Pre-Physical Therapy
Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Major Selection
As an undergraduate student, you may choose any major in preparation for attending physical therapy school. Physical therapy schools do not have a specific preference on a particular major, so you are encouraged to choose a major based on your own personal interests and strengths. What’s important is that you have completed the prerequisite courses required by the institution you are applying to.
Prerequisite Courses
Requirements may vary from school to school, so you will want to research different program requirements. In general, most physical therapy schools will expect applicants to have completed the following types of courses:
| Course | Course Title | Required or Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CHEMISTRY | ||
| General Chemistry I | Required | |
| General Chemistry I Lab | Required | |
| General Chemistry II | Required | |
| General Chemistry II Lab | Required | |
| BIOLOGY | ||
| Cell Biology | Required | |
| Cell Biology Lab | Required | |
| Organismal Biology | Required | |
| Organismal Biology Lab | Required | |
| Human Anatomy | Required | |
| Human Anatomy Lab | Required | |
| Human Physiology | Required | |
| Human Physiology Lab | Required | |
| ENGLISH | ||
| ENGL | 6 credits | Required |
| MATH | ||
| Calculus I | Recommended | |
| , , | Statistics | Required |
| PHYSICS | ||
| or PHYS | College/General Physics I & Lab or Physics I with Calculus & Lab | Required |
| or PHYS | College/General Physics II & Lab or Physics II with Calculus & Lab | Required |
| PSYCHOLOGY | ||
| General Psychology | Required | |
| PSY | Upper-division Psychology | Required |
| OTHER | ||
| Medical Terminology | Required | |
*Other courses may be required/recommended by specific programs. You are responsible for knowing the requirements for each individual program. Policies on AP, IB and community college credits vary by institution.
A complete listing of accredited physical therapy schools and their .
Admissions Test
The GRE is compromised of the following sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Analytical Writing