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Which undergrad major would be best suited for a doctorate in physical therapy?
As I've been looking into more colleges for admissions, I've noticed that not all of them have either kinesiology or exercise science. After looking more into it, I can't decide whether exercise sciences or kinesiology would be better suited for my major to help get my doctorate.
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Patrick’s Answer
Sydney, I first want to thank you for reaching out to ask your question regarding the ideal undergraduate major for pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. This is a topic that's currently on my radar as well, as my 16-year-old is exploring the possibility of studying Sports Management/Therapy.
From my understanding, numerous undergraduate majors can lay a robust groundwork for a doctorate in physical therapy. You may have already learned that exercise science and kinesiology are the most popular choices. These fields equip students with vital knowledge about anatomy, physiology, and human movement, which are all key elements of physical therapy.
Exercise science mainly explores the dynamics of exercise and its physiological impacts, which is ideal for those captivated by the practical side of physical activity. Alternatively, kinesiology provides a wider view, covering various aspects of human movement, such as psychology and motor control.
Here are a few other undergraduate majors my son and I have discovered that might be suitable:
1. Biology – This major can provide a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and other biological sciences, giving you a thorough understanding of the human body.
2. Health Sciences – This field covers a wide array of health-related subjects, like public health, healthcare systems, and basic medical sciences, making it pertinent for a career in physical therapy.
3. Biomechanics – Some institutions offer specialized programs in biomechanics, concentrating on the mechanical aspects of living organisms' movements. This could be particularly advantageous for those intrigued by the mechanics of human movement.
4. Pre-Physical Therapy – Certain schools provide a pre-physical therapy track within their health sciences or biology departments. This track is tailored to prepare students specifically for a future in physical therapy.
When making your choice, think about your specific interests within the field. Consider whether you're more attracted to the biomechanics of exercise or the all-encompassing study of human movement. Also, look into the specific requirements of the doctorate in physical therapy programs you're interested in, as they might favor certain undergraduate majors.
Just remember, the most crucial factor is choosing a major that resonates with your passions and career aspirations.
From my understanding, numerous undergraduate majors can lay a robust groundwork for a doctorate in physical therapy. You may have already learned that exercise science and kinesiology are the most popular choices. These fields equip students with vital knowledge about anatomy, physiology, and human movement, which are all key elements of physical therapy.
Exercise science mainly explores the dynamics of exercise and its physiological impacts, which is ideal for those captivated by the practical side of physical activity. Alternatively, kinesiology provides a wider view, covering various aspects of human movement, such as psychology and motor control.
Here are a few other undergraduate majors my son and I have discovered that might be suitable:
1. Biology – This major can provide a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and other biological sciences, giving you a thorough understanding of the human body.
2. Health Sciences – This field covers a wide array of health-related subjects, like public health, healthcare systems, and basic medical sciences, making it pertinent for a career in physical therapy.
3. Biomechanics – Some institutions offer specialized programs in biomechanics, concentrating on the mechanical aspects of living organisms' movements. This could be particularly advantageous for those intrigued by the mechanics of human movement.
4. Pre-Physical Therapy – Certain schools provide a pre-physical therapy track within their health sciences or biology departments. This track is tailored to prepare students specifically for a future in physical therapy.
When making your choice, think about your specific interests within the field. Consider whether you're more attracted to the biomechanics of exercise or the all-encompassing study of human movement. Also, look into the specific requirements of the doctorate in physical therapy programs you're interested in, as they might favor certain undergraduate majors.
Just remember, the most crucial factor is choosing a major that resonates with your passions and career aspirations.
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Cynthia’s Answer
The answers provided give great advice. You really can choose any major (may make you seem like a more interesting, well rounded PT school applicant to not have the most popular major of most applicants), but it is critical to take all of the courses required for entry into the DPT programs to which you are applying. And not only is it critical to take those courses, it is critical to get great grades in those courses. Many students choose to attend the "best" undergrad school they can in terms of academic ranking. That is not always the best strategy for getting through the competitive DPT admissions process. You can get a great education at many schools that are not the "best" academically and be more successful in earning top grades in the difficult math and science courses. Getting lower grades at a "better" school could hurt your chances of getting accepted into a program. Also, depending on your financial circumstances, attending community college can be a great option for getting some general education classes out of the way for the first two years and then transferring into a 4-year college to finish your undergraduate degree. However, there is much more to the college experience than attending classes, so there certainly is much to be said for attending undergrad for all four years. The right decision is not the same for everyone. Good luck going forward!
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Chris’s Answer
As preparation for the DPT, I would recommend a pre-PT undergraduate degree. That said, you may want to consider finding a school with a 3+3 program, where in you major in exercise science or kinesiology and then follow that up with your DPT courses. This would save you one year in your studies.
If your question is specifically about should you major in exercise science or kinesiology in order to move on to physical therapy, they’re the same.
If your question is specifically about should you major in exercise science or kinesiology in order to move on to physical therapy, they’re the same.
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Donna’s Answer
The suggestions above are good ones but other science majors are appropriate also. (e.g. chemistry, kinesiology) Psychology can be a good choice too, as long as you get your PT pre-requisites included .
As a PT professor for 20 years, serving many years on admission boards, I recommend that no matter what your undergrad degree major is, you need to make sure you meet the prerequisites of the PT schools you are intending to apply to. So, first, identify several PT schools that you want to apply to then go into the school's on-line catalog and see what each particular school requires for admission to PT school. For example, some schools may require a microbiology course or an advanced chemistry but others may not. Just be sure that you use your undergrad elective credits to take any courses outside of those required by your major that you may need to meet the PT prerequisites. And always apply to more than one PT school!
Schools that offer a DPT degree (the entry level degree for PT's) can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website (apta.org)
Study hard and good luck...
As a PT professor for 20 years, serving many years on admission boards, I recommend that no matter what your undergrad degree major is, you need to make sure you meet the prerequisites of the PT schools you are intending to apply to. So, first, identify several PT schools that you want to apply to then go into the school's on-line catalog and see what each particular school requires for admission to PT school. For example, some schools may require a microbiology course or an advanced chemistry but others may not. Just be sure that you use your undergrad elective credits to take any courses outside of those required by your major that you may need to meet the PT prerequisites. And always apply to more than one PT school!
Schools that offer a DPT degree (the entry level degree for PT's) can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website (apta.org)
Study hard and good luck...
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
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Houcine’s Answer
Hello Sydny,
Deciding between exercise science and kinesiology for your undergraduate major on the path to a doctorate in physical therapy depends on personal preference and program requirements. Exercise science focuses on the physiological and biomechanical aspects of exercise, while kinesiology has a broader scope, covering movement, exercise, and the mechanics of the human body. Consider the specific prerequisites of the physical therapy programs you're interested in and choose the major that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Best regards,
Houcine
Deciding between exercise science and kinesiology for your undergraduate major on the path to a doctorate in physical therapy depends on personal preference and program requirements. Exercise science focuses on the physiological and biomechanical aspects of exercise, while kinesiology has a broader scope, covering movement, exercise, and the mechanics of the human body. Consider the specific prerequisites of the physical therapy programs you're interested in and choose the major that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Best regards,
Houcine