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What major is most effective if I want to go to grad school for physical therapy?

Universities offer a few majors/routes for undergrads that could work for PT grad school... which one puts me ahead?
#physical-therapy #undergraduate #major #college-major #college #academic-advising

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Thank you comment icon A really great undergraduate Degree to have would be exercise science but more preferably kinesiology. Kinesiology uses more lever systems and constructs of the body than exercise science. You really have to look at the college and their program. With that being said I actually got my undergraduate degree in molecular biology, then completed a Masters in health and physical education with a sports administration concentration. I obtained a second masters in nutrition with an advanced bio chemistry concentration and then pursuit physical therapy. So looking back, I think that is favorable undergrad Degree to get in order to go straight into physical therapy would be kinesiology. A lot of students get exercise science but kinesiology really would prepare you for biomechanics better. Bekah Howell
Thank you comment icon I agree that kinesiology would put you ahead somewhat, but I’d say going to a school that gives undergraduates the opportunity to work with real cadavers for anatomy lab would really be the most effective way to “get you ahead”. You only take one semester of biomechanics and anatomy is really the bread and butter of what you do in the clinic. I was a biology major and I was ahead in different areas than my other classmates including neuroscience, so it really depends what area you want to be “ahead in”. I would also look up pre-requisites for the schools you want to apply to because the pre-requisite classes are not standardized between schools. Every school has different requirements so I would do that now so you’re not surprised when it’s time to apply. Lauren Scheuing
Thank you comment icon The beauty of Physical Therapy is that you can major in anything you’d like, as long as you take the prerequisite classes you’ll need to apply. Kinesiology is the most traditional and common undergraduate major, since most of that coursework is required. But if you have another passion, your undergraduate degree is a great time to broaden your learning before entering PT. Biology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, or engineering would all be beneficial for your future PT career. And if you ever plan to go into private practice, majoring in business would also be helpful. Anything goes really! -Alison McGinnis Alison McGinnis
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Steve’s Answer

April,

Hi I’m Steve. I’m a physical therapist in San Antonio Texas. I’m also a clinical instructor for student physical therapists. I may be able to answer your question.

There are many avenues to get to PT school. Most require an undergraduate degree, but some do not. Almost any degree will be ok as long as you’ve covered the basic requirements that are usually outlined in the application for each program. That being said, life sciences are very important. Anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology and physics are super important when considering any medical graduate school.

For the programs that require an undergraduate degree, biology and biochemistry degrees rule the day. Degrees like kinesiology oddly enough don’t typically require the upper level life science requirements needed for PT school qualification. Just as important is your science GPA. So when you apply to PT school, you’re competitive with anything more than a 3.5 GPA. Lower than that and you risk no being competitive for a PT school slot.

Some programs are in the 3 plus 3 format. Meaning that you don’t need an undergraduate degree to get in, but as a college freshman you’re already in a PRE PT Program. You get all the pre reqs in your first 3 years then transition right into a doctoral PT program.


Hope that helps April


Best wishes,

Steve
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Moinul’s Answer

The American Physical Therapy Association reports the most common undergraduate majors for physical therapists are exercise science, biology, psychology and kinesiology.
Thank you comment icon Very Helpful Priscilla Salami
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Matthew’s Answer

Hey April,

Great question, and the fact that you are asking it already puts you ahead of most the competition - continue to be proactive and educate yourself before making the leap!

Before you even consider a school specifically for PT, I would just be sure that you have obtained a decent amount of PT observation/volunteer hours (15 or 20+) of different settings and have a firm idea that it is what you can see yourself doing as a career. I advocate for this because with the average student loan debt for a DPT graduate following school being around $100k (APTA 2019 survey), it can be tempting to graduate only to find the highest paying job and potentially experience a high degree of burn out, for the sake of paying back the loans. Thus, I’d also highly advise that you perform some financial literacy courses before undertaking this huge investment.

With that being said, I went to the University of Mary in Bismarck ND and graduated with a bachelor of science: athletic training degree. I thought the skillsets of patient interaction (developing personal and professional relationships), anatomy, taping/splinting, acute care, special testing and examination, as well as the therapeutic exercise education proved to be invaluable when beginning the PT classwork - especially as we were sent on our first clinical experiences. It was clear that we ATCs (certified athletic trainers) had a superior skillset of patient interaction compared to our colleagues who graduated with degrees requiring less or no patient interaction. Therefore, I felt as though we had more “mental” space within those first clinicals to learn the more intricate roles of a PT (rather than learning how to develop appropriate patient-clinician relationships).

