RF-PTCAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs

What is RF-PTCAS?

The Residency and Fellowship Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS) simplifies the process of applying to physical therapy residencies and fellowships programs. You start by selecting the programs you wish to apply to, then you submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Once received by RF-PTCAS, your application and materials are transmitted to all of your selected programs.

Start your 2023-2024 application.

How long does the application process take?

It's important you apply as early as possible since completing your application can be a lengthy process, and since application processing times vary throughout the cycle. Below is a suggested timeline that includes key actions to keep the application process on track. This timeline may need to be adjusted based on your programs' deadlines and requirements.

Timeline	Key Actions
Prior to the Start of the Application Process	Research programs you wish to apply to. Pay special attention to: Cycle dates and deadline requirements. Application fees. Evaluation requirements. Minimum requirements, including prerequisites, standardized test scores, supplemental applications, etc. Begin contacting potential evaluators to confirm their participation. Review the instructions in this Help Center and the RF-PTCAS Applicant Responsibilities.
At Least 3 Months Prior to Deadline	Create your account. Complete the Colleges Attended section. If required by your programs, request your evaluations in the Program Materials section.
At Least 10-12 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Ask your PT schools to send official transcripts directly to RF-PTCAS. If there are any holds on your account at a school, resolve them now to avoid delays in sending transcripts. Check in with your evaluators to confirm that they received the evaluation request via email.
At Least 6-8 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Complete and submit your application. Monitor your application and follow up on any missing items.
At Least 4-6 Weeks Prior to Deadline	Continue monitoring your application until your status is Complete.
After Deadline	Download a copy of your application for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Transcripts	Programs and Statuses	Fees and Payments
Do I need to send transcripts? Yes, you must submit official transcripts from each PT school attended. See Sending Official Transcripts to RF-PTCAS for more information. Where do I find the Transcript ID Form? The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section, after you submit a college or university entry. Should I send my high school transcripts? No. My transfer credits are listed on my primary transcript. Do I still need to send all transcripts? You must report all PT colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.	How do I remove a program? Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab. Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application? Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open. Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on evaluations and/or transcripts? Yes. You can submit your application before your evaluations and/or official transcripts are received by RF-PTCAS. Will RF-PTCAS update me on the status of my application? Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. RF-PTCAS will notify you when official transcripts and evaluations are received, and when you are verified. When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!? You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.	Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card? We currently only accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). I want a refund. What do I need to do? Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your RF-PTCAS Application for more information.

Transcripts

Programs and Statuses

Fees and Payments

Do I need to send transcripts?: Yes, you must submit official transcripts from each PT school attended. See Sending Official Transcripts to RF-PTCAS for more information.

Where do I find the Transcript ID Form?: The Transcript ID Form is found in the Colleges Attended section, after you submit a college or university entry.

Should I send my high school transcripts?: No.

My transfer credits are listed on my primary transcript. Do I still need to send all transcripts?: You must report all PT colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.

How do I remove a program?: Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, click the checkmark next to the program name on the Add Program tab or click the trash icon on the Submit Application tab.

Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application?: Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on evaluations and/or transcripts?: Yes. You can submit your application before your evaluations and/or official transcripts are received by RF-PTCAS.

Will RF-PTCAS update me on the status of my application?: Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. RF-PTCAS will notify you when official transcripts and evaluations are received, and when you are verified.

When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!?: You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.

Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card?: We currently only accept payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover).

I want a refund. What do I need to do?: Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your RF-PTCAS Application for more information.