Doctor of Physical Therapy

North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Curriculum

The North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum is a 28 month, 7 semester, 112 credit program with 36 weeks of full-time clinical experiences.

The curriculum includes all the necessary information for a student to successfully pass their National Physical Therapy Exam and become a licensed physical therapist. However, we believe this goal is the minimum our students should achieve. By creating a unique curriculum designed to develop excellent clinicians, educators, scholars and leaders prepared to serve society as movement system experts now and into the future, we envision our future students and alumni exceeding educational standards as they strive to achieve their personal and professional goals. Below are key components of our curriculum we believe are essential to the DPT education at North Central College.

Curricular Foundations

The curriculum of the DPT program is built on two primary foundations - the liberal arts and movement science. The liberal arts foundation informs who we are as people and professionals, providing us insight into self-reflection, critical thinking, communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, and appreciation of the lived experiences of others. The movement science foundation informs our understanding of physical therapy practice, providing us with the necessary knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology, neuroscience, physiology, imaging, nutrition, and biomechanics, to evaluate and treat our future patients and clients. Together the liberal arts and movement sciences provide the foundation needed to be excellent movement system experts prepared to serve society.

Integrated Curriculum

The curriculum of the DPT Program is highly integrated and built on the idea that if we teach physical therapy in a manner it is practiced, individuals will be better prepared to enter clinical practice in the future. We intentionally have designed our courses to mimic clinical practice, starting with the basics of communication and advancing through the components of physical therapy practice as practitioners do, learning about billing, scheduling, diagnosis, examination, and intervention, in the order and manner in which we would expect each to occur in clinical practice. We also connect the foundational movement sciences with the examination of the movement system to enhance student appreciation and understanding of the fundamentals of our profession. The fundamentals of a liberal arts education are integrated to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, strong communication skills, ethical decision-making, self-reflection, and a greater appreciation for the lived experiences of every individual they encounter. The integrated curriculum is divided into three phases: Foundational knowledge and skills, Clinical Practice, and Advanced Clinical Practice. Across these 3 phases, the curriculum is built on a series of 10 sequences of courses.

Curricular Threads

The DPT Program faculty believe it is important to strengthen key elements of the Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment throughout the curriculum by incorporating curricular threads across the curriculum that explicitly align with the Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment, including Pursuit of Knowledge, Culture of Excellence, Serving Society, and Human Movement System.

Technology

Technology is an important part of healthcare practice. We use technology to communicate, collaborate, educate, evaluate, treat, and learn. For this reason, technology is also an important part of the learning experience in the DPT Program at North Central College. Each student will be provided a device upon entering the program that will be utilized throughout the educational experience. Students are encouraged to use their technology to enhance their learning.

Semi-Self-Paced Approach to Learning

Not everyone learns at the same pace, using the same techniques, for all content areas. For this reason, the North Central College DPT Program has designed a curricular model that is semi-self-paced. Content that naturally could move into a packaged, online environment, such as definitions and facts, has been removed from the traditional lecture style classroom environment and moved into a flexible, online environment. Information is presented using different modalities, allowing student choice in when and how they study this content. Time in class is reserved for active learning, critical thinking, problem solving, and engaging with faculty and peers in a dynamic learning environment. This semi-self-paced approach to learning also allows for the flexibility necessary should a student need to continue to work, provide care for others, or have other life experiences that are as equally or more important to them as their physical therapy education.

Schedule

The curricular schedule is designed to maximize the 28-month period while also providing students with the opportunity to maintain mental and physical health and well-being in what often can be a stressful time of life. Periods of traditional classroom learning are shorter, with the longest module being 10 weeks in length. These modules are intermixed with periods of self-paced learning, reflection, full-time clinical experiences, and vacation.

Competency-Focused, Pass/No Pass Approach

The mission of the DPT program is to develop excellent clinicians, scholars, educators, and leaders. The faculty of the DPT Program believe to do this, the emphasis should be on competency in skill acquisition and not the grade itself. The faculty wish to help learners succeed at achieving their personal and professional goals by being explicit in what they believe is competence in a content area, and then focus assessments on helping the learner achieve this goal.

How to Apply

There are two routes of entry into the North Central College DPT Program. North Central College undergraduate students or alumni may take advantage of the NCC DPT Guarantee. North Central College students or alumni who do not qualify for the NCC DPT Guarantee and prospective students from outside North Central College are also strongly encouraged to apply. Diversity of all types, including thought, culture, body structure, and personality is important to the DPT Program; this diversity starts with a diverse applicant pool for consideration. 

