The minimal entry-level degree for practice as a Physical Therapist is a clinical doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. The Concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy is designed to prepare students for graduate study in Physical Therapy. The concentration is not a major, and all students completing the concentration must also complete the requirements of a major prior to graduation. A student may complete any major while also completing the concentration. Many students interested in Physical Therapy have majored in Biology, Human Services, or Psychology, and many of the courses required for the concentration are also required for completion of these majors. The double counting rule applies: see “Undergraduate Academic Policies” above. Please note that a biology minor requires three courses to be distinct from this concentration.
First semester first year students who wish to complete the concentration should enroll in BIO 160, CHE 131, HUS 125, and the appropriate math course (i.e., MAT 114 or MAT 117). First-year students should also consult with the Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Steven Theroux, or the chair of the Department of Health and Human Services at the beginning of the fall semester to plan out the remainder of their course of study.
A significant number of hours (as many as 1,000) in fieldwork related to health care may be required for admission to some PT programs. The internship experience required for our program may not provide all of the hours needed to satisfy this requirement. Additional experience can be gained by volunteer work or by acquiring a paid position as a rehabilitation aide. It may also be possible to obtain additional fieldwork experience by completing additional internships within the major.
It is also important to note that some graduate programs have atypical course requirements. Students who are considering applying to graduate school for Physical Therapy should review the admission requirements of the schools they plan to apply to by the beginning of their junior year to be certain they will have time to complete all of the necessary coursework before graduation.