@myloves A direct entry DPT program generally takes 6 years (there are a small number that take 7) it is essentially 7 though because the student generally has to take classes or do clinicals over the summer terms towards the end of the degree process. The traditional route is 4 years undergrad and 3 years PT graduate program.
Competition to earn a spot in a PT program is intense and some who go the the traditional route need to apply to the graduate portion several cycles to gain admission.
If your student is positive that they are going to stick with PT, I’d recommend the direct entry route. If it is possible they might change their mind go the traditional route. My D16 applied to several direct entry programs and to several traditional undergrad programs, eventually settling on a direct entry DPT program where she earn a Bachelors in Biomedical Science and her DPT in 6 years plus summers. The problem with the traditional undergrad route is what do you do with a degree in health science or kinesology if you don’t get in to a graduate program? I’d think about majoring in something that can stand on its own 2 feet if plans don’t work out. Also, a direct entry program eliminates the need to take the GRE. But know that a direct entey program is more intense in the undergraduate stage. Most require taking the max number of undergraduate hours per term because you are essentially completeing you bachelor is 3 years. My D16 is taking 18 credit hours this semester and will have to continue to take between 16 -18 credits every semester.
Make sure the program is accredited and will keep its accreditation for the course study. Some direct entry programs require shadowing hours. All require maintaining a certain GPA. There are many issues to consider when choosing a program.