Calendario de Educación Continua

Prospective Students

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at UAGM is a comprehensive, full-time professional doctorate designed to equip prospective physical therapists through a three-year curriculum. The program comprises six semesters and two summers, with the final year dedicated entirely to full-time clinical experiences spanning two semesters.


  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, either within Puerto Rico or the United States. 
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of coursework is preferred.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses
  • Applicants must have completed 75% (33 credits) of prerequisite courses by the end of the fall semester of the application year.
  • A grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses.

PTs are movement system experts who contribute to promoting quality of life. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp and awareness of the aspects, principles, and responsibilities associated with the field of physical therapy. The evidence presented should showcase the candidate's knowledge, insights, and alignment with the profession core values and practices of the physical therapy profession. This can be done through various means, such as referencing personal experiences, recounting involvement in volunteer positions, showcasing research efforts in the field, highlighting mentorship experiences, and/or drawing upon personal connection with individuals within or associated with the profession.  

  • Letter 1: From a college-level professor who can assess the applicant's academic ability.
  • Letter 2: From a professional who can evaluate your qualities, skills, achievement, work ethic, and/or academic performance.

Applicants who meet the requirements will be invited for an interview, as part of the admissions process. The interview will be bilingual (Spanish/English) and include a written language proficiency assessment.

Required prerequisite courses should be completed in semester credit hours. Courses in the following categories are required to fulfill the prerequisite criteria.

  • 2 semesters of anatomy/physiology with labs
  • 2 semesters of college chemistry with labs
  • 2 semesters of physics with labs
  • 2 semesters of biology (excluding botany or zoology)
  • 1 semester of psychology
  • 1 semester of statistics
  • 2 semesters of English (for students who hold degrees from institutions where Spanish is the primary language of instruction)
  • 2 semesters Spanish (for students who hold degrees from institutions where English is the primary language of instruction)
  • 2 semesters of English and Spanish (for students who hold degrees from institutions where is the primary language of instruction is NOT English nor Spanish)

If an applicant believes they can demonstrate language proficiency through other mechanisms (i.e., AP tests, work experience, etc.), please contact Dr. Carmen Ramos, the DPT Admissions Coordinator, at camramos@uagm.edu.
 

Recommended Courses are strongly encouraged: 

  • A practical reasoning, logic, or critical thinking course
  • Biomechanics, kinesiology, or exercise physiology
  • An upper-level biology course (physiology)
  • An upper-level English and/or Spanish course
  • Medical terminology course
  • Computer literacy course
  • Ethics course
     

Applicants who have attended international institutions will follow UAGM application process. However, prior to submitting applications, they are strongly encouraged to: (1) review the information provided in the website (2) contact UAGM’s Department of Physical Therapy. Students will be evaluated in an individualized basis by the Department.

UAGM and its campuses uphold as part of its philosophy the principle of equal educational opportunities for the students of its institution. Firm in its commitment, the University requests, obtains, and administers various financial aid assistance programs for students who need it and are eligible. This aid comes from federal, state, institutional, and private sector funds.

The Financial Assistance program has three categories of financial aid: Scholarships, Loans, and Federal Work Study. A combination of scholarships, federal work-study, or loans is assigned to eligible students who demonstrate financial need.

The policies of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez are established to grant federal, state, and institutional funds; it also includes how to apply for financial aid and how to fill out or renew such aid. Also included are the safety requirements, rules, policies, and regulations that students should be aware of.  For additional information on available services and programs, you can contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
 

The department is committed to the education of highly competent and compassionate physical therapists. Our curriculum aligns with professional standards and guidelines, ensuring that students possess the essential abilities and attributes required for graduation and successful practice. The department upholds the principle of equal opportunity and provides reasonable accommodation following institutional policies. Our program defines essential functions in the following areas:

Communication Skills

  • Effectively communicate with patients, families, healthcare team members, and colleagues.
  • Process and convey information accurately and succinctly.

Cognitive Skills

  • Comprehend, analyze, and synthesize course materials.
  • Understand dimensional and spatial relationships of structures.
  • Demonstrate reasoning and decision-making skills.

Motor Skills

  • Assist patients with safe mobility.
  • Ensure patient safety during movement.
  • Execute movement required for basic screening, examination, and therapeutic treatment.
  • Function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.

Sensory Skills

  • Discern and palpate changes in body structures.
  • Assess signs of disease, especially in the musculoskeletal system.
  • Perceive abnormalities in areas outside the musculoskeletal system.
  • Assist patients in moving with reasonable safety.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

  • Possess attributes such as compassion, empathy, integrity, and responsibility.
  • Function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
  • Tolerate physical and mentally taxing workloads.
  • Develop mature and effective relationships with patients.
  • Uphold ethical standards.

Students with disabilities seeking accommodations should request them through the Quality of Life Office.

Click here to view a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list.

The Department of Physical Therapy at Universidad Ana G. Méndez follows a fair and equitable admissions policy that aims to attract and admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, dedication to the field of physical therapy, and a commitment to ethical and professional standards. We aim to promote diversity and excellence within the physical therapy profession.

Click here to view the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.