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What courses do I need to take to successfully get into a Physical Therapy school?

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Brendon’s Answer

Hey Chimeri:


To become a physical therapist (I'm assuming you're not asking about becoming a physical therapist assistant) you'll need a bachelor's degree and a series of science-based prerequisites.


Here's a general list of the prerequisites:

  • Anatomy / A&P 1 with lab
  • Physiology / A&P 2 with lab
  • Biology 1 (not botany or zoology)
  • Biology 2 (not botany or zoology)
  • General Chemistry 1 with lab
  • General Chemistry 2 with lab
  • General Physics 1 with lab
  • General Physics 2 with lab
  • Psychology
  • Statistics


You're specific college degree is not important. Many choose Exercise Physiology or human biology because it meets most prerequisites. However, I know of therapists who studied dance, music, and business admin in their undergraduate degrees and these therapists now practice in the performing arts and own their own physical therapy practices.

Brendon recommends the following next steps:

Find general information on how to prepare for physical therapy school HERE: http://www.apta.org/ProspectiveStudents/Admissions/PTProcess/
Research more about specific programs HERE: http://www.ptcas.org/DirectoryProgramsList/ (PTCAS is an application system where schools can their specific requirements, deadlines, etc)
Find more information/meet peers in facebook groups such as: "Doctor of Physical Therapy Students" and "Pre-Doctor of Physical Therapy Students"
Take the time to *consider* a career as a PT Assistant. http://www.apta.org/PTACareers/ Schooling is 2-3 years instead of 7. For me, it was the right choice because I wanted to quickly enter the work force and avoid excessive loans -- but your situation may be different.
Thank you comment icon Great answer above! I would add that if you have all the prerequisites and have a bachelor’s degree that is not something like exercise science, it could help to differentiate you from other applicants. Don’t be intimidated if you have a liberal arts degree. Jonathan Eidman PT DPT Cert. MDT
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