Program Selection Process

The DMS Selection Committee will evaluate all applications submitted prior to the published deadline. All applicants who meet the minimum criteria to apply to the DMS Program will be extended a selection interview offer. To be competitive in the selection process, applicants should maintain a cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above and earn a B or better in all program prerequisite courses. Class size is limited, and acceptance numbers are determined by clinical spot availability. The selection process is competitive and selection is heavily weighted on GPA. 

Selection to the DMS program is based on the following:

  • Academic potential for success from the academic record.
  • Academic strength in previous college coursework, with specific attention given to performance in the program prerequisite courses.
  • Past failures affecting cumulative college GPA and cumulative program prerequisite course GPA may impact selection into the program. Each file will be considered individually.
  • Preference may be given to qualified applicants completing courses at Baptist University.
  • A personal interview will be required of each applicant. Students will be evaluated on their educational experience and academic potential, personal characteristics, and professional goals and knowledge of the DMS profession. 

The applicant’s academic records (i.e., transcripts) will be reviewed to determine the applicant’s cumulative college GPA and cumulative program prerequisite GPA. There will be no rounding in the calculation of the GPAs. Pass and satisfactory grades will not be included in the calculation of the GPAs. In-progress or pending courses will not be included in the calculation of the GPAs.

  • Cumulative college GPA = total grade points earned ÷ total credit hours completed.
  • Cumulative program prerequisite GPA = total program prerequisite grade points earned ÷ total program prerequisite credit hours completed. 

Program prerequisite courses are the general education and health studies courses listed in the DMS program sample degree plan. Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of program prerequisite courses, which must include the courses marked with an asterisk on the DMS program sample degree plan. Students are not required to complete all program prerequisite courses prior to applying to the DMS program. 

Student will be notified in writing with the date, time, and location of their selection interview. Selection interview invitations are sent to the applicant’s Baptist University email account during the first full week of June. Selection interviews may not be changed or rescheduled.

The Academic Score accounts for 67% of the selection score.

  • Cumulative college GPA score and cumulative program prerequisite course GPA score will be combined for a final academic score.
  • The maximum final academic score is 16 points.

The Interview Score accounts for 33% of the selection score.

  • Applicants will be interviewed for approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • Applicants will be evaluated on educational experience, academic potential, personal characteristics, professional goals, knowledge of the profession, and overall impression.
  • A rubric will be used to score the personal interview.
  • The maximum final interview score is 8 points.

Final Selection Score 

  • The sum of the final academic score and the final interview score = the final selection score.
  • The final selection score may be adjusted based on the following:
    • Students who complete program prerequisite courses at Baptist University will receive additional points to the selection score. The additional points are based on the following scale:
      • 1 point = ≥21 credit hours
      • 0.5 points = 12-20 credit hours
      • 0.25 points = 1-11 credit hours
    • Students who demonstrate course failures in previous college work will receive deductions from the selection score. The deduction of points is based on the following scale:
      • -1 point per course failure occurrence within the past 5 years

Notification of Selection: 

Applicants will be notified in writing of selection to the DMS program. Selection decision letters are sent to the applicant’s Baptist University email account near the end of the summer term.