Pre-Physical Therapy

Course Requirements

General physical therapy school course requirements include:

  • Two semesters of general biology with laboratories
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratories
  • Two semesters of physics with laboratories
  • Two semesters of anatomy and physiology
  • One semester of general psychology
  • One semester of statistics
  • One semester of medical terminology

Note: Bellarmine’s program also requires Exercise Physiology.

Different programs may have different requirements. 

Suggested coursework arrangement:

First semester

  • CHEM 1055 Principles of Chemistry I (can also be taken fifth semester)
  • FYS 1004 First-Year Seminar

Second semester

  • CHEM 1065 Principles of Chemistry II (can also be taken sixth semester)
  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
  • FYS 1104 First-Year Research Seminar

Third semester

  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology, Molecules and Cells
  • HES 2094 Anatomy and Physiology I

Fourth semester

  • HES 2104 Anatomy and Physiology II

Fifth semester

  • PHYS 2115 University Physics I (can also be taken seventh semester)

Sixth semester

  • PHYS 2125 University Physics II  (can also be taken eighth semester)

GRE

The GRE is generally taken in the summer after the third year in order to matriculate in the fall after graduation. The GRE tests the following subject areas:

  • Verbal reasoning
    • Sentence completion
    • Analogies
    • Antonyms
    • Reading comprehension
  • Quantitative reasoning
    • Arithmetic
    • Algebra
    • Geometry
    • Data analysis
    • Problem solving
    • Quantitative comparison
  • Analytical writing
    • Present your perspective on an issue
    • Analyze an argument

Documentation of 50-100 work/volunteer hours in a physical therapy setting is required.

Competitive applicants

  • Overall GPA: 3.6
  • Science GPA (biology, chemistry, physics): 3.5
  • GRE overall score: 1050

Factors that increase competitiveness:

  • Community service/volunteer work
  • Experience in the field
  • Leadership
  • Strong communication skills

Other important considerations: 

  • Most programs require work, shadowing or volunteer hours
  • Pre-PT students can obtain observation hours by connecting with a mentor through Transy’s 100 Door Program 

Important Links

In-state schools: