Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-Clinical)

The Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate degree major is a pre-clinical track which includes all of the courses required for application for admission to graduate professional physical therapy programs.

As described by the Division of Physical Therapy, students pursuing graduate study would seek to become members of a profession involving the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement disorders, disabilities, injuries caused by a variety of problems, such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders and aging. Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages (across the lifespan) restoring function and promoting independence.

Physical therapy
In this program, students aim to enter the field of physical therapy, where they will evaluate and treat individuals with movement disorders, disabilities, and injuries resulting from various factors, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions and the natural aging process.


The School of Allied Health Sciences offers the pre-physical therapy concentration degree, a study course leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. This health science curriculum is crafted to produce graduates capable of demonstrating and exhibiting the qualities and characteristics that identify them as desirable future healthcare professionals.

Academic Course Curriculum

Physical therapy is a profession with many career options.
Physical therapy is a profession with many career options.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapists aid people experiencing pain or discomfort caused by injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. They then develop and monitor customized treatment plans that help their patients recover and improve their quality of life.

 

 

 

 

The School of Allied Health Sciences offers the pre-physical therapy concentration degree, a study course leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
The School of Allied Health Sciences offers the pre-physical therapy concentration degree, a study course leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

Physical Therapy Careers

Physical therapists work in various environments, from hospitals to private clinics to schools. Physical therapy is a profession with many career options. Physical therapists can work in:

  • Acute Care
  • Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Outpatient Clinic
  • Preschool/School
  • Sports/Fitness
  • Home Health
  • Hospice
  • Women’s Health

 

 

Physical therapists usually have quite busy work days. They spend much of their time on their feet and moving around. They are also sometimes required to lift and move patients.
Physical therapists usually have quite busy work days. They spend much of their time on their feet and moving around. They are also sometimes required to lift and move patients.

Physical Therapist Salary Expectations

 

In 2020, the average physical therapist made:

  • an average of $44.08 an hour
  • a median salary of $91,010
  • the top 25% made an average of $106,060 annually
  • the bottom 25% percent made an average of $75,360 annually

The states with the highest employment rates for physical therapists are:

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Texas
  4. Florida

 

 

 

Most PTs work full-time. They typically work a regular workweek, but some may work nights, weekends, or holidays.
Most PTs work full-time. They typically work a regular workweek, but some may work nights, weekends, or holidays.

Physical Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)


Q: What is a PT's work schedule like?
A: Most PTs work full-time. They typically work a regular workweek, but some may work nights, weekends, or holidays.


Q: What are some other jobs i can acquire with a PT degree?
A: Those interested in becoming physical therapists might also consider careers as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, or chiropractors.

Q: What is the work environment like for a physical therapist?
A: Physical therapists usually have quite busy work days. They spend much of their time on their feet and moving around. They are also sometimes required to lift and move patients.

 

 

 

Curriculum Map

 

Fall Semester 

Freshman Year

ENC 1101 Freshman English I 3
MAC 1105 College Algebra (State Core) 3
BSC 1010 Biological Science Lecture and Lab (State Core) 4
CHM 1045 General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab 4
HSC 1000 Intro to Health Science or SLS 1101 First Year Exp 1-2

 

Total Credits: 15-16

Spring Semester 

ENC 1102 Freshman English II 3
STA 2023 Statistics (State Core) 3
BSC 1011 Biological Science II Lecture and Lab 4
CHM 1046 General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab 4
DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development 3

 

Total Credits: 17 

TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS: 32-33

*Discipline Specific Courses **HRE = HEALTH RELATED ELECTIVE Course substitutions indicated in the State Common Prerequisite Manual at www.facts.orgwill be accepted with a grade of C or better.  Be mindful of any pre-requisites that may be required by the particular Graduate Program that you elect to pursue.

Fall Semester 

Sophomore Year

  Social Science I Civics Literacy (AMH 2020, POS 2041, ISS 1009) 3
PHY 2053 College Physics I Lecture and Lab 4
BSC 2093 Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture and Lab 4
  Humanities I (State Core) 3
  Elective 1 (2000 level or higher) 1-2

 

Total Credits: 15-16

Spring Semester

PSY 2012 Intro to Psychology (Social Science II) 3
PHY 2054 College Physics II Lecture and Lab 4
BSC 2094 Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture and Lab 4
  Humanities II (General Education) 3

 

Total Credits: 14

TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS: 29-30

*Discipline Specific Courses **HRE = HEALTH RELATED ELECTIVE Course substitutions indicated in the State Common Prerequisite Manual at www.facts.orgwill be accepted with a grade of C or better.  Be mindful of any pre-requisites that may be required by the particular Graduate Program that you elect to pursue.

Fall Semester 

Junior Year

HSA 3110 Organization & Adm of Health Facilities (OR) HRE 3000/4000 3
HSC 3531 Medical Terminology (OR) HRE 3000/4000 3
HIM 3437 Fundamental Medical Science I 3
PHT 4028 Professional Development 3
  AMH 2091/AFA 3104/AFA2000 African American History or Experience 3

 

Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester

SYO 3400 Medical Sociology (OR)  HRE 3000/4000 3
HIM 3438 Fundamentals of Medical Science II 3
  Elective 2 (2000 level or higher) 3
HSC 3640 Health Law (OR) HRE 3000/4000 3
RCS 3030 Intro to Rehabilitation 3

 

Total Credits: 15

TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS: 30

Fall Semester 

Senior Year

RCS 3700 Disability and Society 3
HSA 4700 Health Research 3
SYP 4730 Aging in America (OR) HRE 3000/4000 3
RCS 4060 Psychological Aspects of Disability 3
RCS 4200 Intro Vocational Evaluation 3

 

Total Credits: 15

Spring Semester

HSC 4608 Critical Thinking Health Professions (OR) HRE 3000/4000 3
CLP 4143 Abnormal Psychology 3
HSC 4634 Critical Health Issues (OR) HRE 3000/4000 3
RCS 4610 Supervision and Coordination 3

 

Total Credits: 12

TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS: 27

HEALTH SCIENCE PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREE TOTAL CREDITS: 120

*Discipline Specific Courses **HRE = HEALTH RELATED ELECTIVE Course substitutions indicated in the State Common Prerequisite Manual at www.facts.org  will be accepted with a grade of C or better.  Be mindful of any pre-requisites that may be required by the particular Graduate Program that you elect to pursue.