Physical Therapy Linkage
The Northwestern Pre-Physical Therapy - Certificate Scholars Program (NUPPT – CSP) is an early application program to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in the Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The program is designed for high-achieving Northwestern Post-Baccalaureate students with a demonstrated commitment to a career as a physical therapist.
NUPPT—CSP offers:
- Early application (Summer quarter before final year) to enter the DPT program at the Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences in the fall quarter after completion of Post-Baccalaureate program.
- Encouragement and support for personal engagement in extra-academic exploration and activities.
- No standardized test scores (such as the GRE) are required.
- Submit just two letters of recommendation instead of the typical three.
For further information on how to apply, please contact your academic adviser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools participate in the Linkage Program?
Who is eligible to apply to the linkage programs?
Students in the Premedicine or Premedicine Completion program must meet the following criteria to apply to one of our linkage programs:
- Have demonstrated and maintain a strong academic record, including a specified minimum GPA (if required)
- Show sufficient clinical, volunteer or research experience
- Complete all premedical requirements by the end of the program in the spring quarter (For both the 21-month and 15-month tracks)
Can I apply to multiple linkage programs at once?
No. Students are only allowed to apply to a single linkage program. Students in our program are encouraged to work with their academic adviser to review which linkage programs best aligns with their mission.
What is an advantage and disadvantage of the linkage program?
The primary advantage a linkage program provides is being able to apply to a medical school while still completing premedicine courses and, if accepted, eliminate the glide year. The disadvantage is that our linkage partners may not be the right fit for everyone, and some students may wish to apply to schools that better align with their goals.
What happens if I’m not accepted to a linkage program?
You will continue with the medical school application process after the SPS program during the glide year.
Am I eligible for the linkage program if I’ve already applied to medical school or have taken the MCAT?
Linkage programs requirements vary by medical school, and some will not accept applicants who have taken the MCAT or applied to medical school. It is best to check the linkage program requirements for each program.