Another route I would suggest would be the bachelor of science: exercise science degree. This one seemed to have slightly less patient interaction, but it was heavily focused on cardiovascular and respiratory rehabilitation (2 areas that play a HUGE part of physical therapy education and practice). These classmates had superior knowledge on the vascular and respiratory conditions of the body and could more easily design exercise programs for people with chronic or underlying conditions.

Lastly, when choosing the school specifically, be sure to research schools that offer “Early assurance” or “pre-acceptance.” There are a few, the University of Mary being one of them, and they will drastically decrease the stress and financial costs of application to physical therapy programs once you’re ready to enter grad school. Here is a link the UMary early assurance requirements if you were interested: https://www.umary.edu/admissions/early-assurance.php

In summary:
1. Volunteer hours are gravely important prior to beginning the PT journey
2. Financial Literacy highly recommended (learn how to budget, loan refinancing, etc)
3. Athletic Training (many schools are moving to a masters degree) provides a great route if interested in sports setting or developing patient interaction skillset in general
4. Exercise Science provides a great insight into the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems of care (highly important for PT)
5. Be on the look out for programs that offer pre-acceptance (do not need to apply or take the GRE)

Feel free to shoot me any additional questions - I’d love to help.
God bless!
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Samuel’s Answer

Drawing from my experience, the major that I would take for graduate school for physical therapy would be the Fitness Director option under Kinesiology. The major requirements is not that numerous, but you get a lot of insight regarding this field and useful tools to apply. Several topics under this option include philosophy of PE, therapeutic exercise, etc. In addition, many of the the instructors and professors in this field of study are already licensed kinesiologists and therapists, with years of experience, so they can help by giving feedback from their experience.
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Heidi’s Answer

You should major in something that you’re interested in. I also recommend that your major be something that you can use as a back up plan in case you are not accepted the first time you apply so that you can have a job that pays better than minimum wage. Be creative. Admissions teams see a lot of the same degrees in their candidates. Biology and kinesiology are by far the most common, but my classmates had degrees in English and other areas. A different degree can help you to stand out and shows diversity. Of course you still have to achieve the prerequisite coursework which makes a minor in biology and maybe even exercise physiology inevitable, but think outside the box. Want to be self employed and own your own clinic or home health agency one day? Business and entrepreneurial knowledge/skills are needed. I personally had a degree in exercise and sport science with a minor in Biology. I was one course away from an English minor. I regret not finishing that minor since I’m interested in pursuing technical writing after 20 years as a PT (I have a MSPT and a DPT). Burn out happens. Make sure your degree sets you up for the “what do I do if I get tired of daily productivity-driven direct patient care after a few years” stage of your career. Because I can guarantee your will hit that wall eventually. Open up your possibilities.

Heidi recommends the following next steps:

Research the prerequisites for the DPT programs you’ll apply to (more than 1) and development a degree plan that hits those in the fewest courses possible. Time is money and you want to minimize debt.
Consider alternative ways to make money as a PT after you graduate.
Keep in mind that diversity is an asset. Be different.
Make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you different from other applicants. Make sure you know what sets you apart and ahead so you can articulate those in a face to face interview.
Have friends practice interview scenarios with you.
Thank you comment icon Sorry about typos. On my phone. Heidi Heidi Knight
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Matthew’s Answer

Steve's got a great answer.

Additionally, some Physical Therapy programs have specific course pre-requisite lists that may be unique to that particular program. However, the basic educational requirements, especially the life sciences are important.

Learning outside of the classroom is equally, if not more important. Get out there and get some "hands-on" experience in a PT clinic, a hospital with PTs, or at a school system with PTs.
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Jenna’s Answer

I studied Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I was advised to go this route because it vigorous program would better prepare me for the workload I would be faced with in a doctor of physical therapy program. I would agree that the work load and labs helped me develop strong study habits, learn how to read and write research papers, and provided a strong transcript for graduate programs to look at. In addition, I did require an extra psychology class and biomechanics which were not required for my major but were required for applying to graduate programs. Other friends studied kinesiology, however, some schools do not offer 4 credit anatomy and 4 credit physiology for this majors (theirs was 3 credits each and required them to take an extra class to meet the application criteria). Many of my friends in graduate school studied Athletic training which I believe prepared them very well for some of the skills we learned in school; for example, taping, splinting, and emergency sideline medical care. An athletic training undergraduate degree can also be helpful if you want to work with athletes on the field in conjunction with your physical therapy training. You can do this part time or as a way to promote yourself for your own business one day. Most important, which ever major you decided, look at the classes you will be taking for your undergraduate degree and compare them to a few DPT programs’ entry criteria to make sure you will have met all of those criteria by the time you graduate. This will save you a lot of extra work! Also, it is a good idea to establish yourself with a physical therapy clinic, hospital, or rehab center. Many schools require hours but most require a letter of recommendation from at least 1 physical therapist so it’s good to make those connections early. Good luck!

Jenna recommends the following next steps:

Compare the classes you will take for the major to the classes required for entry into DPT programs.
If there are classes that are required for a physical therapy program but not by your undergraduate program, you may need to get special permission to take a class required for other programs (this is usually an easy conversation with the dean of your program or the program whose class you are required to take).
Find a physical therapist, clinic, or hospital near school or your home to volunteer or work at.
Mix up your experience by volunteering at various settings or getting involved with non-profit organizations that help those with disabilities. It’s a great way to learn which area of the field you love and you get to help others!
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Melody’s Answer

I agree, look at the schools you want to go to and then just make sure to take those classes. In my undergrad, the requirements did not 100% match every school I wanted to attend. For example, a medical terminology course was required for my DPT program, but it was not required in order to graduate with my B.S. in Exercise Science. So, just make sure you are fulfilling all of your requirements even if you pursue other things while taking the classes required for PT school :).
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Tina’s Answer

Exercise sciences, public health, kinesiology
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Caroline’s Answer

I'm not sure which majors you are considering, but my best advice would be to major in something you could potentially see yourself pursuing in future education. Say, for example, that a few years after practicing as a PT, you decide you want to go back and get your PhD and teach... what would you want to teach?
(all of this assuming that you know what prerequisites you need to get into school)
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Mercy’s Answer

kinesiology, physical education, Exercise Science. Biology. Health Sciences. Psychology.Athletic Training.Exercise Physiology.
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Priyanka’s Answer

Hi! I'm a new grad physical therapist. My major was in Movement Science in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. I loved the degree as much of it was focused on going through the life sciences courses like Anatomy/Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, etc. However, you have so many different courses and electives offered with that degree as well. It nicely transitions into what you will further learn in PT school as you study the biomechanics of movement, exercise physiology, and motor control - all very important aspects of physical therapy.
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Jess’s Answer

You can get your major in anything you want as long as you complete the pre-requisites required to get into physical therapy school. Most pre-requisites are in the science and kinesiology programs so most people get a major in biology, kinesiology, exercise science or other related majors. However, there are a lot of people who get their major in English, Business, or other interests and still get into physical therapy school.

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Lynne’s Answer

Pick a major that you like and can do very well in. I was a double major in kinesiology & psychology. I also did graduate studies in kinesiology & was a teaching assistant for undergrads for one year. I was grateful for my strong background in life sciences, especially neuroscience. As a private practice owner, I wished for more business expertise. I agree with the PTs above who have noted that it is vital that you explore the world of PT by volunteering or getting a paid position as a PT aide. Along with a fine GPA, compelling life story, & persistence, your direct work in the PT world or with the differently able world will push you to the top of the applicant pool.

Lynne recommends the following next steps:

Excel in your major & in the classes required for PT grad school
Volunteer in a PT clinic, school, or hospital
Start or join a prePT student group
Apply a second time if you do not get admitted the first year you apply.
Learn more about your new career on APTA.org
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Miki’s Answer

Exercise Physiology, Biology, Kinesiology are all great choices.
My classmates who had a background in Exercise Physiology seemed to have the easiest time in PT school.
I had a Masters in English Literature. While PT school was a struggle, I've gotten lots of great feedback as a Clinician because I "get" people. It helps to know about the Human Condition, Psychology, and having an interest in who your patient is. What is their story?

To get into PT school:
A background in science, Sports, Research, or Psychology is super helpful.

Right now in the Covid-19 crisis:
Learn what you can about Respiratory Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehab Crisis Management, Counselling.

Good luck and best of success to you!
Thank you comment icon I am a seasoned and versatile physiotherapist professional with experience in McKenzie method, member of the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec. I have excellent interpersonal and multitasking skills with experience in busy clinic environments. Valeria Batista
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Awah’s Answer

Any science major is good but I would suggest Kinesiology, so you learn things early on and decide whether you want to continue on with you career choice.