The DPT Program utilizes the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as PTCAS, for all admissions cycles. To learn more about PTCAS, visit www.ptcas.org. The PTCAS directory is an excellent resource to guide prospective students through application requirements. The link to North Central College DPT Program directory page is here: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/9500/North-Central-College .

Application Deadline 

Because the program uses a rolling admissions process, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The nature of rolling admissions means that we review applications as they come in, and therefore, seats may fill prior to the final application deadline. The PTCAS application typically opens in mid-June of each year, and deadlines are as follows:

For the January 2027 Start (application opens June 2025)

• NCC DPT Guarantee applicants must submit their applications by December 1, 2025.
• All other applicants may submit their applications for review up to the deadline of May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

Application Requirements

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program admissions requirements align with the Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment of the Program. We strive to enroll students that embody these same values, who we believe will be successful as learners in the North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program environment.

GPA Requirements

• A cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 2.85 or higher. All prerequisite course grades must be a C or higher.

Course Requirements

• 1 semester of Biology with lab (3-4 semester credits)
• 2 semesters of Chemistry with labs (6-8 semester credits)
  • One chemistry course must be at least General Chemistry I.
• 2 semesters of Physics with labs (6-8 semester credits)
  • Must be Physics I and Physics II or courses that require Physics II as a prerequisite.
• 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with labs (6-8 semester credits) OR one semester of Anatomy with lab (3-4 credits) and one semester of Physiology with lab (3-4 credits)
• 1 semester of Statistics (2-4 semester credits)
• 2 semesters of Psychology (6-8 semester credits)
• 2 semesters of humanities or social sciences (6-8 semester credits)

Courses taken Pass/No Pass will not be accepted. An exception will be granted for classes taken as Pass/No Pass due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If a student graduated from an institution that only provided Pass/No Pass for their entire undergraduate or graduate experience, the student should contact the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program directly to discuss.

Up to two prerequisites may be met by AP credit, provided the AP exam score was at least a 4. Applicants will be required to upload their AP score report in PTCAS if they want to use AP credit to meet any prerequisites, and answer any additional questions asked as part of the PTCAS application.

A minimum of 50% of the prerequisite courses must be completed prior to application. If accepted into the program, acceptance will be contingent upon completing all remaining prerequisite courses at a grade of C or higher and maintaining at least a 2.85 prerequisite GPA.

If an applicant has completed less than 50% of their prerequisites, they should indicate such as part of the program specific PTCAS application and answer any additional questions asked.  

The program will consider prerequisite coursework completed outside the United States. Applicants with such coursework should submit a World Education Service (WES) foreign transcript evaluation to PTCAS.   

Applicants may also petition to have alternative courses accepted in lieu of defined prerequisite courses. Such petitions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submit petitions to northcentralpt@noctrl.edu.

Additional Requirements

• Baccalaureate Degree
  • Applicants are required to complete a baccalaureate degree from a United States accredited institution of higher learning. The program will consider baccalaureate degrees completed at an institution outside of the United States, provided that the WES foreign transcript evaluation indicates they have achieved the degree equivalent.
• 3 letters of recommendation written by anyone other than a personal friend or family member. Letters will be reviewed considering how the applicant aligns with the Vision, Mission, Values, and Commitment of the North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
• Official transcripts are required for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Responses to all essay questions included in the application materials.
• Engagement with the program is not required, but highly recommended. We believe it is important for an applicant to be informed in the decision-making process. Engaging with us through one of the following mechanisms is an excellent way for applicants to learn more about our program and have any questions answered.
  • Attending a virtual event/webinar
  • Attending an onsite event/open house
  • Scheduling a virtual meeting with a faculty member
  • Scheduling an in-person meeting with a faculty member
• The program uses a holistic admissions process. It is important for applicants to demonstrate characteristics consistent with the Vision, Mission, Values, and Commitment of the DPT Program. We recognize not everyone has the ability to participate in the same activities outside of the educational environment, but do believe future students of the North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are individuals who engage in more than just their studies. Therefore, it is expected the application demonstrates this through inclusion of extracurricular activities or lived experiences. Examples include but are not limited to athletics, employment history, volunteer opportunities, and other lived experiences the applicant wishes to include in their application.
• International Admissions
  • Applicants who are not native English language speakers are required to submit official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 100. Requests for TOEFL exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • At this time, the North Central College DPT Program is not approved to issue form I-20 for non-immigrant students. If you have questions regarding eligibility for admissions based on citizenship or visa status, please reach out to northcentralpt@noctrl.edu prior to submitting your application. 

