Pre-Physical Therapy

Is this career right for you?

  • Do you enjoy hands-on patient care?
  • Are you a teacher and motivator, at heart?
  • Do you enjoy the science of the human body?

Prerequisite courses

Any major is acceptable although ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder students are encouraged to consider majoring in Integrative Physiology. Physical Therapy (PT) schools seek applicants who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong sense of service and leadership, have clinical and observational hours in PT setting, and who have done well in their coursework.

On your path toward PT school, you will engage in many facets of development. PT schools are seeking well-rounded, compassionate, creative, bright, service-minded individuals. You must develop and demonstrate personal attributes that will enable you to be an effective healthcare provider.

Your academic preparation is still extremely important.  The courses listed below meet the prerequisite requirements for most PT schools, however, there is variability in prerequisite requirements among schools.

You are responsible for verifying the prerequisites for each of the schools that interest you. 

For more specifics on prerequisite requirements, you should visit the website for each of the PT schools you are considering.  For access to all PT programs, visit the  and the . OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can help answer complex quesitons regarding pre-requisites; however, OPHA generally recommends retaking AP/IB credits that are part of the course requirements for health professional schools. Because many schools do not accept AP/IB credits for prerequisite requirements, this helps students keep their options open when it comes time to apply as each school can differ in their exceptions.

Most PT programs require grades of at least C or higher for all prerequisites. If you do not receive satisfactory grades in required courses, we highly recommend you retake to ensure mastery of content and competitiveness of the application. Additionally, some PT programs will require that all math and science courses be completed within the last five years.

There is a lot of variability and nuance when it comes to pre-requisites. OPHA's Pre-Health Advisors can assist you in determining what courses you need to be most competitive and for which schools.

The following list of courses demonstrates the most common pre-requisities, since they often vary among PT programs.

Biology

At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder, there are multiple options to fulfill this requirement. Additional biology courses may be required depending on the PT school.

  • General Biology 1 (EBIO 1210), 3 credits, OR Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (MCDB 1150), 3 credits
  • General Biology 1 Lab (EBIO 1230), 1 credit
  • General Biology 2 (EBIO 1220), 3 credits, OR Principles of Genetics (MCDB 2150), 3 credits
  • General Biology 2 Lab (EBIO 1240), 1 credit OR one of the following first-year biology labs:
    • From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Lab (MCDB 1161), 2 credits
    • Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens (MCDB 1171), 2 credits
    • Biological Probiotic/Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens (MCDB 1181/IPHY 1181), 2 credits
    • Drug Discovery Through Hands-on Screens 2 (MCDB 2171), 2 credits
  • Human Anatomy (IPHY 3410 and IPHY 3415), 5 credits
  • Human Physiology (IPHY 3430 and IPHY 3435), 6 credits

Many schools require Medical Terminology:

  • Medical Terminology (IPHY 2400)

Chemistry

Generally two courses with associated labs in general (inorganic) chemistry are required. Some schools require additional chemistry courses.

  • Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 1021), 4 credits (Recommended, but optional to provide foundational knowledge)
  • General Chemistry 1 and Lab (CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114), 5 credits
  • General Chemistry 2 and Lab (CHEM 1133 and CHEM 1134), 5 credits

If you are CHEM or BCHM major, be sure to talk to your Pre-Health Advisor, who can help you find the appropriate chemistry courses.

Physics

Generally two courses in physics with associated labs are required. At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder, you have the option of taking an algebra-based sequence or a calculus-based sequence. The algebra-based sequence is usually most recommended, unless your major requires the calculus-based sequence.

Option 1 (Algebra-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 2010), 5 credits, lab included
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 2020), 5 credits, lab included

Option 2 (Calculus-based)

  • General Physics 1 (PHYS 1110), 4 credits
  • General Physics 2 (PHYS 1120), 4 credits
  • Experimental Physics 1 (PHYS 1140), 1 credit

Math and Statistics

One semester of statistics is typically required. Choose one of the following:

  • Psychological Science 1: Statistics (PSYC 2111), 4 credits
  • Introduction to Data Science & Biostatistics (IPHY 3280), 4 credits
  • Introduction to Statistics (MATH 2510), 3 credits

The following serve as necessary preparation for college chemistry and physics:

  • Precalculus (MATH 1150), 4 credits

Psychology

Many PT schools require at least two psychology courses, with the most common being that of Abnormal and Development Psychology. Consider taking all the following:

  • General Psychology (PSYC 1001), 3 credits
  • Developmental Psychology (PSYC 3684), 3 credits
  • Abnormal Psychology (PSYC 3303), 3 credits

Writing/English Composition

PT programs typically require one to two semesters of writing or English Literature/Composition courses. This requirement can be fulfilled via any WRTG or ENGL course.

    Additional Classes to Consider

    An addtional courses in upper-division science (3000 level or higher) are required by many schools. Some options could include:

    • Cell Biology (MCDB 3145), 3 credits
    • Exercise Physiology (IPHY 4650), 5 credits
    • Biomechanics (IPHY 4540), 5 credits
    • Neurophysiology (IPHY 4720), 4 credits
    • Motor Learning (IPHY 3660), 3 credits
    • Organic Chemistry 1 (CHEM 3311), 4 credits
    • Principles of Biochemistry (BCHM 4611), 3 credits 

    Some schools may require social science courses, Communication (COMM 1300), and/or Neuroscience (NRSC) courses.

    Courses in additional disciplines that are of interest to you will provide you with a broad and relevant foundation for PA school. Consider enhancing your studies in ethics, philosophy, global and public health, cross-cultural studies.

    Some PT programs will require that all math and science courses be completed within the last five, seven, or ten years.

    Other Desired Traits and Experiences

    PT programs typically require specific amounts of shadowing experience before application. Finding the right experiences for you and your application is a complex process and OPHA's Pre-health Advisors are here to help you find out what experiences, like shadowing and direct patient interaction, are right for you. They can also help you build a comprehensive application, showcasing your unique skills that set you apart.

    Updated May 2023