UIW Cardinal SOAR Program

What is the Cardinal SOAR Program?

This program allows current UIW freshmen and qualified transfer students to have a pathway to our Health Professions Schools. Much like the Direct Admit Program, the Program invites exceptionally qualified UIW freshmen and transfer students to pursue either a 3+4 Direct Admit or 4+4 Direct Admit option which can potentially lead to a Health Profession program.

A Pathway to the School of Rehabilitation Sciences

The UIW Cardinal Soar Program will allow current UIW freshmen and qualified transfer students to have a pathway to our Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Designed for current UIW freshmen and transfer students:

  • Completion of at least two sciences courses with lab
  • Overall GPA of at least 3.5 for college-level work
  • Overall math/science GPA of at least 3.5 for college-level work
  • Two letters of recommendation from current university/college faculty
  • Successful interview with DPT/OTD faculty
  • Active membership in a health professions student group

The UIW Cardinal Soar program is designed to provide guidance and enhanced opportunities in preparation for application and acceptance into the Doctor of Physical Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Upon selection as a UIW Cardinal Soar student, the following expectations shall be adhered to:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word
  • Maintenance of a 3.3 or higher prerequisite and overall GPA at the conclusion of each academic year
  • Successful completion of 30 credit hours per undergraduate academic year
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C
  • 50 observation hours in a minimum of two physical therapy or occupational therapy settings
  • Completion of the GRE with a minimum 150 verbal score/ 300 total score (DPT only)
  • Active participation as a member in the Society for Therapeutic Rehabilitation Students
  • Minimum of three letters of recommendation to include two from a licensed PT/OT and one from an academic advisor or faculty member
  • No conduct violations as an undergraduate student
  • Successful report on a background check
  • Application to UIW DPT/OTD program through PTCAS/OTCAS. The university will reimburse the cost of the PTCAS/OTCAS application fee equivalent to applying to one PT/OT program via a transfer of funds into the student account as part of the student’s first semester of tuition in the DPT/OTD program. Students who do not matriculate into the UIW DPT/OTD program will forfeit this reimbursement.
  • Successful interview with program faculty in the fall semester of the senior year of undergraduate study
  • $500 enrollment deposit to be paid to SRS by Jan. 15 in the spring semester of senior year

Current students who meet the qualification criteria listed below should reach out to the Office of Academic Success and Student Affairs at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences for a UIW Cardinal Soar Program application. Interested students can contact the UIW SRS Office of Academic Success and Student Affairs at dptadmissions@uiwtx.edu, otdadmissions@uiwtx.edu or (210) 283-6477.