Optional Supplemental Application Material

The following items may be included to potentially strengthen an application or demonstrate the applicant’s ability to succeed in the program.

• GRE: The GRE is optional. If an applicant feels GRE scores would enhance the application, scores may be submitted (Code: 3177), along with a statement from the applicant of why they believe their GRE scores are as important or more important of an indicator of academic success than their GPA. GRE is not scored separately in the application process, but rather would be considered with GPA.
• Observation Hours: Physical therapy observation and/or work experience as a physical therapist technician/aide or office assistant is encouraged but not required. Applicants who have completed observation hours, worked as a rehabilitation aide, or have other physical therapy experience are likely to be better prepared to answer application questions and feel more connected to their future profession at the start of the educational training. However, we recognize it is not feasible for all applicants to have the same opportunities regarding observing, working in a physical therapy setting, or having other physical therapy experiences. Therefore, we have made the decision not to require such hours. Instead, we have provided links on our Resource page to assist applicants with learning more about physical therapy through alternative methods. Applicants who have completed observation hours or obtained exposure to physical therapy work experiences should include this in their application as part of their work/volunteer experiences or observation hours.

Admissions Procedures

The DPT Program uses rolling admissions. Completed applications will be reviewed upon acceptance; the Program does not require interviews, but does encourage engagement with the program as outlined above. Applicants will be notified of their application status at various points throughout the review process. Once notified of provisional acceptance, applicants must pay a $500 deposit to reserve a space in the entering class. A second $250 deposit is required in May. Deposits are non-refundable and will be credited towards the first semester’s tuition.   

The North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program does not discriminate against qualified people with disabilities in the admissions process. We do require all students to meet the Program’s Essential Functions and Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodations.   

Admitted Student Information

All admitted students who plan to complete their DPT education at North Central are required to complete the following before matriculation. Additional information about program requirements are shared with admitted students in late spring/early summer. Should prospective students have questions about these or other potential program requirements, they are encouraged to contact the DPT Program at northcentralpt@noctrl.edu.

• Criminal Background Check: State law requires that any person who provides services involving direct contact with patients and residents at hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, demonstrate Criminal Background Clearance. A state and federal background check will be requested by the program on behalf of each student as a criterion for admission into the program. Pertinent findings that would exclude a student from participation in clinical education experiences may be cause for denying admission to the program.
• Immunization: The Program's requirement for immunization is consistent with those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Illinois state law for healthcare workers. Students cannot be in patient/client care settings without the required immunizations. Immunization compliance is expected from matriculation through graduation. The following are required immunizations by North Central College and/or the DPT Program: influenza; measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); varicella; tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap); hepatitis B; Meningococcal (if under age 22 at time of matriculation); and COVID-19 (subject to change as COVID-19 information evolves).
• Physical Examination: Documentation of adequate health to work with patients in a setting where physical therapy is typically performed will be required.
• Health Insurance: Students must provide proof of health insurance throughout their time in the program. Additional information about health insurance requirements will be provided to admitted students.

Inquiries about the program can be directed to northcentralpt@noctrl.edu. 

The faculty and staff of the North Central College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are dedicated to the Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment of North Central College and the DPT program. Years of educational and clinical experiences have come together to develop an exciting and unique DPT learner experience dedicated to educational excellence and learner success while role-modeling our values of integrity, excellence, and balance. The faculty welcomes questions and dialogue with prospective students, current students, colleagues, and community members wanting to know more about the North Central College DPT program and the profession of physical therapy.

Program Activities

The Program in Physical Therapy feels it is important to share the successes of our faculty, staff, and students.  Below are recent activities. As our Program grows, we look forward to including additional activities of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni!  

Publications 

Hemmerling KJ, Hoggarth MA, Sandhu MS, Parrish TB, Bright MG. Spatial distribution of hand-grasp motor task activity in spinal cord functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hum Brain Mapp. 2023;44(17):5567-5581. doi: 10.1002/hbm.26458. Epub 2023 Aug 22. PMID: 37608682; PMCID: PMC10619382.

De Martino E, Hides J, Elliott JM, Hoggarth MA, Zange J, Lindsay K, Debuse D, Winnard A, Beard D, Cook JA, Salomoni SE. Intramuscular lipid concentration increased in localized regions of the lumbar muscles following 60 day bedrest. Spine. 2022;22(4):616-28.

