Fast-Track Doctor of Physical Therapy

Samford University offers a fast-track program that provides eligible students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor of science in exercise science and a doctor of physical therapy in just six years.

Fast-Track Doctor of

Physical Therapy

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Is This Program for Me?

The fast-track program is designed for incoming undergraduate students who declare exercise science as their major and demonstrate academic excellence. The fast-track pathway offers early entry into the workforce and a strong foundation in clinical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration and service in a purpose-driven education rooted in faith. Graduates are equipped for careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, schools and other health care environments.

This major is a great fit for students who:

Meet specific GPA benchmarks and program milestones
A condensed six-year timeline instead of the traditional seven
Strong faculty mentorship across undergraduate and graduate levels
Integration into Samford’s interprofessional College of Health Sciences
Early exposure to clinical observation and field experience
A cohesive academic plan focused on career readiness and ethical practice

What Will I Learn?

Samford’s fast track Doctor of Physical Therapy program offers a direct path for students to earn both a bachelor’s and doctoral degree in just six years. Designed for those entering college as freshmen, this accelerated program integrates foundational science with advanced physical therapy training. Students progress through rigorous coursework and hands-on learning, preparing for clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

GOSPEL Series reflects a commitment to Go Serve, Practice and Experiential Learning
Accelerated six-year track from bachelor's to Doctor of Physical Therapy
Three 10-week clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics and specialty care settings
Interprofessional collaboration with students across the College of Health Sciences
Graduates are prepared for licensure, leadership and lifelong impact

What Makes Us Different?

Samford’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program offers rigorous academics, personalized support and hands-on learning in a Christ-centered environment. Students benefit from interprofessional collaboration with peers across health care fields and from faculty who bring clinical and research expertise into every course.

Foundation in Faith

The curriculum is shaped by a commitment to Christian principles and a calling to serve others through health care.

Hands-On Learning

Students gain practical experience through labs, internships and service-learning in clinical, athletic and wellness environments.

Supportive Community

With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students receive individual guidance and mentoring throughout their academic journey.

Fast-Track to a Doctorate

Eligible students may apply to the university’s fast-track program, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years.

Career Preparation

Graduates are prepared to meet licensure requirements and enter the workforce as compassionate, skilled physical therapists. The program emphasizes real-world readiness, ethical practice and evidence-based care across a variety of health care environments. Graduates go on to practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and other settings nationwide.

Field and Clinical Experience

Clinical education is a cornerstone of the program. Students receive early exposure to observation and fieldwork experiences during their undergraduate studies, followed by full-time clinical internships at the graduate level. The Department of Physical Therapy supports students in securing placements that align with their career goals. Sites are available across the country. Faculty and clinical staff provide consistent support and guidance throughout.

Clinical Faculty

To learn more about becoming a clinical faculty partner, contact Dr. Dana Daniel Blake director of clinical education, at 205‑726‑4884 or ddblake@samford.edu or Amanda Lane, assistant director of clinical education, at 205-726-4781or aldicker@samford.edu.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Samford University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Sarah Ross at 205-726-4438 or email sross@samford.edu.

Financial Fact Sheet 2026 & 2027 Financial Fact Sheet 2028

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes
Metric	Class of 2024	Class of 2025
Graduation Rate	97.3%	97.4%
First Time Exam Pass Rate	91.7%	97.4%
Ultimate Licensure Exam Pass Rate	100%	100%
Employment Rate	100%	100%

Admission & Application Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to Samford as an incoming undergraduate student
Declare exercise science as your major and select the fast-track pathway
Maintain required GPA and meet progression benchmarks to transition into the DPT program
Participate in advising and evaluation checkpoints throughout undergraduate study
Fulfill all DPT program admissions standards at the time of transition

Students and applicants with disabilities who seek accommodations must contact the Section 504/Disability Access and Accommodation Coordinator at 205-726-4078 or disability@samford.edu.

Application Process

Minimum high school GPA of 3.8 (4.0 scale)
ACT – 28 or greater (including science)
SAT – 1300 or greater
Late January - fast-track interviews
Late February – Fast-track applicants will be notified of final decisions.
Priority Deadline December 1st.

Application Information

Freshman applications for next fall are open.

Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.

The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.

Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.

Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.

Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.

Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.