Accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (BS/DPT) | Samford University

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 DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Samford University's fast-track Doctor of Physical Therapy program allows eligible students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years.

Take the Next Step Learn More

Is This Program for Me?

The fast-track pathway is designed for incoming students who demonstrate strong academic performance and are committed to a career in physical therapy. Students enter the profession sooner while building clinical reasoning, collaboration and patient care skills.

Graduates work in: Hospitals, Rehabilitation centers, Outpatient clinics, School and Other healthcare settings

This program may be a good fit if you:

Meet academic benchmarks and program requirements
Want to earn a bachelor's degree and DPT in six years
Value faculty mentoring
Want to learn alongside other health professions students
Want early clinical observation and hands-on learning experiences
Want a structured pathway into the physical therapy profession

What Will I Learn?

The fast track DPT pathway combines foundational science coursework with professional physical therapy education, creating a direct path from undergraduate study to practice.

Students gain:

A six-year pathway from a bachelor's degree to a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Clinical reasoning and patient care skills
Experience learning alongside students across the College of Health Sciences
Three 10-week clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics and specialty practice settings
Preparation for licensure and professional practice
Opportunities to develop leadership skills and serve others through the GOSPEL program (Go Serve, Practice and Experiential Learning)

What Makes Us Different?

Students benefit from faith-based learning, hands-on experiences and faculty mentoring throughout their undergraduate and graduate studies.

Foundation in Faith

The curriculum is grounded in Christian values and a commitment to serving others through healthcare.

Hands-On Learning

Students gain practical experience through labs, internships, observation opportunities and service-learning experiences.

Supportive Community

Small class sizes and experienced faculty provide personal attention and support throughout the program.

Accelerated Pathway

Qualified students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in six years.

Career Preparation

Graduates are prepared to meet licensure requirements and begin practicing as physical therapists. The program emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-based care and real-world clinical experience.

Field and Clinical Experience

Clinical education is a core part of the program.

Students receive:

Early observation and fieldwork experiences during undergraduate study
Full-time clinical experiences during the DPT program
Placement opportunities across the country
Faculty and clinical support throughout the process

Graduates work in:

Hospitals
Outpatient clinics
Rehabilitation centers
Schools
Other healthcare settings nationwide

Student Outcomes

Accreditation & Financial Fact Sheets

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.

Student Outcomes
Metric	Class of 2026	Class of 2025
Graduation Rate	94.7%	97.4%
First Time Exam Pass Rate	100%	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.