Blanchard L, Goostree S, Duncombe A. Graded exposure and orthopedic manual physical therapy for kinesiophobia and function in chronic temporomandibular dysfunction: A case report. CRANIO®. 2022;40(5):454-467. doi:10.1080/08869634.2020.1779483

Hoggarth MA, Wang MC, Hemmerling KJ, Vigotsky AD, Smith ZA, Parrish TB, Weber KA II and Bright MG (2022) Effects of variability in manually contoured spinal cord masks on fMRI co-registration and interpretation. Front. Neurol. 2022;13:907581. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2022.907581         

De Martino E, Hides J, Elliott JM, Hoggarth MA, Zange J, Lindsay K, Debuse D, Winnard A, Beard D, Cook JA, Salomoni SE. The effects of reconditioning exercises following prolonged bed rest on lumbopelvic muscle volume and accumulation of paraspinal muscle fat. Front in Physio. 2022;13:862793. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.862793.

Scholtes SA, Salsich GB. Consistency of dynamic knee valgus kinematics and pain across functional tasks in females with patellofemoral pain. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020:15(6):985-994. doi: 10.26603/ijspt20200985

Conference Presentations 

Ryan JM, Hoggarth MA, Matsumoto S*, Elliott J*, Barger M*, Bright M. A Pilot Study on the Impact of Tube Length on High Flow Oxygen Delivery. Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, February 2024.

Blanchard L, Zaranec M, Millin Daignault K. Cancer: Not always a contraindication to manual therapy. Breakout Session, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists Conference, St. Louis, MO, October 2023.

Chansamone CK, Blanchard LP, Cammarata ML, Bettin NM, Jadali CA. Put me in, Coach! A coaching model for DPT education. Educational Session, Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, October 2023.

Cammarata ML, Tylkowski SS, Bettin, NM, Scholtes SA. Putting the Puzzle Together – A Practical approach to interlocking science and practice. Educational Session, Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, October 2023.

Haladay DE, Kluding PM, Scholtes SA, Lazinski MJ. Culture Counts: The role of leadership in building strong teams in physical therapy education. Educational Session, Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Philadelphia, PA, October 2023.

Balinski M, Mendoza R, Blanchard L, Zaranec M, Duncombe A, Madhavan S. Predictors of adherence to physical therapy treatment and dropout in individuals with chronic pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther: 2023;53(2):CSM96. Poster Presentation, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, February 2023.

Arman T, Cammarata ML. Intentional instruction to promote writing development in pre-health undergraduate students. Platform Presentation, Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area 2022 Scholarship of Pedagogy Symposium, Elgin, IL, November 2022.

Smith MP, Cammarata ML, Bettin NM, Scholtes S. Innovative use of a simulated electronic health record software to enhance content integration and clinical reasoning. Education Session, Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Milwaukee, WI, October 2022.

Scholtes S, Smith MP, Bettin NM, Cammarata ML. Balancing learning with mental health in an innovative curricular approach. Education Session, Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Milwaukee, WI, October 2022.

Mendoza R, Blanchard L, Duncombe A. Manual therapy of the cervical spine and temporomandibular region for successful management of trismus following maxillofacial reconstruction and craniocervical radiation. Poster Presentation, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists Conference, San Diego, CA, October 2022.

Blanchard L, Smith M. Crafting creative syllabi: The syllabus as a learning tool in physical therapy education. Breakout Session, 17th Annual Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Milwaukee, WI, October 2022

Bengtsson A, Blanchard L. “Are we just paying lip service?” – Actively addressing the impact of student mental health on classroom and clinical cognitive performance. Breakout Session, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists Conference, San Diego, CA, October 2022.

Balinski M, Duncombe A, Mendoza R, Blanchard L, Zaranec M, Madhavan S.  Predictors of adherence to physical therapy treatment and dropout in individuals with chronic pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther: 2022;52(1):CSM58. Poster Presentation, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, San Antonio, TX, February 2022.

Smith MP, Scholtes SA, Shah MM, Bettin NM, Cammarata ML. Balancing Learning with Mental Health in an Innovative Curricular Approach. Platform Presentation, Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area 2021 Scholarship of Pedagogy Symposium, Naperville, IL, November 2021.

Bettin NM, Brown DS, Castillo MM, Robackouski JF. Mentoring Through Teaching and Leading: DPT Students as Clinical Instructors. Platform Presentation, Educational Leadership Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, Atlanta, GA, October 2021.

