What does it mean to be Pre-Physical Therapy?
Pre-physical therapy is not a specific major. The term is used to describe students who plan to enter a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after completing their undergraduate degree. Pre-physical therapy students must complete courses required for admission to DPT programs, acquire the capacity to perform well on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and gain the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful in a physical therapy program.
Each DPT program has its own specific prerequisites. Almost all require two semesters of physics, two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of introductory biology, a two semester sequence of human anatomy and physiology, statistics, and psychology. Some require additional coursework such as exercise science or medical terminology. Because students will generally apply to more than one physical therapy school, a degree program that provides a strong background in the natural sciences and “covers all the bases” is essential.
The Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Physical Therapy), B.S. is designed to provide prerequisite coursework and opportunities to acquire sufficient foundational knowledge to prepare students for the rigor of a DPT program. Pre-physical therapy students may also want to consider the Biology, B.S. degree. This degree program covers the core prerequisite coursework for physical therapy programs, allows students more flexibility selecting Electives in the Major, and requires fewer chemistry/biochemistry courses. Pre-physical therapy students are encouraged to begin a discussion with their academic advisor during the first year (to develop a plan) and continue these discussions throughout their undergraduate career (to receive information and advice on the timing and execution of that plan).
What Other Courses Should Pre-Physical Therapy Students Take?
Pre-physical therapy students should select BIOL 221 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I) and BIOL 222 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) as two of their Electives in the Major.
We also recommend that pre-physical therapy students select at least one psychology course as a General Elective.
Because prerequisites vary among schools, we recommend that pre-physical therapy students (in consultation with their academic advisor) conduct careful research on their preferred physical therapy programs to ensure that they are using Electives in the Major or General Electives to select courses that will meet or exceed each school’s prerequisites.
What Else Should Pre-Physical Therapy Students Do Before Applying to Physical Therapy Schools?
Experience working with or shadowing a physical therapist is a prerequisite for most DPT programs. Some schools require a letter of recommendation from a licensed physical therapist. Some schools require shadowing experience in more than one physical therapy setting. Experience may be volunteer or paid. Students completing relevant work, volunteer, or shadowing experiences may be eligible to receive credit toward their degree program (BIOL 493 – Cooperative Internship Experience).
- Take the GRE (if appropriate)
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required by some physical therapy schools. For schools that require the GRE, it will be an important component of a competitive application.
The GRE General Test three sections.
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
Criteria for Admission to Program
Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:
2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.
Grades of C or better in the following core courses:
GPA 2.00
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