Pre-Physical Therapy Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Pre-Physical Therapy major gives students a strong science background and a broad, liberal arts education including skills in decision making and communication. A person who has an attitude of service and who loves people should consider a pre-physical therapy major.

Admission to physical therapy programs is competitive. Outstanding candidates will have excellent grades, documented observation/assistance with a licensed physical therapist, ability to perform well on interviews, and excellent performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Entrance requirements to physical therapy programs vary from one school to another, so students are encouraged to consult the catalog of the graduate school of their choice early in their undergraduate enrollment in order to be informed of exact admission requirements.

High School Preparation: Recommended high school preparation for a pre-physical therapy major is 2 units of algebra, and 1 unit each of plane geometry, biology, and chemistry. Opportunities are available to make up certain deficiencies. In this case, time required to complete a Pre-Physical Therapy degree could be expected to increase.

Academic Requirements: Students must have at least a “C” in all biology and chemistry courses. Because of the concentration of courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, students in this major do not have to complete a minor. Biology may be claimed as a minor by completing 6 additional hours of 300- or 400-level biology. Chemistry may be claimed as a minor by completing 6 additional hours of 300- or 400-level chemistry. Science cannot be claimed as a minor.

Academic Program Fee: $70 per semester or $17.50 per payment.

Recommended Course Sequence

‡ At least 4 hours out of 6 hours of BI/BB elective must have a BI course number. 1 Taken during interterm, post-term, or summer * Recommended OA 221 Medical Terminology.