The Pre-Physical Therapy program at Regis College prepares you for the rigors of a doctor of physical therapy degree.
Most physical therapist education programs require applicants to earn a bachelor's degree prior to admission into the professional DPT program. Other programs offer a 3+3 curricular format in which three years of specific pre-physical therapy undergraduate courses must be taken before the student can advance into a three-year professional DPT program.
(Reprinted with permission from the American Academy of PAs)
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
PTs examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
Program Prerequisites
A list of physical therapy programs, including admission deadlines and entrance requirements, can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website. Additionally, students can also find information on individual school requirements for physical therapy experience on the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) website.
Below are some of the common courses required by DPT programs across the country and that are offered through Regis College's Pre-Physical Therapy program.
| Course Subject | # of Semesters | Regis Course Number to fulfill requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology w/lab | Two semesters |
|
| General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry | Most schools require two semesters of general chemistry with lab. Some schools may additionally require two semesters of organic chemistry with lab or biochemistry |
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| Biology | Two semesters, some schools require and additional upper level biology class such as immunology, genetics, or cell biology |
|
| Psychology | One or two semesters of an introductory psychology course |
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| Math | Math requirements vary between programs. Most programs require statistics. Some schools require a combination. |
|
| Physics | Two semesters with lab |
|
| Other Physiology | Common courses required:
|
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| Motor Learning | Some schools recommend |
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| Microbiology w/lab | Some schools recommend |
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| Social Sciences | Most schools require |
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| Pharmacology | Some schools require (UMass Lowell) |
In addition to academic coursework, most programs require documented experience in a physical therapy setting. This experience can be paid or volunteer in most cases.
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