Pre-Physical Therapy

Program Coordinator/Contact

Chanda Walter, Advisor
School of Health and Consumer Sciences
Wagner Hall 241, Box 2275A
605-688-6103

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 School of Health and Consumer Sciences 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.

Suggested 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.A./B.S.)