Scholtes SA, Bettin NM. A Competency-Based Curriculum Integrating Movement Science with the Liberal Arts. Accepted to: Innovation Summit for Health Professions Education 2021. Virtual, June 2021.

Haladay DE, Scholtes SA, Flom-Meland CK, Reicherter AE. Reframing Perspectives of Educational Leaders: Autobiographies During a Pandemic. American Education Research Association 2021 Annual Meeting, Virtual Roundtable Paper Presentation, April 2021.  

Bliss RA, Scholtes SA, Shultz ST, Jensen GM, Gillette C. Can Student Self-Reflection Improve? Exploring the Implementation of a Guided Self-Reflective Intervention. J Phys Ther Educ. Platform Presentation, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Denver, CO, February 2020. 

Continuing Education Presentations

Blanchard L, Zaranec M, Millin Daignault K. Cancer: Not always a contraindication to manual therapy. Continuing Education Lecture, Edward Elmhurst Health, Virtual – Synchronous, December 2023.

Cammarata, ML, Blanchard L, Stone L, Frystak K, Skarbek M. Exercise is Medicine for Cancer Panel Discussion, North Central College, Naperville, IL. October 2022

Menninger BA, Bettin NM. OT and PT Ethics. Continuing Education Presentation for School District 203. Virtual, August 2021, October 2021, November 2021.

Tuition Cost and Fees

When considering the financial cost of attending graduate school, one number does not tell the whole story. Cost of Attendance provides a more complete picture of the direct and indirect costs of one academic year at North Central College. Estimated tuition and fees for the class matriculating in January of 2026 are below. Numbers are subject to change on an annual basis. A copy of the Estimated Cost Sheet can be found here.

Direct Costs

Direct costs are expenses that will be included on your semester bill, such as tuition and fees. 

Total Direct Costs of Program:  $112,335.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are expenses that will not appear on your semester bill but should be considered. Examples of indirect costs include housing, supplies, and personal expenses. Indirect costs vary by student lifestyle, living arrangements, and educational choices. Below are estimated indirect costs for students enrolled in graduate programs at North Central College. It is encouraged that students consider opportunities to minimize other costs and borrowing.

In addition to the direct and indirect costs listed above, there are additional costs DPT students need to consider including the cost of parking on campus, travel and lodging expenses for integrated and full-time clinical experiences, and the cost of additional items required for clinical education that vary by clinical site. The program covers the cost of the initial background check and tuberculosis testing via skin test to enter the program. The cost of any additional background checks required by clinical sites are incurred by the student. The cost of any tuberculosis testing (beyond a skin test) and/or treatment, or other medical testing required by a clinical site is incurred by the student. Any drug screens required by clinical sites is incurred by the student. 

Total Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance will be used by the Office of Financial Aid to determine the maximum amount of financial aid you can receive within the specified year. Note: If your actual cost differs from what is listed under indirect cost that is okay. We encourage you to explore budgeting tools that will help you manage your expenses. 

Below, we have created a tool to assist students with planning a monthly budget and estimating costs between different programs. To use, just click on the link and download the Excel spreadsheet to your computer. Please note, this is a macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet so remember to click the "Enable Contents" button once opened. All estimated expenses vary per student, and it is encouraged that students speak with the Financial Aid department concerning specific questions.

• DPT Student Budgeting Tool

Questions concerning financial aid can be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at 630-637-5600 or email finaid@noctrl.edu.

Financial and Literacy Resources

We understand many Doctor of Physical Therapy programs are costly. However, we believe learning should be affordable, especially for those in health professions. Below is a list of resources to explore related to financing your education.

• Fastweb - A national scholarship database
• Enrich - A financial education platform
  • Free to APTA members
• Laurel Road - Student Loan Refinancing
  • Refinancing discounts available to APTA members
• ACAPT Financial FAQ for Prospective Physical Therapy Students

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Resources

Below are additional resources specific to our program. 

• North Central College DPT Student Handbook
• NCC DPT Guarantee Admissions Information
• NCC DPT Fact Sheet

Virtual Tour

Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering, home to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program classes, labs, and faculty offices.

