PT Early Admit Program

The BA/BS-DPT early admission program (EAP) is divided into 2 phases:  

• Phase I is a pre-application process demonstrating student interest in the early admission program. Application to Phase I occurs at the completion of the first semester of baccalaureate course work. Up to 10 qualified students are accepted into Phase I each year.
• Phase II is formal admittance into the EAP for students from Phase I, and other qualified individuals, who have completed at least 45 semester credits as an undergraduate (typically sophomore level) and demonstrated a high level of success in their initial academic coursework to be considered for this early admission opportunity. Up to 3 qualified students are accepted into Phase II each year.

The purpose of the PT Early Admit Program at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is to provide exceptional students with meaningful exposure to the breadth and depth of the physical therapy profession and the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program. The program is designed to help address Colorado’s healthcare needs by identifying and supporting students who demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in physical therapy and serving the healthcare needs of communities throughout the state.

Students selected for both phases of the Early Admission Program will participate in pre-requisite undergraduate courses, specially designed learning opportunities, and have an additional mentorship component designed to prepare them for successful entry into the PT Program. This small cohort of students will also be given additional opportunities to interact with pre-health advising personnel at CU Denver and faculty/staff from the PT Program on the Anschutz Medical Campus to prepare them for success as a future DPT student.  

Students seeking Early Admission may select any major and are encouraged to obtain a broad liberal arts education incorporating a wide range of science courses while participating in the additional educational opportunities available on the CU Denver downtown campus. Students who successfully meet all PHASE II EAP program requirements, including successfully completing an interview with the University of Colorado Anschutz Physical Therapy Program Admissions Committee, will be eligible for a place in the CU PT matriculating class during the final semester of their bachelor’s degree program, provided they have completed all required program and degree requirements.

Applications open in the fall of each year for both Phase I and Phase II, and close in late February of the following year. Decisions for acceptance typically happen in late March.

Students who have an interest and passion in becoming a physical therapist and practicing dphysical therapy in the State of Colorado are encouraged to apply to the BA/BS-DPT early admission program (EAP). Please visit the Eligibility page for specifics. Click Here

Pre-Application Information Sessions

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program and University of Colorado Denver College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be hosting two Pre-Application Information Sessions virtually specifically for Phase I of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science-Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and one Pre-Application Information Sessions virtually specifically for Phase II of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science-Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. If you are interested in attending an Information Session, please RSVP by clicking on the appropriate link below. The information provided will be used for sending specific information regarding your attendance; specifically log-in information, and informing​ you about session changes if necessary. The dates for these sessions are:

• Friday, October 2, 2026
  • The session will be for Phase I, and held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.  
    • RSVP by clicking on the following link: 

      https://ucdenver.zoom.us/meeting/register/X9TNihCsQwya93akBJ3ymw 

• ​Thursday, October 22, 2026
  • The session will be for Phase II, and  held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.  
    • RSVP by clicking on the following link: 

      https://ucdenver.zoom.us/meeting/register/4f-6No8mS6KRLbsV2PEwSA

  • The session will be for Phase I, and  held remotely via the Zoom Platform from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.  
    • RSVP by clicking on the following link: 

      https://ucdenver.zoom.us/meeting/register/wHzxj_YSQKezkukr2CC7xg

*NOTE: The Zoom link will be sent immediately via email right after you finish signing up for the information session.

What Students Are Saying

Brock Howard 

"The pipeline programs offers the opportunity of a lifetime to not only reserve a seat but to connect to staff, gain clinical experience, and build a network across a variety of physical therapy practices. As I complete my doctorate of physical therapy, I'm beyond grateful for the experiences and assistance I received in undergrad to prepare me to handle such a program."

We believe it is our responsibility to help meet the physical therapy needs of the State of Colorado by selecting talented students that intend to practice physical therapy in Colorado. We are currently seeking qualified candidates who (1) have a strong interest and desire to become physical therapists, (2) intend to practice physical therapy in the State of Colorado, and (3) have an interest in serving communities in the state who experience barriers to accessing health care.

