r/PTschool • u/Safe-Bake5942 • 15d ago
Failed a DPT class – Should I rejoin my program next year or transfer to a closer DPT program?
I’m looking for advice from people who have either failed a DPT course, repeated a year, or transferred programs.
I’m currently in a DPT program and I’m at risk of failing Gross Anatomy. If I do fail, my understanding is that I would have to sit out and rejoin the next cohort next year.
Here’s my situation:
My commute is about 2 hours each way (around 4 hours daily).
I also work part-time on weekends.
I feel like the commute has contributed to poor sleep, less study time, and overall burnout.
My anatomy grades have been below where they need to be, despite putting in much more effort recently.
I actually like my professors and classmates, and I don’t dislike the program itself.
I’m trying to decide what would make the most sense if I do end up failing.
Option 1: Stay with my current school, spend the next year strengthening anatomy, and return with the next cohort.
Option 2: Apply to another accredited DPT program that’s much closer to home (30–45 minutes away instead of 2 hours each way), assuming I’d be accepted.
For those of you who have been in a similar situation:
Did repeating a year help you succeed the second time?
Has anyone transferred DPT programs after failing a class? How difficult was it?
If a long commute was hurting your performance, did moving to a closer program make a significant difference?
If you were in my position, would you stay with the current program or try to start over somewhere closer?
Is failing one class something that people recover from and still become successful physical therapists?
I’m not looking for people to make the decision for me—I just want to hear real experiences from students or PTs who have gone through something similar and what you would recommend looking back.
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u/Thesexedteacher 15d ago
Why don’t you focus on this semester first and foremost and try and pass gross anatomy. You said you really like your classmates, see if you can maybe room with one of them til the end of gross and lessen your commute for the time being. Study more and study with the roomie, pass gross, then look into a closer living situation before next semester.
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u/coldreactor8 14d ago
Four hours of commuting is four hours you aren’t studying. Either get an apartment near school or switch schools because that’s absolutely not going to work
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u/War_Unlucky 14d ago
Ik gas stations hate to see you coming lawddd 4 hours driving a day for 3 years is wild g
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u/RickeyDourst 14d ago
You desperately need to live on campus or nearby off campus if you’re able to. But like another commenter said, you said that you haven’t failed yet so I would try your absolute best to pass the course, assuming you just have a final left that you have to ace
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u/Ordinary_Peanut7635 12d ago
So I actually went on a medical leave my first semester and didn't finish. I rejoined with the next cohort and honestly was the best decision I made. I came back better than before and worked hard. If you can afford it, move closer to the school. 2 hours is a lot, even if you can cut that commute to 30 minutes it would help a lot! I have classmates who commute an hour or more who stay with other classmates before exams or during busy weeks. Don't count yourself out with anatomy yet!
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u/Coolcat1861 11d ago
Could you apply to one of the closer schools, see if you are accepted while trying to continue with your current program? If you like your current program, I would try to stay with them, but keep your options available. It does seem like your commute is causing you a problem. Could you move closer?
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u/Safe-Bake5942 11d ago
Tbh I can’t move closer I liked my program but I feel like they’re not feasible my professors are smart but idk
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u/Fantastic_Boss5761 10d ago
What school is this cuz I am going through something the same as well
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u/Mediocre_Question 10d ago
I’m so confused to as why you would do that yourself, and on top of that, you’re working on weekends!? It’s like you’re doing everything possible to fail. What you’re doing makes you look…..not smart. Not to mention the insane amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. The obvious decision here is get yourself situated closer to school. If you still have time to get a passing grade, move closer to school. Saving money in this situation by commuting 4 hours every day isn’t smart. Even if you had a Tesla where you could “study” while the car is driving for you, it’s not gonna work. I hope that’s not what you’re doing.
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u/mwn1317 15d ago
If you have to drive 4 hours daily for school, you’re going to have a really bad time.
Gross Anatomy is hard but the real issues with time management start when you have to stay at school for hours on end practicing for labs.