if the date lands on a weekend or federal holiday.
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Oct. 1
PTCAS Enhancement Suggestions DeadlineYour chance to provide PTCAS with feedback on the application process.
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Dec. 15
Academic Update OpensMake updates to recently completed or planned/in-progress course work on already-submitted application.