SBU-St. Francis (Pa.) University (Physical Therapy)

Combined Degree BS/DPT 4+3

Students in St. Francis University's Department of Physical Therapy

Overview of the SBU-St. Francis Combined Degree in Physical Therapy

Students accepted into this program have a provisional seat waiting for them at St. Francis (Pa.) University (SFU) Department of Physical Therapy after attending St. Bonaventure University. The program is completed with an additional three years at St. Francis University leading to both a BS and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. Up to three students are accepted each year.

Accepted students shall be co-advised by a member of the St. Bonaventure University administration and from St. Francis University during their time at St. Bonaventure. The acceptance is conditional in that specific criteria must be met during their time as an undergraduate student at St. Bonaventure. Requirements are detailed in writing when students are provisionally accepted.

The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Qualified applicants will be interviewed at SBU by invitation in February. Decisions on acceptance are made in mid to late March. Current SBU students may also qualify to enter this program.

Application Requirements

High School Seniors
- SAT 1080 (ERW+M) or ACT composite 21
- High School GPA 85%
- Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation. One must be from a Science Teacher.
Two essays:
- One essay (Personal Statement) that will be included with your Common App.
- An additional essay titled “Applying to Physical Therapy School,” which details your interest in working in the profession of physical therapy and why you are interested in starting that process at SBU and then continuing at St. Francis University Dept. of Physical Therapy.
A resume that organizes all of your qualifications and extracurricular activities in one place (GPA, SAT/ACT, physical therapy exposure, other clinical exposure, other activities).
Interview at St. Bonaventure University

Requirements while at St. Bonaventure University

Maintain a cumulative overall GPA of 3.2
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 in prerequisite Math/Science courses
Complete the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) by Oct. 15 of senior year at St. Bonaventure University
Complete a letter of intent to enter the SFU DPT program
Complete at least 50 hours of documented experiences in one Physical Therapy settings (more than one setting is recommended).

St. Francis (Pa.) University Dept. of Physical Therapy

Our mission in the Physical Therapy Department is to educate competent, ethical, caring doctors of physical therapy who practice autonomously, at an entry level, in a complex healthcare environment, and who demonstrate critical thinking, cultural competence, and an evidence-based approach. Learn more about the SFU Department of Physical Therapy.

How to Apply

The Common Application is preferred for this combined degree program.

NOTE: Send all paper application materials to

Office of Admissions
P.O. Box D
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778