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Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization

Overview

Physical therapy is a dynamic and evidence-based profession that helps to improve or restore mobility, relieve pain and reduce the need for surgery and prescription drugs. Physical therapy professionals diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

To practice as a physical therapist in the United States, you must graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program and pass a state licensure exam. Generally, students complete a bachelor’s degree in four years followed by three years in the DPT education program. As of 2015, professional physical therapist education programs in the United States only offer the DPT degree. The Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Physical Therapy degrees have been discontinued.

 

Advising

Physical therapy programs are typically three-year programs leading to a doctorate degree (DPT).  Admission to a DPT program requires a baccalaureate degree. Specific requirements vary from one institution to another, so prospective applicants should carefully peruse the requirements for each individual program of interest while developing their undergraduate degree plan. Most students at WTAMU with a Pre-Physical Therapy specialization are pursuing majors in Biology or Sports and Exercise Sciences or some combination of such.

Students should consult advisers for proper course selection.

  • Consult the Pre-Physical Therapy Information Packet (we recommend you print this)
  • Common requisite courses
    • Biology
    • Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402)
    • Chemistry (CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412
    • Physics (PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1402)
    • Psychology
    • Statistics
    • Other courses by program
      • Biomechanics (SES 4341)
      • Exercise Physiology (SES 3341)
      • Medical Terminology
    • Additional admissions requirements and program accreditation information are available on specific program websites (see below)

Texas Physical Therapy Schools & Information

List of Texas Schools  

WTAMU Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization Advisers

Dr. Gene Farren
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Office: VHAC 231
Phone: (806) 651-2370
Email: gfarren@wtamu.edu 

Dr. Vanessa Fiaud
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Office: VHAC 230
Phone: (806) 651-2677
Email: vfiaud@wtamu.edu 

Dr. Rick Haasl
Department of Health Sciences
Office: Old Main 402C
Phone: (806) 651-3502
Email: rhaasl@wtamu.edu 

Dr. Stephen Karaganis
Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Office: NSB 339
Phone: (806) 651-3870
Email: skaraganis@wtamu.edu 

Dr. Blake Price
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Office: VHAC 235
Phone: (806) 651-3646
Email: bprice@wtamu.edu 

Dr. Lorna Strong
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Office: VHAC 217C
Phone: (806) 651-2382
Email: lstrong@wtamu.edu