Pre-Physical Therapy
January 8, 2025 2025-12-09 16:02Pre-Physical Therapy
Move Toward a PT Career
Pre-Physical Therapy
Lay the groundwork for graduate study in physical therapy.
Pre-Professional Program in Physical Therapy
The Pre-Physical Therapy Advising Track is not a major — it’s an added layer of specialized advising that works alongside any academic program you choose at the University of Lynchburg. Because physical therapy programs admit applicants from various majors, this track helps you select the right prerequisite courses, gain meaningful clinical experience, and prepare for competitive DPT admissions.
Whether you major in Exercise Physiology, Biomedical Science, Public Health, or another field entirely, the Pre-PT Advising Track ensures you receive personalized guidance on course sequencing, GRE expectations, observation hours, and application timelines. You’ll work closely with faculty advisors who understand what DPT programs look for and how to build a strong, well-rounded application.
Our goal is to help you confidently navigate the path toward graduate study in physical therapy and develop the academic and clinical readiness needed for success in the field.
How to Declare a Pre-Physical Therapy Advising Track
To officially join the Pre-PT track:
- Contact the Office of Academic Advising.
- Request to declare the Pre-Physical Therapy Advising Track.
- You will be connected with a faculty advisor who specializes in physical therapy preparation.
Why declare? Declaring ensures that you:
- Enroll in the correct prerequisites at the right time
- Stay on track for competitive DPT admissions.
- Receive updates about opportunities, deadlines, and advising resources.
Recommended Majors
You can pursue the Pre-PT track with any major, provided you complete the required prerequisite coursework. Most Lynchburg students choose:
- Exercise Physiology (BS) — the most aligned with PT entrance requirements
- Biology – Biomedical Science (BS)
- Public Health (BS)
Students in other majors can still complete this track with careful planning. Your advisor will help you develop a four-year plan that aligns with both your professional goals and your degree requirements.
Prerequisite Courses for Most DPT Programs
While requirements vary across institutions, the following courses are commonly expected by DPT schools nationwide:
Core Sciences
- Biology (with lab)
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II
- General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- Physics I and II (with lab)
Additional Requirements
- Statistics
- Psychology (Introductory and some require a second psychology course)
- Medical Terminology
- Human Development or Developmental Psychology
- Sociology (sometimes recommended)
Your advisor will help you clarify the exact requirements for your target schools and integrate them into your degree plan.
Recommended Lynchburg Courses
- BIOL 113 and 114
- CHEM 111 and 112
- PHYS 141 and 142 or PHYS 161 and 162
- MATH 102 or MATH 103
- PSYC 111 and PSYC 241
- ENGL 123W
Recommended electives: Anatomy & Physiology, College Algebra, Statistics, and additional psychology courses.
What Jobs Can I Get With Pre-Physical Therapy?
Graduates typically continue their education in physical therapy school to become physical therapists. Job titles include:
- Physical Therapist: $90,000
- Rehabilitation Specialist: $85,000
- Sports Physical Therapist: $95,000
- Pediatric Physical Therapist: $88,000
- Orthopedic Physical Therapist: $92,000
- Geriatric Physical Therapist: $87,000
- Neurological Physical Therapist: $94,000
- Physical Therapy Clinic Director: $100,000
- Home Health Physical Therapist: $93,000
- Occupational Therapy Assistant: $60,000
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
DuAnn Kremer, PhD, ACSM EP-C
