Department
of Physical Therapy Doctor
of Physical Therapy Program Prerequisites
DPT program statements on pre-requisites
Full year, full sequence of Chemistry: The PT program requires a full year, full sequence of chemistry with labs as it helps to prepare students for a background in biological life sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and tissue dynamics. A lower division sequence (1000 or 2000 level) provides an adequate background to prepare for life sciences. Recommended CSS sequence: CHM 1110-1120 General Chemistry I & II.
Full year, full sequence of human or vertebrate anatomy and physiology: A solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology is required to be a successful physical therapist. Completion of a full sequence of human anatomy and physiology is required. Lab experiences, preferably with a human cadaver or cadaver prosection, are required. CSS course sequence: BIO 2110-2120 Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II.
Full year, full sequence of physics: A full year, full sequence of physics with labs is required. Knowledge gained in this course sequence is applied as physical therapists apply biomechanics and therapeutic interventions involving thermal energy, light, and electricity. Introduction to physics or a survey course in physics will not fulfill the requirements for the program. CSS course sequence: PSC 2001-2002 Physics I & II.
Course in statistics. A course in college-level statistics is required to allow students to integrate evidence into their education. Application of statistics and discussion of appropriate types of statistics used with different research methodologies is highly recommended. A course offered by a psychology program best meets these requirements for our physical therapy program, however, other statistic courses at the 2000-level or above from the disciplines of math or economics may be considered. CSS course: PSY 3331 Statistics.
Course or courses
addressing lifespan developmental psychology. This required course provides
background knowledge in human development that is utilized daily in physical
therapy practice. Content in this course should address birth to death and the
different stages humans go through. A psychology based course is preferred,
however a course offered from other human service related fields may be
considered. General psychology cannot be substituted for this requirement. CSS
course: PSY 2208 Lifespan Developmental Psychology.
Course in abnormal psychology: A course in abnormal psychology is required because it is a study of theories and concepts related to variations of normal developmental psychology. Knowledge gained in this course provides a background in determining if and when a patient requires a referral to another provider based on psychological distress. CSS course: PSY 3423 Abnormal Psychology.
Course in medical terminology. A course in medical terminology is required because it provides a foundation of the terminology used by physical therapists when examining and treating the body’s systems and diseases. CSS course: HSC 2209