In addition to the above criteria, applicants must residents of the State of Colorado, and demonstrate success in academic course work, service to their community, and an authentic desire to work in the profession of physical therapy.

To be considered for Phase II, students are encouraged to have completed Phase I of the Program in their Freshman year of the BA/BS-DPT program and will receive preferential consideration. However, being a part of Phase I is NOT a requirement to apply to Phase II of the Program, and students in their Sophomore year may directly apply to this second phase of the program.

*For the academic year 2026-2027, students can apply to Phase I and Phase II of the Program starting on November 1, 2026. 

Interviews will be offered to a select group of applicants by the University of Colorado Anshcutz Physical Therapy Program. Interviews will be conducted by members of the CU PT Program's Admissions Committee on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Nondiscrimination. This program is open to all qualified Colorado Residents in the state of Colorado, including students who may have experienced limitations in educational access. We evaluate applications without regard to applicants’ race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics, consistent with non-discrimination policies and in accordance with state and federal law. All interested students are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Students must be full-time students at CU Denver and a Colorado Resident.

Applications for Phase I (students who are in the first semester of their freshman year)  and Phase II (students who are in their first semester of sophomore year) are available starting in November each year and close late February of the next year. The application link will be available here during the active application timeframe: 

***APPLICATION LINKS FOR PHASE I AND PHASE II FOR THE 26-27 CYCLE WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING NOVEMBER 1, 2026

Phase I-Application due February 26, 2027 at 11:59 PM: 

Phase II-Application due February 26, 2027 at 11:59 PM:

For more information, please email: PT.EarlyAdmit@ucdenver.edu

PHASE I 

Application Process 

At the end of semester one, students who are interested in the program will be required to complete an initial program application via Qualtrics. Program administration will select up to 10 students to work with for potential admission into Phase II of the program. Decisions will be made during the spring semester each year. 

Phase I Clinical Observation Hours 

The PT Program recommends a minimum of 45 hours of clinical observation with a minimum of 15 hours in each of 3 different settings. Assistance will be provided as part of the program in securing the 45 hours and a stipend will be paid for 45 hours as part of Phase I. These observation experiences seek to assure a true interest in the profession prior to application to Phase II. Special emphasis is placed on clinical experiences that expose students to the health care needs of underserved areas or populations. Observation sites may include:

• Inpatient: (hospital, rehabilitation facility or skilled-nursing facility) 
• Outpatient: (PT clinic, outpatient hospital clinic, sports medicine) 
• Additional settings: (school, home health or specialty care PT clinic) 

Professional Development Opportunities: 

As part of Phase I, students will be financially supported to complete a training in one or more areas directly associated with the PT profession through the CU Denver Health and Wellness Center. Potential courses include: 

• ACE Certified Personal Trainers 
• Group Fitness Instructors 
• Health Coaches 

Co-Curricular Seminars and Activities: 

In addition to the required courses, there will be supplementary monthly seminars, journal club sessions, and Health Professions Learning Community activities that you will be required to attend. The primary goals of the co-curricular seminars during your freshman year are to acclimate interested PT applicants with the Anschutz Medical Campus, introduce you to some of the physical therapy and other health science program faculty and staff, and to introduce you to a selection of physical therapy instructional methods. Typically, there will be one combined cohort seminar each semester for students that may occur on a Friday or Saturday on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Other Co-curricular seminars may occur on weekdays, including during the lunch hour and weeknights.  The objectives of the co-curricular seminars are to provide: 

• Early exposure to the various aspects of physical therapy and humanism through specific topics introduced by faculty, staff, and/or students that are pertinent to today’s health care system.  
• An environment that fosters group thinking and collaborative learning outside the larger academic setting 
• An environment that fosters the further development of your critical thinking skills. Each seminar will incorporate both didactic and group discussion components to allow for students to apply critical thinking skills 
• A bridge between the undergraduate learning experiences at CU Denver and the Anschutz Physical Therapy program through the integration of a student’s course on the Denver campus and their clinical/experiential learning experiences on the Anschutz Medical Campus.  
• An opportunity for you to develop self-advocacy skills by learning how to seek out help and seek clarity when you don’t understand what is expected of you both academically and outside the classroom.  
• Opportunities to dialogue with facilitator(s) and peers about health-related topics through the use of question and answer sessions during seminars and through the use of “real-time” post-session survey.

