What type of courses should I take in college?

Department of Physical Therapy

Preparation for physical therapy school requires three types of courses at the college level: general education courses, courses within your chosen major, and prerequisites.

General education courses are required of all undergraduate students. These courses ensure that students have a base of general knowledge across many disciplines and that they have the critical analysis and communication skills needed for success in any profession, including physical therapy.

Courses in the chosen major are required of all undergraduate students. Majors are designed to ensure that students graduate with specialized knowledge and skills in the major area. Although some majors seem to "fit" with the interests of pre-physical therapy students better than others, pre-physical therapy students may major in any subject. Students have been admitted to the physical therapy program with majors that range from philosophy and religion to chemistry and biology.

Successful completion of a set of prerequisite courses (for example, chemistry, biology, physics, behavioral sciences, statistics, and English composition) is required of all applicants to the physical therapy program. Prerequisite courses ensure that physical therapy students enter the program with the foundation knowledge needed for success in physical therapy courses.

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