Our joint-partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) gives students early exposure to the field, grants access to top-tier mentors and educators, and provides a comprehensive education to help students thrive in their future career in physical therapy.
Start your career as a physical therapist in as few as 5.5 years.
A field that requires rigorous training, physical therapy is dedicated to helping people manage the physical impacts of health challenges and rehabilitate injuries. Pathway options ease the process of securing a place in advanced Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.
Lake Forest College offers three DPT pathways:
High school students will be eligible to apply for admission in accordance with the following:
- Gain admittance to Lake Forest College.
- Achieve a 3.5/4.0 or higher cumulative GPA in high school academic coursework or its equivalency; exceptions for lower GPAs can be allowed only after approval from the RFUMS DPT program director.
- Complete three or more years of science, including Biology and Chemistry, with a cumulative B average or its equivalent. Physics is strongly recommended.
- Complete three or more years of college preparatory math including Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and/or Trigonometry with a cumulative B average or its equivalent.
- Submit additional information including, but not limited to, Lake Forest Common Application and supplemental application with HS to DPT-specific questions and required materials. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview.
Pathway agreement can be found here.
The accelerated 3+2.5 pathway is designed for students entering Lake Forest who already have a declared major in mind. Pathway advising will start before you set foot on campus and will focus on ensuring all prerequisites are aligned over the course of your three years at Lake Forest for a seamless transition to Rosalind Franklin.
Pathway agreement, prerequisites, and proposed course schedules can be found here.
The 4+2 pathway gives students the flexibility to explore various academic areas at Lake Forest and then declare their major by their second year. Students will then transition to Rosalind Franklin after their traditional four-year experience at Lake Forest.
Pathway agreement, prerequisites, and proposed course schedules can be found here.
Why pursue the Rosalind Franklin Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?
Demand for physical therapy is growing
Do you want to make a real difference by improving lives every day? Physical therapy careers are suited for those who are interested in medical fields that put them in touch with others. Plus, growing demand for physical therapists translates directly to job security.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11 percent growth in physical therapy jobs from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. Take advantage of this growing field with a 2024 median annual wage of $101,020.
Frequently asked questions
Direct-entry is a pathway that allows students to apply to both Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program while still in high school.
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Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50/4.0 (or equivalent)
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Minimum of 3 years of math including Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and/or Trigonometry with a cumulative B average (or equivalent)
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Minimum of 3 years of science including Biology and Chemistry with a cumulative B average (or equivalent). Physics is strongly recommended.
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There is a supplemental application that will be emailed after your application to Lake Forest College is received.
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Successful applicants to the program will be invited to interview with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and Lake Forest College faculty.
Yes, our Health Professions program prepares students who are not admitted through the direct-entry pathway to become strong, competitive applicants for DPT programs, including both traditional and accelerated options, while they are here.
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Contact Us
Admissions Contact
Emily Pokrzywa
Director of First-Year Admissions
egrimm@lakeforest.edu
847-735-5023
Faculty Contact
Ann Maine
Assistant Professor of Biology
Chair of Pre-Health Advising Committee
Director of Health Professions Program and Nursing Pathways Program
maine@lakeforest.edu
Rosalind Franklin University Contact
Lori Thuente
Founding Chair, Program Director, Department of Graduate Entry to Nursing Practice
lori.thuente@rosalindfranklin.edu