• 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.
• Certified DPT programs in the state of 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!

i Prerequisites vary by school. While some schools may require this course, others may not.

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. Please research programs to identify additional courses you may need to include and work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.