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Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical therapy isn't just about stretching and rehab. It's about helping people of all ages get back to doing what they love. Imagine being the one who helps athletes recover from injuries or stroke survivors to walk again.

Pre-physical therapy is a pre-professional track at BGSU. Choosing this track is a great way to make sure you’re ready to apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program after earning your bachelor’s degree. You must earn a DPT to become a licensed PT.

BGSU offers a supportive, challenging environment to prepare you for the rigors of PT school. Pre-PT students not only take the classes required to be admitted to physical therapy school, but also have a major in a specific subject area. 

BGSU offers a DPT program if you want to continue your doctoral studies here.

Want more information?

Emma Pennington
Coordinator of Recruitment and Outreach
419-372-6805
eleader@bgsu.edu

Why choose to be a pre-physical therapy student at BGSU in Ohio?

Acceptance into PT school is highly competitive. Our job is to help you meet the requirements and build a strong application. The earlier you prepare, the better chance you have to be accepted into the school of your choice.

By declaring as a pre-physical therapy student, you will have immediate access to the Office of Pre-Professional Programs. We are here for you from freshman orientation to graduation to help you make informed decisions about your path forward.

  • Exceptional pre-PT advising. BGSU stands out for its culture of support and personalized guidance. We know what professional schools are looking for in future physical therapists and can help you develop those skills and qualities. 
  • A strong academic foundation. We know what prerequisites you must take, what GPA you need and how to prepare academically for a DPT program. We offer you the support and tools you need to succeed – tools like a state-of-the-art anatomage table.
  • Mentorship, alumni and peer connections. Peer ambassadors offer a first level of support. You also will have many opportunities to shadow and hear from professionals in the physical therapy field. These relationships are invaluable as you explore career options.
  • Hands-on opportunities. DPT programs like well-rounded students. BGSU offers many student organizations and other ways for you to volunteer, be a leader and cultivate those credentials.

    Our Center for Undergraduate Research can help you find research opportunities as early as your freshman year. 
  • Application aid. We help you navigate the rigorous application process to physical therapy school.
  • Easy transition. You won't need to go far for a graduate physical therapy program. BGSU offers a DPT program.
  • Excellent value. BGSU offers a high-quality, affordable education and generous scholarships. 
  • Proven success. Our graduates are well prepared and regularly accepted into outstanding DPT schools.
  • Natural and Health Science Learning Community.  Live with other students pursuing health-related majors. The extra academic support you receive in the community is a significant advantage for gaining admission to DPT programs.

Why choose a career as a physical therapist?

Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform daily activities.

A career in physical therapy is a great fit if you enjoy science, have a passion for helping people and thrive in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

  • Make a tangible difference in people's lives. Witnessing a patient regain mobility, manage pain and return to activities they love is incredibly rewarding. 
  • Combine science and hands-on work. Use your knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to create personalized treatment plans and work directly with patients to improve their movement and function.
  • Variety and specialization. PTs have options. They practice in settings from hospitals helping patients recover from surgery or injuries to sports medicine clinics to pediatric settings working with children with developmental delays.
  • Strong job outlook. The demand for physical therapists is high. This translates to stable career opportunities with competitive salaries.
  • Movement and wellness advocacy. Physical therapy goes beyond injury rehabilitation. PTs also focus on preventing future injuries and helping people maintain their physical well-being throughout their lives.

Career paths

  • Pediatric physical therapist
  • Physical therapy assistant
  • Physical therapy educator
  • Pelvic floor physical therapist 
  • Physical therapist in chronic pain management

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

How to get into a DPT program

Admission to DPT programs is very competitive. Most DPT degrees take three years to complete. Requirements vary by school but you typically need to:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree that includes all the prerequisites.
  • Earn excellent grades. DPT programs generally require a minimum college GPA of 3.0 and a good prerequisite course GPA.
  • Get some hands-on experience through volunteer work or observation of physical therapists at work.
  • Get involved in extracurricular activities and show leadership skills.

Curriculum

Coursework for pre-PT students varies by major. Some majors include most, if not all, of the courses required for admission to a DPT program. 

It’s important to work with your academic advisor and the Office of Pre-Professional Programs to make sure you complete the prerequisites you need to apply to physical therapy school. 

Students are responsible for verifying all prerequisite courses with the physical therapy school of their choice. Those prerequisites vary by program but typically include these courses. (The equivalent BGSU courses are indicated in parentheses.)

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Sample courses

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • General Psychology
  • Lifespan Psychology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Math

Updated: 08/14/2024 09:41PM