Direct Entry

Pursue an advanced degree in a health profession area

The Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences offers several pathways and specialized advising for high school seniors seeking "direct entry" to a physical therapy, physician assistant or occupational therapy graduate program after completing an approved undergraduate plan of study.

High school seniors who have achieved superior academic performance in high school and have been officially admitted to an undergraduate major may apply to Trine's direct entry programs. Deadlines for application review are November 1, December 1 and February 1.

Direct entry can be achieved by selecting the three-year path (three years of accelerated undergraduate work followed by the graduate program), or the more traditional four-year path (four years of undergraduate work followed by the graduate program). Direct entry is a highly selective program and seats are limited on a first come, first served basis.

Direct Entry Programs

Physician assistants (PA) are nationally certified and state-licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.

PA candidates must first complete a Trine application and be admitted to an approved undergraduate program (biology, biochemistry, chemistry or biomedical engineering). After being accepted to a Trine University program, students who meet the PA direct entry eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.

PA Direct Entry Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school transcript showing a minimum 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • A minimum ACT Composite of 25 or SAT (R+M) 1210
    • Contact admissions to ask about test optional eligibility

PA Direct Entry   MPAS Program

Focus on movement, science, anatomy and patient care with a doctor of physical therapy (DPT).

DPT candidates must first complete a Trine application and be admitted to an approved undergraduate program (exercise science or biology). After being accepted to a Trine University program, students who meet the DPT direct entry eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.

DPT Direct Entry Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school transcript showing a minimum 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • A minimum ACT COmposite of 25 or SAT (R+M) 1210
    • Contact admissions to ask about test optional eligibility

DPT Direct Entry  DPT Program

Occupational therapy (OTD) is where science and knowledge of the human body meets individuals where it means the most: everyday life.

OTD candidates must first complete a Trine application and be admitted to an approved undergraduate program (applied health science, exercise science or psychology). After being accepted to a Trine University program, students who meet the OTD direct entry eligibility requirements are welcome to apply.

OTD Direct Entry Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school transcript showing a minium 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

OTD Direct Entry  OTD Program

*Please note: Due to the structure of the direct entry pathways, students in these pathways do not complete their bachelor's degree until after successfully finishing their first year in the graduate program. The credit hours earned during the first year of the graduate program are applied to the undergraduate degree requirements, and therefore, these credits are necessary to meet the requirements for graduation with a bachelor's degree.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are established relationships between Trine University and professional schools that define the terms under which students can transition from a bachelor's degree program into a professional program, such as medical, pharmacy, dental or chiropractic program. These agreements outline specific coursework, GPA requirements and other academic criteria that must be met for guaranteed or preferential admission. The goal is to create a clear and efficient pathway for qualified undergraduate students to enter professional programs, sometimes shortening the total time to degree completion and reducing uncertainty in the admissions process.
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Doctor of Pharmacy
  • Doctor of Dental Medicine
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
  • Doctor of Pharmacy
  • Master of Science in Nutrition and Nutrigenomics
  • Master of Athletic Training
  • Masters of Nutrition & Human Performance
  • Masters of Sports Science & Rehabilitation
  • Masters of Strength & Conditioning
  • Doctorate of Chiropractic