Belmont University provides opportunity for high achieving students majoring in Exercise Science to gain guaranteed admission into one of the university’s doctoral programs in Occupational Therapy (OTD) or Physical Therapy (DPT) after only 3 years of undergraduate study (one less year of a traditional undergraduate experience).
Both the OTD and DPT programs can be completed within three additional years for a total of 6 years (“3+3”) at Belmont. Students should indicate intent to pursue the 3+3 program in their initial application for admission. To complete all required coursework within the first three years, students must confirm their intent to pursue the 3+3 program before the start of their freshman year for PT or before their second semester for OT.
- 3+3 Program in Exercise Science & Occupational Therapy
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In your first three years, you will complete 96 of the 128 credits required for a B.S. in Exercise Science, which includes 24 credits of specified prerequisite courses for entry into the OTD program.
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With cumulative and prerequisite GPAs above 3.0 at the end of your sophomore year, you may apply (through OTCAS) for Early Decision to the OTD program a year prior to your desired entry.
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The GRE requirement is waived for 3+3 applicants, but all other specified credentials are required. As a 3+3 applicant you must also demonstrate progress in developing professional behaviors for occupational therapy practice.
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If you have an overall and prerequisite GPA of at least 3.7 and present remaining application credentials which validate your preparedness for doctoral study, you are guaranteed admission to the OTD program.
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If your overall or prerequisite GPA is below 3.7, you will still be considered for Early Decision but on a competitive basis with other applicants. Your application could possibly be deferred until after fall semester grades are submitted.
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If admitted as a 3+3 candidate, you must complete all specified requirements, including the BELL Core and WELL Core, by the end of the spring semester of your third year.
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If not admitted to the OTD program as a 3+3 candidate, you may continue your bachelor’s degree but must add a minor to your Exercise Science major. You may re-apply to the OTD program during your senior year for entry after graduating with your B.S.
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Specific requirements for the 3+3 program are detailed in the Belmont University catalog. Questions should be directed to the Department Chair for Exercise Science.
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View a sample Program of Study
- 3+3 Program in Exercise Science & Physical Therapy
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In your first three years (including two summers), you will complete 110 of the 128 credits required for a B.S. in Exercise Science, which includes 41 credits of specified prerequisite courses for entry into the DPT program.
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With cumulative and prerequisite GPAs above 3.2 at the end of your sophomore year, you may apply (through PTCAS) for Early Decision to the DPT program a year prior to your desired entry.
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All specified application credentials are required, including results of the GRE examination. As a 3+3 applicant, one of the two required recommendations must be from your Exercise Science faculty advisor and the other from a licensed physical therapist.
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If you have an overall and prerequisite GPA of at least 3.7 and present remaining application credentials which validate your preparedness for doctoral study, you are guaranteed admission to the DPT program.
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If your overall or prerequisite GPA is below 3.7, you will still be considered for Early Decision but on a competitive basis with other applicants. Your application could possibly be deferred until after fall semester grades are submitted.
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If admitted as a 3+3 candidate, you must complete all specified requirements, including the BELL Core and WELL Core, by the end of the spring semester of your third year.
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If not admitted to the DPT program as a 3+3 candidate, you may continue your bachelor’s degree but must add a minor to your Exercise Science major. You may re-apply to the DPT program during your senior year for entry after graduating with your B.S.
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Specific requirements for the 3+3 program are detailed in the Belmont University catalog. Questions should be directed to the Department Chair for Exercise Science.
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View a sample Program of Study