PHASE II  

Eligibility Requirements 

• Successful participation in Phase I receives preferential consideration but is NOT required.
• Completion of Phase II application. Students who are interested in the program will be required to complete an initial program application via Qualtrics by early March of the spring semester of their Sophomore year. Program administration will select up to 3 qualified students during the spring semester to participate in Phase II of the Program.

Phase II Application Requirements 

• Applicants must have matriculated into CU Denver as incoming freshman and have completed 45 credit hours, including General Biology I and II with laboratories, Chemistry I and II with laboratories and English Composition I and II.  
• Student must plan to attend CU Denver for a minimum of four additional semesters before graduation. 
• CU Denver transcripts submitted with the application should have a minimum of 45 credit hours completed. Unofficial CU Denver transcripts will be accepted.  
• Demonstrate professional behaviors.
• Participate in Interaction with the PT Program (see requirements below) 
• Complete a minimum of 45 observation hours with licensed physical therapists in clinical settings (if not part of Phase I, students will be required to complete these hours on their own). 
• Students complete a Phase II application which includes: 
  • Interviews with the University of Colorado PT Program Director of Admissions and one representative from the Admissions Committee.  
  • Essay Questions on topics assigned by the Admissions Committee. 
  • A Resume with details on non-academic preparation such as clinical or research experiences, community service activities, and any other important information about a student’s interests. 
  • Two letters of recommendation: one from the student’s academic advisor and one from either a CU Denver faculty member or licensed physical therapist. 
  • Students must provide notification of their ability to meet the Technical Standards of the PT Program. (see Appendix -Technical Standards)  

REQUIREMENTS AFTER ACCEPTANCE INTO PHASE II 

Acceptance into EAP Phase II allows students to earn an interview at the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program provided they meet specific academic, non-academic, and professional requirements annually. Students who are unable to meet these requirements may still apply to the PT Program as a general applicant.

Interaction with the Physical Therapy Program 

Students will be required to meet with: 

• The CU Physical Therapy Early Admission Program Coordinator once per semester to discuss goals, progress in coursework, etc. 
• A PT mentor/counselor at least once per semester to discuss goals, learn about PT course work and mechanisms for success within the PT program. 
• Students are expected to use this support, as well as the pre-health advising opportunities at CU Denver, to create a seamless path for achieving successful matriculation into the Physical Therapy Program at the Anschutz Medical Campus. 

Phase II Clinical Experience 

Once admitted to Phase II of the EAP, students will be financially supported and expected to work for the equivalent of 8 full-time weeks as a rehab aide/technician (320 hrs). 

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS (Phase I and Phase II) 

Professional behavior is an ongoing expectation of applicants, students and Doctors of Physical Therapy. Therefore, the ability to demonstrate professional behavior is necessary for acceptance into the Early Admission Program. Professional behavior is exhibited through responsibility for self and during interactions with others (e.g. peers and faculty) by actions, appearances and integrity. Each semester, students will be required to have all current CU Denver Faculty complete a mid-semester evaluation of their class and professional behaviors performance. Students must achieve a “meets expectations level” on all indicators.  

General Program Email (preferred contact method)

PT.EarlyAdmit@ucdenver.edu

Ms. Trishia Vasquez (Director, University of Colorado Denver Health Professions Program)

trishia.vasquez@ucdenver.edu

Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS (CU Anschutz Early Admissions Program Coordinator, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus)

LARA.CANHAM@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Key Links with Additional Information:

CU Physical Therapy Program: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physical-therapy-program>
University of Colorado Denver College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Anschutz Medical Campus