Virtual Tour 

Professional Resources 

• American Physical Therapy Association
  • Student Resources
  • APTA Acute Care - An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • APTA Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy
  • Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy
  • Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management
  • APTA Academy of Education
  • Federal Physical Therapy Section
  • APTA Geriatrics, An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • APTA Hand and Upper Extremity – An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • Section on Health Policy & Administration of the American Physical Therapy Association (HPA The Catalyst)
  • Home Health Section
  • Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
  • APTA Oncology – An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
  • Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • APTA Pelvic Health – An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
  • Private Practice Section
  • Academy of Physical Therapy Research
  • American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
  • Additional Chapter, Section, Academy, and Special Interest Group Information
• Illinois Physical Therapy Association
• American Council of Academy Physical Therapy
• The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• APTA Learning Center
• APTA YouTube Videos 

Community Resources 

• Downtown Naperville
• Metra Rail 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for information covering our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot locate the answer to your question, send us an email at northcentralpt@noctrl.edu.

1. Your website says your application is open until May 15th. Does that mean you are not reviewing applications until May?
   • We review applications as they are received and verified by PTCAS. Our application is left open until near the end of the PTCAS cycle because we use rolling admissions. We recognize some people may find us later in the cycle and we want to make sure our application is still open for them to apply. However, we begin reviewing applications after they are verified in PTCAS and start offering spots to students as they are reviewed. All slots may be filled before the May 15th deadline. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible!
2. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When is the best time to submit my application?
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Because each new cohort starts in January and because the PTCAS admissions cycle opens in June each year, we open our application 18 months in advance of the program start date. For example, the admissions cycle for the January 2027 start date opens in June 2025. We begin reviewing applications for each cycle in late summer/early fall and continue reviewing applications until the cycle closes in May. Applicants who wish to join us in January of 2027 are encouraged to apply early in the cycle that opens in June of 2025! Additionally, PTCAS completes a verification process on all applications prior to making the application available to the program. As the time for verification can vary, please ensure you allot time for this process.
3. Is the GRE required?
   • ​​​​​​​The GRE is not required for application to the North Central College DPT program. There is little evidence to suggest performance on the GRE predicts success as a physical therapist. However, the faculty of the DPT program recognize we all have different experiences that may affect our GPA. Should an applicant feel their GRE is an indicator of their ability to succeed, we welcome them to submit their GRE with an explanation of why they would like their GRE considered as part of the application process.
4. Does North Central College do interviews?
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The faculty of the North Central College DPT Program have decided to not do interviews. There is no clear evidence in physical therapy that an interview predicts success as a physical therapist. Additionally, although we know someone can perhaps represent themselves well in an interview, we also know that nervousness, anxiety, and implicit bias can affect the interview experience. We do, however, think that meeting our excellent faculty and exploring our facility is a valuable part of deciding whether North Central College is the right fit for an applicant. For this reason, we encourage all applicants to engage with the program via one of the following options:
     1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Attending a virtual event/webinar
     2. Attending an onsite event/open house
     3. Scheduling a virtual meeting with a faculty member
     4. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Scheduling an in-person meeting with a faculty member
   • None of these options factor into the admissions decision process as engagement is optional.  
5. Are observation hours required for application to the DPT program?
   • We do not require observation hours to apply to the DPT program at North Central College. Applicants who have completed observation hours, worked as a rehabilitation aide, or have had other physical therapy experience are likely to be better prepared to answer application questions and feel more connected to their future profession at the start of their educational training. However, faculty also recognize it is not feasible for all applicants to have the same opportunities to observe, work in a physical therapy setting, or have other physical therapy experiences. Therefore, we have made the decision not to require such hours. Instead, we have provided links on our Resource page to assist applicants with learning more about physical therapy through alternative methods.
6. Will you accept Pass/No Pass grades for prerequisites?
   • Typically, the DPT Program does not accept Pass/No Pass grades for prerequisites. However, we have altered our policy for courses taken Pass/No Pass due to the pandemic. We encourage applicants who have questions specific to their personal situation to reach out to the DPT Program at 630-637-5839 or northcentralpt@noctrl.edu.
   • ​​​​​​​Although the program does not typically accept Pass/No Pass grades for prerequisites, our curriculum is based on a Pass/No Pass approach to assessment. We recognize the value of this type of assessment to the overall learning process. Therefore, if an applicant has graduated from an institution that does not use a typical A-F grading system for undergraduate grades, we encourage that applicant to reach out to the DPT Program at 630-637-5839 or northcentralpt@noctrl.edu to further discuss the application process.
7. Will you accept online coursework for prerequisites?
   • Yes, we will accept online coursework for prerequisites, provided it is offered through a regionally accredited institution, and meets other requirements such as course content, number of credit hours, and lab component (if applicable). If you have questions about whether specific courses would be acceptable, please reach out to us with the course name/number, and institution where the course is offered.
8. Can you review my application before it is verified by PTCAS?
   • No. We cannot review any applications before they are verified by PTCAS. If you have questions about how to complete a section of the application, you are welcome to reach out to us at northcentralpt@noctrl.edu. While we cannot review any of your materials before they are verified, we are happy to answer questions about the process and best practices for using PTCAS.
9. Does the North Central College DPT Program accept baccalaureate degrees from international universities?

