*  Physical therapy overview

*  Getting into physical therapy

*  Related careers

*  What should I major in?

*  What courses should I take?

*  NCC resources

*  Links

*  Back to health science page

Health Sciences:

Physical Therapy

What do I have to do to become a physical therapist?
 
[Physical Therapist] Physical therapists help their patients reduce pain and regain strength and mobility. Their patients might include athletes, individuals recovering from surgery, stroke victims, older adults or handicapped children. Major changes were made to physical therapy programs nationwide in 2002: it is now necessary to receive a masters or doctoral degree in order to become a licensed physical therapist. This means that if you are interested in PT, you should complete a four-year degree from North Central. You will then apply for a physical therapy program which will require 2-3 additional years.

How do I get into a physical therapy program?
 
[Owl] The courses listed below meet the typical entrance requirements for physical therapy. However, you should research the specific requirements of the schools you are interested in early in your freshman year to be sure you will be able to meet them. Many schools also require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test. This test is quite similar to the SAT, and has verbal and mathematical sections scored from 0-800, as well as an analytical writing exam. Successful applicants typically have a college GPA of 3.0 or higher. Volunteer experience as a physical therapy aide as well as strong letters of recommendation from both professors and, ideally, physical therapy professionals will greatly strengthen your application.

What about occupational therapy or athletic training?
 
[Question] Occupational therapy and athletic training are fields somewhat related to physical therapy. Requirements for occupational therapy programs are fairly similar to physical therapy requirements, although a post-graduate degree is not essential for licensing as an occupational therapist. North Central offers an athletic training degree for students interested in pursuing this option.

What should I major in?
 
[Student] Physical therapy programs do not require a major in a specific area. As long as you take the courses that they require for admission, you can major in any field that interests you. Most pre-PT students choose to pursue a bachelor of science degree in biology, because nearly all of the courses needed to qualify for a PT program also fill biology degree requirements.

What courses should I take?
 
[Student] The following courses will meet the entrance requirements for most physical therapy programs, including both doctoral and masters programs. Be sure to check the programs you are interested in for any specific requirements and get help from your academic advisor and/or a pre-health advisor in planning a program that will help you reach your goal.

Required courses:

Additional courses required by some schools:

What resources does North Central have to help me?
 
[Help] North Central's pre-health committee includes pre-health advisors who assist students in selecting courses, planning schedules and completing the transfer process. Dr. Ed Navakas, a practicing psychiatrist, is also a half-time faculty member who helps advise pre-health students, assists in finding internships and other experience and takes a group of pre-health students to a major medical conference each spring. Another major source of support is PHO, the student Pre-Health Organization. PHO activities include visiting medical facilities, shadowing medical professionals, coordinating internships and volunteer opportunities, and inviting speakers from the health professions.

Where can I get more information?
 
Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisors as you plan your pharmacy career!