FORT SMITH, AR. — The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) School of Physical Therapy is proud to announce a new admissions pathway for licensed allied health professionals interested in pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
The Licensed Allied Health Professional Pathway was developed to recognize the education, clinical training, and patient care experience allied health professionals already bring to the healthcare workforce. Through this pathway, qualified applicants may be eligible to apply to the ACHE Doctor of Physical Therapy program without completing additional prerequisite coursework beyond Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory requirements.
“Licensed allied health professionals play a critical role in patient care across diverse settings,” said Dr. Dana Kahl, dean of the ACHE School of Physical Therapy. “This pathway recognizes their expertise and provides an opportunity to expand their clinical impact through advanced education.”
To be considered for the pathway, applicants must:
The pathway is intended for healthcare professionals whose work includes direct patient care or clinical decision-making responsibilities. Potentially eligible applicants may include physical therapist assistants, certified occupational therapy assistants, emergency medical technicians, nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals.
ACHE’s admissions process will continue to include a holistic review of each applicant, including verification of licensure and educational credentials to ensure students are prepared for the rigor of doctoral-level education.
The new application cycle opens June 15, 2026.
For more information about the Licensed Allied Health Professional Pathway, please visit physicaltherapy.achehealth.edu/admissions/ or contact admissions.pt@achehealth.edu.
