Pre-Physical Therapy

Preparing for a Career in Physical Therapy


Learn more about a career as a Physical Therapist

Learn about The University of Arizona’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Students earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree after finishing physical therapy school. Programs are typically two-three years long.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Requirements vary widely by school so it is important to look at the requirements of programs you are considering to be sure you include those courses in your academic career at The University of Arizona.

Physical Therapy School Prerequisites
 

REQUIREMENTGENERAL DESCRIPTIONU OF A COURSE NUMBERS
Anatomy/Physiology 
  • PSIO 201 and 202
Biology 
  • MCB 181R & 181L
  • ECOL 182 R & 182L
Chemistry (usually will accept gen chem and/or organic) 
  • CHEM 151
  • CHEM 152
English 
  • English 101& 102 or
  • English 109H & additional English class, usually composition
    • ENGL 306, 307,308 (Recommended for Health Professions)
Exercise Physiology 
  • PSIO 420
Mathematics/Statistics 
  • Math 112 (College Algebra) and
  • Math 163 or 263 (statistics/biostats)
  • Any course with statistics in the title
    • EX: PSY230
Medical Ethics 
  • PA/PHIL 321
Medical Terminology 
  • CLAS 116B
Physics 
  • PHYS 102 and 181
  • PHYS 103 and 182
Psychology3-9 semester hours of Psychology usually including introductory, developmental, abnormal)
  • PSY 150 (introductory)
  • PSY 200(development)
  • PSY 381 (abnormal)

Application Service

The application service for physical therapy school is PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service). The application service typically opens in June and is due June of the following year.

Exam

The entrance exam for physical therapy is called GRE (Graduate Record Exam). The GRE is offered year-round.

Helpful Links

APTA Resources: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/85/Program-Prerequisites

PTCAS Resources: https://www.apta.org/cas/ptcas

University of Arizona Physical Therapy Program: https://chs.arizona.edu/academics/physical-therapy-program/admissions 

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