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What major should I get for physical therapy

#physical-therapist #physical-therapy #major #choosing-a-major

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LaRita’s Answer

If you want to be a Physical Therapist, I would pursue a DPT-degree which is a DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY. However, You'd begin with a Bachelor's of Science in either Exercise Science, Biology, Kinesiology, or Psychology (Something along those lines). After that applying to a school with a credible DPT program, if you have the qualifications to do so.

If you want to be a Physical Therapist Assistant, you'd look up what colleges with 2-year programs in your area have that specific program. Start your pre-requisites and Apply once you're applicable.

All and all, you could seed the academic advisor of a college for the best route to get where you want to be
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Angelina’s Answer

One thing I wished someone would have told me is that you can technically major in whatever you want, even if you are planning to go to medical school, in this case PT school.
Sometimes I think Grad Schools like that a student comes from a different background but if you decide to choose business or something like dance major etc you need to prove moreso why you want to go into pt school and how does this major help you excel in grad school.

However the most common majors for pt are : Biology, exercise sports science, kinesiology, and psychology.

I will say though that every grad school have different requirmenets of classes that it wants to see you took. That means you have to have an idea of what PT schools are looking for and integrate it into your class schedules if its not apart of your majors class requirements.
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Matthew’s Answer

Hi Van,
One of the most common majors for those trying to pursue a career in physical therapy is Exercise Science or Biology. I would suggest making sure you know the specific requirements needed for PT school. Different schools may require different courses. Good luck!
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Andrew’s Answer

Your major doesn't necessarily matter as much for PT schools in the grand scheme of things. The most important part is taking care of your prerequisites, which could vary between schools. I do know most students major in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, and Biology as they take care of most of the requirements. I'd recommend checking the schools you're interested in and what courses they require and recommend.
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Beth’s Answer

The previous answers are all excellent. The American physical Therapy
Association website - APTA.org has a list of PT programs around the country. You can choose your favorites and then look up their pre-requirements. You will have to take several psych classes, physics, math, calculus, medical terminology, and lots of biology. A foreign language is helpful. You can major in anything as long as you include the prerequisites. Usually people major in kinesiology, biology, or exercise science.
You are going to need excellent grades and GRE scores. There are many applicants for a few positions at all the programs. Some schools will also look at sports or community involvement and experience in the field and/or do an interview.
Good luck! PT is a wonderful career.

Beth recommends the following next steps:

Visit APTA.org for schools
University websites for prerequisites for PT school
Observe/volunteer at various PT settings.
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Margie’s Answer

Hi Van! If you are thinking about PT school (DPT) I would major something like Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physiology - something along those lines so you can take the courses required for PT school (Anatomy, etc). You can major in anything in undergrad however you would need to look at each PT schools' prerequisite requirements to see what classes/courses you need to apply. Many of the above majors that I mention will cover that.
Good Luck!

Margie recommends the following next steps:

Look up PT schools and their prerequisites.
Choose a major that has the most of the PT school prerequisites.
Consider taking the prerequisites at community college to save money. PT school is expensive averaging $110-120K on average
Make sure you earn good grades. PT schools competitive your grades and GPA will matter. Retake any courses you didn't do well in.
Look in PTA (physical therapist assistant programs) as an option for PT school
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