2 answers
Abby
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
2 answers
Justin Stromberg
Physical Therapist
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hello Abby,
Without knowing your current educational situation, I can only answer this question broadly. I see that you are a student, but it doe snot indicate at what level or what your age is. If you are a high school student, then I highly recommend as much science courses as you are able to take. Biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology.... Once in college, pursuing your bachelors degree, the majority of the prerequisites required to apply to PT school are science based. In fact, the university I applied to, and was accepted by, took into account my overall undergrad GPA, but also separated out just my science GPA. Since science is such a large factor, the more prepared you are the better. In fact, you may be able to take some college level science courses, just make sure they will transfer over to the universities you plan on applying to.
For college level courses, choose a degree that encompasses most, if not all, of the prerequisites to get into PT school. This is typically Kinesiology, Exercise/Sports science/Biology. When I declared my major, the university offered a BS in Exercise & Sports Science - Pre Physical Therapy, which was specifically for those pursuing a MSPT. That was 14 years ago and things have changed. I recommend contacting the PT departments for each college you are interested in attending, in order to find out all of their pathways to a DPT.
I hope this helps,
Justin Stromberg, PT
Without knowing your current educational situation, I can only answer this question broadly. I see that you are a student, but it doe snot indicate at what level or what your age is. If you are a high school student, then I highly recommend as much science courses as you are able to take. Biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology.... Once in college, pursuing your bachelors degree, the majority of the prerequisites required to apply to PT school are science based. In fact, the university I applied to, and was accepted by, took into account my overall undergrad GPA, but also separated out just my science GPA. Since science is such a large factor, the more prepared you are the better. In fact, you may be able to take some college level science courses, just make sure they will transfer over to the universities you plan on applying to.
For college level courses, choose a degree that encompasses most, if not all, of the prerequisites to get into PT school. This is typically Kinesiology, Exercise/Sports science/Biology. When I declared my major, the university offered a BS in Exercise & Sports Science - Pre Physical Therapy, which was specifically for those pursuing a MSPT. That was 14 years ago and things have changed. I recommend contacting the PT departments for each college you are interested in attending, in order to find out all of their pathways to a DPT.
I hope this helps,
Justin Stromberg, PT
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
711
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Abby:
Thank you for your question. You've received some great information from Justin. I'd like to include the following classes for your consideration.
• Biology/Anatomy
• Chemistry
• Physiology
• Biomechanics
•Nueroscience
Best of luck to you!
Becoming a Physical Therapist • https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt
Thank you for your question. You've received some great information from Justin. I'd like to include the following classes for your consideration.
• Biology/Anatomy
• Chemistry
• Physiology
• Biomechanics
•Nueroscience
Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps: