Download Physical Therapy School Admissions Guide as a printable PDF
Physical therapists are experts in movement and function of the body. Physical therapy is the medical practice that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training for the preservation, enhancement or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disability, injury, or disease. Physical therapists teach patients the appropriate ways to move or perform particular tasks to prevent further injury and to promote health and wellness.
Prerequisites
Each physical therapy program establishes its own set of prerequisites. Check the websites of the schools in that you are most interested in to obtain a current list of undergraduate requirements.
| Subject Area | Recommended Courses |
|---|---|
| General Biology | BSC 114/115 and BSC 116/117 or honors equivalent |
| Anatomy and Physiology | BSC 215 and 216 or (BSC 400, 424 and 425 if majoring in biology) |
| General Chemistry | CH 101 and CH 102 or honors equivalent |
| Statistics | PY 211 |
| Physics | PH 101 and PH 102 |
| Mathematics | MATH 113 (2 semesters of Math needed by some schools) |
| Psychology | PY 101, 352, 358 |
| Medical Terminology: | HD 203 |
| Highly Recommended | PHL 104 – Critical Thinking COM 123 – Public Speaking (Required by some schools) KIN 365 – Biomechanics |
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. In addition to coursework and exam requirements, most PT programs require direct patient observation hour requirements that will be verified by the Physical Therapist you shadowed.
Some PT programs DO NOT require an undergraduate degree. Please look at program specific requirements.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized examination that consists of three multiple-choice sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative, and Verbal. The GRE is designed to measure general academic ability. Most American PT schools require it. Typically, students take the GRE about one calendar year prior to their intended date of matriculation to professional school. The GRE is a nationally standardized test, similar to the ACT and SAT. A GRE score is good for three years at most schools, so taking the test in the spring of junior year does not necessarily mean that you must enter PA school right after college graduation.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Minimum GPA requirements vary from program to program, but MOST programs have a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, but competitive GPAs are closer to a 3.5. In addition, most programs require that all prerequisite courses must be passed with a “C” or better.
Timeline
Freshman Year
- Get to know your Health Professions Advisors.
- Make an appointment.
- Start taking basic sciences (See chart on first page)
- Visit your professors during office hours.
- Begin getting involved with volunteer and service opportunities (campus and community).
- Look into getting involved in undergraduate research.
- Join student organizations (Pre-PT Society, AED, etc.)
- Start obtaining PT clinical experience (PTA, CNA, shadowing).
- Look into getting involved in undergraduate research.
Sophomore Year
- Continue with the next sequence of courses.
- Stay involved in extracurricular activities (shadowing, volunteering, etc.).
- Consider leadership positions in your organizations.
- Visit your professors during office hours.
- Meet with a Health Professions Advisor to begin to assess competitiveness.
- Keep obtaining PT clinical experience.
- Identify PT programs that you may want to apply to.
- Develop GRE preparation plan.
Junior Year
- Fall
- Talk to Health Professions Advising about competitiveness.
- Work on your personal statement.
- Obtain 3-5 Letters of Recommendation
- Spring and Summer
- Register, study for, and take the GRE
- Continue to obtain PT clinical experience.
- Schedule a mock interview with the Career Center.
- Complete Application in PTCAS.
- Continue engaging in activities.
Senior Year
- Fall
- Submit Application in PTCAS if you haven’t already.
- Wait to be contacted for an interview by PT programs.
- Continue with activities and service commitments.
- Spring and Summer
- Talk with a Health Professions Advisor about Plan B (if necessary).
- Finish degree requirements
- Graduate.
Resources
Baffi-Dugan, C., Cannon, R. E., Bingham, R., & Corder, B. W. (2011). Health professions admissions guide: Strategy for success. Champaign, IL: National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions.