(Pre-) Physical Therapy

Program Coordinator/Contact

Chanda Walter, Advisor
College of Education and Human Sciences
Intramural Building 116
605-688-6103
E-mail: chanda.walter@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/health-and-nutritional-sciences/pre-atpre-ptpre-ot

Pre-Professional Interest Area Information

The pre-physical therapy program is a pre-professional curriculum whereby all the necessary prerequisites can be completed in preparation for applying to a school of physical therapy. The department provides advising to assist each student in developing a plan best suited to his/her needs. Acceptance by physical therapy schools is on a competitive basis, therefore, a strong undergraduate academic record is essential. Students must declare a undergraduate major along with the Pre-Professional curriculum. Schools of physical therapy now offer a doctorate degree program. Students must earn a bachelor’s degree, have a basic science background and complete a certain number of required courses before applying to a professional physical therapy program. Not all physical therapy programs have the same prerequisites.  Students should contact schools of interest to verify specific prerequisites.

Possible Majors

Exercise Science (B.S.)  
Community and Public Health (B.S.)  
Human Biology (B.S.)  
Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)  
Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)  
Psychology (B.S.)