- Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts who prescribe exercise, provide hands-on care, and patient education. PT’s examine each patient and develop an individualized plan to increase mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
- Physical therapists can treat patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, schools, sports and fitness facilities, and nursing homes.
- DPT programs in Oregon: George Fox University, Oregon State University- Cascades, Pacific University, Western University of Health Sciences, Oregon Institute of Technology/Oregon Health and Science University.
- Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. You must also have a well- rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, GRE (not all programs require this), and a strong admissions essay.
- Once your application is submitted, you may be required to complete a secondary/supplemental application and attend an on-campus interview (program specific).
- PT schools require applicants to have 20-400 observation hours in a physical therapy setting. Researching individual program requirements is an important step!
- Applying to PT school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting PT school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year.
- Be sure to research individual programs about any COVID-19 related changes (pre-reqs and GRE exceptions, pass/fail policy, etc).
The chart below illustrates one way completing a physical therapy program’s prerequisitesi can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!
Click here to watch the Physical Therapy Prerequisite Overview video.
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 221: General Chemistry I | CH 222: General Chemistry II | CH 223: General Chemistry III | |
YEAR ONE | CH 227: General Chemistry Lab | CH 228: General Chemistry Lab | CH 229: General Chemistry Lab |
MATH 112Z: Precalculus IIiii | STAT 243Z: Elementary Statistics | WR 123: College Comp III or ENG 107: World Literature (AL)i | |
| Writing 121: College Composition | WR 122: College Composition II |
|
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
BI 211: Gen Bio I - Cells | BI 212: Gen Bio II - Organisms | BI 213: Gen Bio III - Populations or BI 214: Gen Bio IV - Biochem | |
YEAR TWO | HPHY 211: Medical Terminology | HPHY 212: Scientific Investigation Physiologyii | PSY 202: Intro to PSY II (SS) |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
HPHY 321: Anatomy I | HPHY 323: Anatomy II | HPHY 325: A&P III | |
YEAR THREE | HPHY 322: Physiology I | HPHY 324: Physiology II | Additional Psychology i |
PSY 308: Developmental Psychology i |
|
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
PHYS 201: General Physics I | PHYS 202: General Physics II | PHYS 203: General Physics III | |
YEAR FOUR | PHYS 204: General Physics Lab | PHYS 205: General Physics Lab | PHYS 206: General Physics Lab |
i Prerequisites vary by school. While some schools may require this course, others may not. Research individual programs to determine whether you would like to add this course to your graduation plan.
ii These courses are prerequisites for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. They are not typically prerequisites for PT school.
iii This course is not required by PT programs. This is a co-requisite for General Chemistry I
Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Research programs to identify additional courses you may need to take by visiting the PTCAS Program Directory. Work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.