Physical Therapist
Overview
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve patients’ quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education.
Clemson University prepares students for application to a three- to four-year doctor of physical therapy program. Pre-physical therapy is not a major. Therefore, you must choose a degree-granting major (and minor, if appropriate).
PT schools do not discriminate among the different disciplines from which you may choose, meaning that you can and should choose the curriculum that interests you most and excel. Be sure to accommodate prerequisite courses for your PT schools of interest.
What is Competitive?
Admissions criteria vary by institution and should be verified individually. According to Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service data, a competitive applicant for admission to doctor of physical therapy programs has an average grade point average of 3.57, as compared to the overall applicant pool, which had an average GPA of 3.37.
Core Preparation Courses
Requirements vary by institution and should be verified. Students planning to pursue a degree in physical therapy should expect to take the following courses:
- Introductory Biology: BIOL 1030 and BIOL 1050; and BIOL 1040 and BIOL 1060 or BIOL 1100 and BIOL 1110.
- Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2220 and BIOL 2230, or BIOL 3150 and BIOL 3160.
- Introductory Chemistry: CH 1010 and CH 1020.
- Physics: PHYS 1220 and PHYS 1240 and PHYS 2210 and PHYS 2230, or PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2090 and PHYS 2080 and PHYS 2100.
- Statistics: STAT 2300.
- Psychology: PSYC 2010.
- Upper-Level Psychology: PSYC 3000/4000 level (e.g. PSYC 3400 or PSYC 3830).
Additional recommended courses include:
- Exercise Physiology: BIOL 4780.
- Medical Terminology: See adviser.
