Barry PhilipsIf you want to become a physical therapist in Maryland, choosing the right Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is an important first step toward a successful healthcare career. Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, regain mobility after surgery, improve physical function, and maintain a better quality of life.
Maryland offers several opportunities for students interested in healthcare and rehabilitation, but the number of entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy programs is relatively limited. For students seeking an initial professional DPT degree, two established options stand out: the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
These schools offer professional physical therapy education that combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, clinical education, and practical experience.
In this guide, we examine the top physical therapy schools in Maryland, their admission requirements, prerequisite courses, observation requirements, program features, and other important information prospective students should know.
Top Physical Therapy Schools In Maryland And Requirements
1. University of Maryland School of Medicine
The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) in Baltimore is one of the most prominent choices for students seeking a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Maryland.
Its Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science offers a professional DPT program designed to prepare students for entry-level physical therapy practice.
The program combines academic instruction with laboratory education and clinical experiences. Students learn how to evaluate patients, identify movement impairments, develop treatment strategies, and work effectively within healthcare teams.
The Baltimore location also provides students with access to a major healthcare environment and opportunities to encounter diverse patient populations.
University of Maryland DPT Program Highlights
Some of the major features of the University of Maryland DPT program include:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
- Approximately 2 years and 7 months of professional study
- Clinical education experiences
- Research opportunities
- Interdisciplinary learning
- Baltimore location
- Opportunities for additional graduate education
The program also provides pathways for students interested in combining physical therapy with areas such as public health or research.
University of Maryland DPT Admission Requirements
Applicants to the University of Maryland DPT program must satisfy several academic and professional requirements.
A bachelor’s degree is required. Students may complete their undergraduate degree in a variety of majors as long as they complete the required prerequisite coursework.
The program requires a minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA. However, prospective students should understand that satisfying the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission because DPT programs can be highly competitive.
University of Maryland Prerequisite Courses
Applicants must complete specific prerequisite courses. These generally include:
- Anatomy or Anatomy and Physiology I with laboratory
- Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology II with laboratory
- Biology with laboratory
- Chemistry I with laboratory
- Chemistry II with laboratory
- Physics I with laboratory
- Physics II with laboratory
- Psychology
- Social or behavioral science
- Statistics
Students should carefully review course equivalency requirements before enrolling in prerequisite courses because not every course with a similar title will necessarily satisfy a program requirement.
University of Maryland GRE Requirement
The GRE is currently required for applicants to the University of Maryland DPT program.
Students should prepare adequately for the examination and ensure that their scores are submitted according to the program’s application instructions.
University of Maryland Physical Therapy Observation Requirement
Applicants must complete at least 50 hours of documented physical therapy observation by matriculation.
The university encourages applicants to gain experience in multiple clinical settings.
This requirement is particularly useful because it allows prospective students to understand what physical therapists actually do before committing to several years of professional education.
Students can use observation experiences to learn about different patient populations, treatment approaches, healthcare environments, and responsibilities associated with physical therapy.
University of Maryland Recommendation Letters
Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation.
The recommendations should provide meaningful information about the applicant’s academic abilities, professional qualities, character, and potential as a future physical therapist.
A recommendation from a licensed physical therapist is particularly important because the program specifically requires a reference from someone who has directly observed or supervised the applicant in a physical therapy setting.
University of Maryland CPR Requirement
Students entering the program must maintain appropriate CPR certification.
The program specifies healthcare-provider-level CPR certification requirements, making it important for admitted students to complete the appropriate certification before beginning clinical responsibilities.
University of Maryland Program Length
The University of Maryland DPT program takes approximately 2 years and 7 months to complete.
Students progress through academic, laboratory, and clinical components before earning the professional degree.
Why Choose the University of Maryland?
The University of Maryland may be a strong choice for students who want a DPT program in a major healthcare environment.
Potential advantages include:
- Location in Baltimore
- Strong medical-school environment
- Clinical education opportunities
- Research opportunities
- Interdisciplinary learning
- Additional graduate-degree options
- Exposure to diverse healthcare settings
Students interested in combining clinical physical therapy with research or public health may find the university particularly attractive.
2. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) offers another established Doctor of Physical Therapy program for students who want to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
The program is located in Princess Anne, Maryland, on the state’s Eastern Shore.
UMES provides professional preparation through academic coursework, laboratory instruction, clinical education, and professional development.
Its location makes it an alternative to students who prefer studying outside the Baltimore metropolitan area.
UMES DPT Program Highlights
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore DPT program focuses on developing students’ academic knowledge, clinical skills, professional judgment, and ability to work with patients in different healthcare environments.
Students receive training in areas necessary for entry-level physical therapy practice and gain clinical experience as part of their education.
UMES DPT Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements before they can be considered for admission.
A bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution is required.
UMES also requires a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.0 average in prerequisite science coursework.
Although these are minimum requirements, prospective applicants should aim for a stronger academic record whenever possible because admission to professional healthcare programs can be competitive.
UMES Prerequisite Courses
Required prerequisite coursework includes subjects such as:
- Biology or Zoology with laboratory
- Human Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory
- Physics with laboratory
- Chemistry with laboratory
- An approved upper-level biological science
- Psychology
- Statistics
Approved upper-level biological science courses may include areas such as cell biology, microbiology, or histology.
Applicants should verify whether their individual courses satisfy current UMES requirements before applying.
UMES GRE Requirement
The GRE is currently required for applicants to the UMES DPT program.
Students should check the latest admission instructions when preparing their application because graduate admission policies can change.
UMES Physical Therapy Observation Requirement
UMES requires applicants to demonstrate firsthand exposure to the physical therapy profession.
Applicants must have experience in at least two different types of clinical settings, with a minimum of 25 hours in each setting.
The experience must be documented by a licensed physical therapist.
This means applicants should aim to arrange observation opportunities well before the application deadline.
Exposure to different settings can also help applicants determine whether physical therapy is genuinely the right career path for them.
UMES Recommendation Letters
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.
These recommendations should provide insight into the applicant’s character, academic preparation, professional potential, and suitability for a career in physical therapy.
Applicants should select recommenders who know their abilities well rather than simply choosing individuals because of their job titles.
UMES Interview Requirement
An interview is part of the UMES admission process.
The interview gives the admissions committee an opportunity to evaluate applicants beyond their grades and test scores.
Applicants may use the interview to demonstrate:
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
- Knowledge of physical therapy
- Motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Commitment to healthcare
- Understanding of the physical therapist’s role
Preparing for common DPT interview questions can therefore be beneficial.
UMES Prerequisite Course Age Requirement
UMES generally requires prerequisite science coursework to have been completed within 10 years of the expected matriculation year.
Applicants who completed their undergraduate education several years ago should carefully review this requirement.
If some prerequisite courses are too old, applicants may need to retake them before applying.
UMES Technical Standards
Physical therapy is a hands-on healthcare profession. Consequently, students must be able to meet technical standards associated with professional education and patient care.
UMES technical standards address areas such as:
- Observation
- Communication
- Motor abilities
- Sensory abilities
- Intellectual abilities
- Behavioral attributes
- Social skills
These standards help ensure that students can participate effectively in academic and clinical training, subject to applicable accommodations.
Why Choose UMES?
UMES may be a good option for students who want:
- A DPT program on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
- A professional physical therapy education
- Clinical training opportunities
- Research and professional-development opportunities
- A university environment outside Baltimore
- Exposure to different clinical settings
Its observation requirement also encourages applicants to gain practical exposure to physical therapy before entering the program.
Common Requirements for Physical Therapy Schools in Maryland
Although the requirements vary between schools, applicants should expect several common components when preparing for DPT admission.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is generally required before beginning an entry-level DPT program.
Your undergraduate major does not necessarily have to be physical therapy. However, you must complete the prerequisite courses required by your selected DPT program.
Prerequisite Coursework
Science courses form a significant part of DPT admission requirements.
Common prerequisites include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
Students should compare requirements at different schools before selecting their undergraduate courses.
Minimum GPA
Both major Maryland DPT programs discussed in this article have a minimum GPA threshold of approximately 3.0.
However, students should avoid treating the minimum GPA as an admission target.
A stronger academic record can make an applicant more competitive.
GRE Scores
The GRE is currently part of the admission requirements for both UMB and UMES.
Applicants should prepare for the examination and verify the latest testing policies before applying.
Clinical Observation
Physical therapy observation experience is important because it demonstrates that applicants understand the profession.
Applicants should consider observing physical therapists in different environments, such as:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Sports facilities
- Pediatric settings
- Geriatric facilities
Recommendation Letters
Strong recommendation letters can strengthen an application by providing evidence of an applicant’s academic performance, work ethic, character, communication abilities, and professional potential.
PTCAS Application
Applicants can apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Because centralized applications involve transcripts, references, test scores, essays and other materials, students should begin the process early.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into a Maryland DPT Program
Meeting minimum requirements is only the beginning. Applicants can take several steps to develop stronger applications.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Focus particularly on prerequisite science courses.
Strong performance in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and physics can demonstrate that you are prepared for the academic demands of a DPT program.
Gain Diverse Clinical Exposure
Do not limit yourself to one observation experience if you have opportunities to explore different settings.
Seeing physical therapy in different environments can give you a better understanding of the profession and provide useful experiences to discuss during interviews.
Build Professional Relationships
Develop positive relationships with physical therapists, professors, supervisors and other professionals who may eventually provide recommendations.
A detailed recommendation from someone who knows your abilities is usually more useful than a generic letter.
Prepare for the GRE
If the program you are applying to requires the GRE, begin preparing early.
Use practice questions, study materials and timed practice tests to become familiar with the examination format.
Prepare for Interviews
If your chosen program conducts interviews, research the profession and be prepared to explain why you want to become a physical therapist.
You should also be able to discuss your clinical observation experience and what you learned from it.
Maryland Physical Therapy Licensure
Completing a DPT program is an important step, but graduates must also satisfy Maryland’s professional licensing requirements before practicing as physical therapists.
Licensure requirements may include educational qualifications, examination requirements, application documentation, fees, and other requirements established by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Students should review the current licensing rules when approaching graduation because licensing requirements can change.
Internationally educated applicants may have additional requirements related to credential evaluation or English-language proficiency.
Comparison Table of Physical Therapy Schools in Maryland
| School | Location | Degree | Minimum GPA | GRE | Observation Requirement | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland School of Medicine | Baltimore | Doctor of Physical Therapy | 3.0 prerequisite GPA | Required | 50 hours by matriculation | PTCAS |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne | Doctor of Physical Therapy | 3.0 overall and science GPA | Required | 25 hours in each of 2 clinical settings | PTCAS |
Admission requirements, deadlines, fees, and other program policies can change. Applicants should verify current requirements before submitting an application.
Related
Conclusion
Choosing the right physical therapy school in Maryland is an important decision for anyone planning a career as a licensed physical therapist.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland Eastern Shore are the two established entry-level DPT options highlighted in this guide. Both provide professional education designed to prepare students for clinical physical therapy practice.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine may appeal to students who prefer studying in Baltimore and want access to a large academic medical environment, clinical opportunities, research, and interdisciplinary education.
UMES, on the other hand, provides an attractive alternative for students who prefer studying on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its program emphasizes academic preparation, clinical exposure, professional development, and practical experience.
Before applying, prospective students should carefully review each school’s prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, GRE policy, observation requirements, recommendation-letter requirements, application deadlines, and other admission criteria.
Most importantly, do not wait until the application deadline to begin preparing. Completing prerequisite courses, gaining physical therapy observation experience, building strong academic credentials, preparing for the GRE, and developing relationships with potential recommenders can all help you become a stronger DPT applicant.
For students committed to helping people restore movement, overcome physical limitations, and improve their quality of life, pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Maryland can be the beginning of a rewarding healthcare career.