[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical therapists enjoy rewarding careers as key players in improving patients’ mobility and physical health. As a physical therapist, you might help an accident victim regain the use of his arms, teach a stroke victim to walk again, or improve the mobility of a child with cerebral palsy.

Job opportunities in physical therapy are expected to grow faster than the average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, homes, nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Physical therapists also teach and conduct research.

Will I need further study?
What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
Where can I find additional information?

Will I need further study?
Yes. You will need to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and then pass a licensure exam before you may pursue a career in this field. Some students complete two years of study at Elmhurst and then complete their bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution, while others complete their degree at Elmhurst in specific areas, such as biology, psychology, or exercise science, and then earn a second bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in physical therapy.

What should I major in?
As a pre-physical therapy student you may choose any major, as long as you complete the course requirements of the school you’re applying to.

What are the course requirements?
Elmhurst College provides students with the basic undergraduate curriculum and liberal arts experience that are prerequisite for application to physical therapy schools. Because physical therapy schools vary considerably in their prerequisites for admission, you should explore the entrance requirements of the school that interests you as early as possible.

Physical therapy schools typically require a significant number of clinical hours in one or more physical therapy settings. Also, applicants need to have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. Some schools require applicants to take the Allied Health Professions Admission Test (AHPAT).

Recommended courses include:

• BIO 107, 108, 250, 251 plus other specific courses required by individual schools
• CHM 211, 212
• ENG 105, 106
• MTH 121, 132 plus statistics suggested, some programs require Calculus (MTH 151)
• PHY 111, 112 or 121, 122
• PSY 210, 317 or 318, 327
• SOC 211
• Humanities, two terms

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions as well as check out these useful websites:

American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.APTA.org
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 63,000 members.

Physical Therapy – The Web Space: Text/Journals
http://automailer.com/tws/online.html
This page offers a comprehensive list of print and online journals that are connected with the field of physical therapy.

Physical Therapists
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm
Information about job outlook and working conditions from the U.S. Department of Labor.