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What should I major in if I want to become a Physical Therapist?

I'm currently a Junior in High School and about to finish up the school year. I know I want to become a physical therapist, but I'm not quite sure what to major in before I go to medical school. I've thought about a Pre-Med Biology major, but I've also thought about a major in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Human Performance. Is one better than the other if I am going into PT? Is there another major that would be even better? The college I want to go to offers both of these majors, so availability is not a problem. Thank you so much!

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Deanne’s Answer

I am a physical therapist. Congratulations on your college decision! It is wonderful to have so many choices of a major, but can be a little overwhelming too.

PT school applications require many of the same courses you would take as an exercise science major. The overlap means you wouldn't need to take as many extra classes before you apply to PT school. If you major in biology, you will be taking a lot of higher level biology classes that are not required to apply to PT school, like genetics and such. I went this route because my college did not offer an exercise science major and wasted lots of time studying things I didn't really care to know that much about! Then had to take courses after graduation to fulfill the requirements for PT school application.

Typical courses required for PT school are: 2-3 semesters of biology, 2 semesters each of chemistry and physics, 1 semester of anatomy, 1 semester of exercise physiology, 1 semester of kinesiology and 2 semesters of psychology. It depends on the PT school, though.

Deanne recommends the following next steps:

Seek out your college's pre PT or pre-allied health advisor for more guidance
Shadow a PT if you haven't done that already
Study hard- getting into PT school is competitive
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! This helps a lot! Emma
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Jason’s Answer

While I'm not a Physical Therapist my wife is. She says if she could do it again she would do nursing instead of her biology major. Her reasoning is that nursing gives you a license in the hospital to work after your bachelors making much more money and having more job options than just having a biology degree. Also she mentions that it provides job security as in total when getting a DPT it takes 7 years (4 of undergrad, and 3 in DPT school) if something unforseen happens such as an injury (my wife tore her achillies and had to sit out a year of PT school) you still have the ability to work as a nurse in your desired setting. She said it was pretty normal for the DPT students in her cohort that were nurses to pick up shifts at the local hospital. The flexibility is a game changer. Hope this helps.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question! I will have to look into nursing. Emma
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LaTausha’s Answer

I will echo the previous answer regarding a biology degree. I earned my biology degree and was very disappointed how limted the bachelor's in biology was. It is much more academic or a foundation degree that you'd have to build on to make it worthwhile. Depending on the school, if they have a pre-allied health department, physical therapy may fall under that. kinesiology or health and human performance may be more beneficial than bio if that what your school offers. If nursing is an option of interest that seems like a sustainable path to take to be able to support your interests.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Emma
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