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Basic Physical Therapy Requirements

Physical Therapy programs are undergoing rather dramatic changes.  In the not-to-distant future, all programs will offer the DPT degree.  Bachelor's and Master's programs are being phased out.  Therefore some changes in requirements may be forthcoming.  It is very important to check with each school in which you are interested to be certain that you meet their requirements.

The basic requirements for the MS and DPT programs include the following:

  • General Biology with lab, two semesters:
    BIO 2105, 2106
  • General Chemistry with lab, two semesters:
    CHM 1151/1103, 1152/1104
  • Anatomy & Physiology, two semesters:
    BIO 1205, 1206 or BIO 3055 and BIO 3155
  • Physics with lab, two semesters:
    PHY 1100/1101, 1102/1103 or 2410/2411 and 2412/2413 or 2414/2415
  • English - two semesters
  • Psychology - two semesters: PSY 1000 and an upper level course; Abnormal Psychology or Developmental Psychology are most often cited.
  • Statistics

Information on the PT programs may be accessed from the web site of the American Physical Therapy Association.  

Selecting A Major

To meet these requirements, the following majors may be selected.  The major must be supplemented with the above courses as needed.  Science courses should be selected in close coordination with the Health Professions Advisor. Your advisor in your major will assist you in selecting courses to complete the requirements for your major.

Liberal Arts Major  (4-year Bachelor of Arts degree, any discipline)
These above courses will satisfy the science and math requirements for the core curriculum.  However, fitting all the science requirements into a program may require summer course work. 

Biology Major  (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
This major will include most prerequisite course, including BIO 3055 and BIO 3155; BIO 1205 and BIO 1206 will fill elective credits only.  For further information, contact the Biology Department in the Mendel Science Center 147, (610) 519-4830.

Chemistry Major  (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
Students must supplement their curriculum with BIO 2105 and 2106 plus additional courses as above.   For further information, contact the Chemistry Department in the Mendel Science Center 215, (610) 519-4840.

Biochemistry Major (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
This major includes all prerequisite courses.  For further information, contact the Chemistry Department in the Mendel Science Center 215, (610) 519-4840.

Comprehensive Sciences Major  (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
Students must supplement their curriculum with BIO 3055 and BIO 3155 and other courses listed above; BIO 1205 and BIO 1206 will only fill elective credits.  For further information, contact the Comprehensive Science Program, St. Augustine Center 451, (610) 519-4232.