   • The program will consider baccalaureate degrees completed at an institution outside of the United States, provided that the WES foreign transcript evaluation indicates they have achieved the degree equivalent of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States. 

     Applicants who are not native English language speakers are required to submit official test scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 100. Requests for TOEFL exemption will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The North Central College TOEFL code is 1555.

10. Does the North Central College DPT Program provide non-immigrant students with a form I-20?
    • At this time, the North Central College DPT Program is not approved to issue form I-20 for non-immigrant students. If you have questions regarding eligibility for admissions based on citizenship or visa status, please reach out to northcentralpt@noctrl.edu prior to submitting your application.
11. ​​​​​​​Does North Central College offer a freshman direct entry option?
    • The short answer is no, but there is an equivalent option! Our philosophy is that we want undergraduate students to be undergraduate students, to take the classes they want to take, do the activities they want to do, and explore themselves and the world like every undergraduate should do.  We each only get to be an undergraduate once and it is the time of life to be and do what we want to do to learn more about ourselves, the world, and our future! What we offer instead is the NCC DPT Guarantee. Any North Central College student or graduate who meets the requirements of our NCC DPT Guarantee will be guaranteed admission to the program. With this option, undergraduate students can still explore all they wish to explore as undergraduates while keeping their eye on the prize of automatic entry into the DPT Program at North Central College.
12. Does the NCC DPT Guarantee for North Central College students mean it is less likely applicants from other schools will be accepted?
    • This is a great question, and no! Although we want to acknowledge the North Central College undergraduate student is well aligned with the mission, vision, values, and commitment of our program already, and provide them a guaranteed admission option, we also know that applicants from outside of North Central are equally important and likely to align with our mission, vision, values, and commitment. In addition to wanting our future students to align with our mission, vision, values, and commitment, we also want a diverse class in every sense of the word: race/ethnicity, age, gender, and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, disability, socioeconomic status and background, worldview, and/or lived experience. It is very difficult to have all types of diversity if all students come from one source. Therefore, although our North Central undergraduates are important to us, we look forward to having applicants from many different educational backgrounds!
13. Is the application process different for North Central College students vs. applicants from other institutions?
    • No, the application process is not different for North Central College students. The faculty of the North Central College DPT Program believe North Central College DPT students should all experience the same opportunities as part of the DPT educational experience and that begins with the application process.  Completing an application for PT school is part of the journey to becoming an excellent physical therapist and can be a time of important self-reflection. This experience is equally valuable to all students, regardless of where they achieve their undergraduate degree.
14. How many students are admitted into the program each year?
    • Our anticipated class size each year is 48 students. We believe this size cohort is small enough for faculty, staff, and students to still get to know each other well, yet large enough to have diversity of thought, culture, body structure, and personality to enhance learning opportunities.
15. Does North Central College have a gross anatomy/dissection class?
    • No, North Central College does not include a traditional gross anatomy dissection model. Rather, the DPT Program uses Anatomage tables and models to teach anatomy. Gross anatomy dissection has historically been an important component of DPT education. However, as physical therapists, we do not engage in surgery, and thus, the skill of dissection itself is not necessary for the development of excellent clinicians, educators, scholars, and leaders. Additionally, by using technology to teach anatomy, we are better able to integrate the content throughout the 2.5 years of the curriculum, rather than isolated to one semester.
16. How will graduates of North Central College’s DPT Program be better prepared to be practicing clinicians?
    • We have created a curriculum that is unique and designed to develop excellent clinicians, educators, scholars, and leaders dedicated to serving society as movement system experts. Our focus is on the liberal arts and movement science, a unique combination. We also approach learning in a different way, using a Pass/No Pass approach to learning that will allow us to really focus on what matters, helping students succeed at becoming the physical therapist they want to be. The focus will be on competence in all expected areas rather than on grades. We also are using technology to provide more flexibility to learning for students, while also helping students be prepared to use that same technology in the clinic as is expected of current and future health care workers. The program is a traditional in-person program, but we are leveraging technology in the learning process in a positive way. A review of website content may provide additional insight into the uniqueness of our program in preparing physical therapists of the future. We also encourage prospective applicants to reach out with questions to the DPT Program at 630-637-5839 or northcentralpt@noctrl.edu.
17. How will the DPT program at North Central College better prepare students to pass the NPTE licensure exam?
    • North Central College faculty are dedicated to assisting our graduates in being successful in passing the licensure exam. Faculty cover the content we expect is important for success on the board exam. Students use computerized testing that more closely mimics the testing environment of the NPTE licensure exam. For our first cohort, we provided a licensure preparation course and plan to do something similar for future cohorts, if valued by the students. These are all concrete things the program is dedicated to doing to assist with licensure success. HOWEVER, the faculty of the North Central College DPT program also see the licensure exam as the floor of our expectations, not the ceiling. Although we expect our students to be well-prepared to pass the board exam, we also expect them to be prepared to do much more. To use driving as an analogy, the minimum you need to drive is a license. But if you want to win the Indy 500, you need to be far more prepared than what is expected of you on the Illinois driver's exam. We see education the same way. We help our students to pass the exam, but we want them to be so much more than what the licensure exam represents. We want our students to be excellent clinicians, scholars, educators and leaders dedicated to serving society as movement system experts!

Comments or Complaints

We welcome your comments about our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, experiences you had with our faculty or staff, or features you would like to see on our website. Please click the link below to send us a comment.   

• Send a Comment

Anyone who is dissatisfied with an experience or encounter with a student, faculty, or staff member associated with the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program may file a complaint with the Department of Physical Therapy Chair. The complaint must be in writing and sent to:

  Sara Scholtes, PT, DPT, PhD
  Graduate, Education Leadership Institute Fellowship, APTA
  Director, Program in Physical Therapy
  North Central College
  30 N. Brainard St.
  Naperville, IL  60540
  Email: sscholtes@noctrl.edu

Complaints about the Department of Physical Therapy Chair/DPT Program may be submitted to the Dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences.  The complaint must be in writing and sent to:

  Mary Groll, MD, MS
  Dean, School of Education and Health Sciences
  North Central College
  30 N. Brainard St.
  Naperville, IL  60540
  Email: megroll@noctrl.edu 

Complaints about the School or College related to compliance with accreditation standards may be submitted to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  The complaint must be in writing and sent to:

  Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100
  Alexandria, VA  22305-3085
  Email: Accreditation@apta.org

North Central College and the DPT Program prohibits any and all retaliation against individuals raising concerns, complaints, and/or grievances.

Find Us on Social Media!

Make sure to follow us on Social Media

• Instagram (@NCCDPT)
• TikTok (@North.Central.Col)
• Facebook (@NorthCentralCollegeDPT)

Become a Clinical Partner!

Are you interested in serving as a Clinical Instructor for our students? We are always looking to expand our clinical partnerships. Please click the link below to submit your information, and a member of the clinical education team will contact you!  

• Become a Clinical Partner

Engage with our Students!

We frequently look for individuals to help enhance the classroom experience for our students. We welcome community members to be a part of the classroom for things as simple as letting students ask questions, to sharing their physical therapy journey, to being a patient. If you have an interest in being on a list of potential volunteers, please fill out the form below. 

• Volunteer Opportunities

Support our Students!

Physical therapy education is expensive. Our students find ways to pay for their tuition and necessary expenses, but may not have the additional funds to support activities that would enhance their education, such as attending a national conference or taking a continuing education course that would help prepare them for their future as excellent physical therapists. For this reason, the department currently has two opportunities to support our learners, enabling them to engage in activities outside of the classroom.  

• Physical Therapy Department Fund - like all departments at North Central College, the Physical Therapy Department has a discretionary fund to be used as the department needs. The current decision of the department is to use any funds donated to this account in support of the professional endeavors of our students.
• Physical Therapy Department Endowment Fund - this endowed fund was developed to support student conference fees and professional development resources. Funds donated to this account currently contribute to meeting the dollar amount required for endowment. Once this amount is met, interest from this fund will solely support students in their professional endeavors. 

To donate, click the link below. To donate to the Physical Therapy Department Fund, search under Academic Departments. To donate to the Endowment Fund, search under the Scholarship, Student Orgs and Other Campus Areas option. 

• Donate Here