Pre-Physical Therapy

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Natural Sciences Major—Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis, Bachelor of Science Degree

See also Pre-Medicine and Pre-Pharmacy

Make a Career out of Helping Others Heal

Physical therapy is a fulfilling and rewarding career. Once they have completed graduate school, pre-physical therapy students will be working with patients to overcome physical difficulties and will have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them heal from injuries or surgeries, prevent future injuries, alleviate pain, and increase their mobility to function normally.

To prepare for the competitive entrance requirements of physical therapy graduate schools, PCC students receive an excellent foundation in science and an understanding of how the human body works. A broad liberal arts education develops skills in decision making and communication. Bible-based classes equip students with a well-developed system of ethics to incorporate into their practice.

Students may choose to complete two physical therapy internships, comprising 80 documented hours observing a licensed physical therapist. With solid training and a strong biblical foundation, graduates excel both in graduate school and in the physical therapy career.

The purpose of the pre-physical therapy emphasis is to prepare students to pursue graduate work in the area of physical therapy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the pre-physical therapy emphasis will be able to

• demonstrate their understanding of key concepts necessary to solve problems in science and mathematics or explain life processes,
• apply standard scientific conventions to present logical conclusions based on novel research data and the research of others,
• critique creationist and evolutionary interpretations of scientific data by applying scientific principles from the perspective of a supernatural creation of all things in six literal days approximately 6,000 years ago by the God of the Bible,
• articulate ethical standards based on a biblical foundation, and
• demonstrate proficiency in entrance requirements for physical therapy school.

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High School Preparation

Recommended high school preparation for a pre-physical therapy emphasis 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 emphasis could be expected to increase.

Affiliation/Articulation Agreements

Graduates of Pensacola Christian College who meet published admission criteria will automatically receive preference points and be eligible for the admission process for Southwest Baptist University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program. General eligibility requirements include prescribed undergraduate coursework, minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA, and a grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.25 prerequisite GPA. Contact the Chair of Natural Sciences for specific requirements.

Pensacola Christian College has also partnered with Cedarville University to provide a pathway for students who meet published admission criteria to receive a guaranteed interview to their Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.) program. Contact the Chair of Natural Sciences for specific requirements.

PCC prepared me to become a professional by helping me reach for a higher standard in every area of my life. PCC gave me a Christ-centered education and helped me become a motivated, disciplined, responsible, and moral individual. The faculty expected excellence in my studies—an excellence I know many of my graduate school peers were never held to.