Overview of Pre-Physical Therapy Study

The Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum at Fairmont State University (FSU) is a challenging curriculum designed to prepare the student for application to physical therapy professional school. Most of our students in Pre-Physical Therapy intend to apply to the Physical Therapy School at West Virginia University (WVU), with the ultimate goal of earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree.

Completion of a bachelor’s degree including specified prerequisite coursework is required for admission to WVU’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.  A major in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or Biology leading to a bachelor’s degree is recommended.  Model schedules that meet prerequisite requirements for application to physical therapy school are available at the right for degrees in biology, chemistry and forensic science.  Degrees in other areas (e.g., philosophy, psychology, etc.) are acceptable, as long as the required prerequisite coursework is completed along with the degree requirements.

Pre-Physical Therapy students should consult with the pre-physical therapy advisor (contact information at right) each semester.  Students should also contact physical therapy schools to learn about prerequisites and other program requirements; continue to volunteer or work in physical therapy settings; and become familiar with issues related to the profession. Pre-Physical Therapy students should also maintain a high grade point average (GPA). The average cumulative GPA of students admitted to Physical Therapy School at WVU since 2002 is between 3.6 and 3.7 on a 4-point scale. By the end of the junior year, the pre-physical therapy student should be preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and making application to physical therapy school. This is essential for timely acceptance into physical therapy school.

The Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum is not to be confused with the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, which is a two year program resulting in an Associate of Applied Science degree that is housed in the FSC&TC.