Pre Professional Physical Therapy

WVU School of Physical Therapy

Information including an introduction to the physical therapy profession, the preparation to become a physical therapist, application requirements, and the DPT curriculum can be found at the web site:

WVU School of Physical Therapy

Contact Info

Pre-Physical Therapy Advisor

Department of Natural Sciences
Room:
Phone:
E-Mail:

Overview

Fairmont State University’s Pre-Physical Therapy advisors act as a second advisor to help students stay on track to reach their physical therapy career goals.

Students who choose the Pre-Physical Therapy program can complete a bachelor’s degree in a number of areas to be eligible to apply for a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.

Model schedules of bachelor degrees that meet prerequisite requirements for a doctoral program are:

  • Biology
  • Forensic Science
  • Chemistry
  • Others like philosophy or psychology as long as prerequisite coursework is completed with those degree requirements

While striving for academic excellence in a Pre-Physical Therapy program at Fairmont, students should also:

  • Consult with Pre-Physical Therapy advisor
  • Contact Physical Therapy programs to review requirements
  • Maintain a high grade point average (GPA) (3.6 and 3.7)
  • Work or volunteer in physical therapy settings
  • Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) early

Career Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates there will be a 39 percent increase in the number of employed physical therapists in a 10 year period ending in 2020.  With a doctoral or professional degree, physical therapy graduates have several options and setting for applying their knowledge.  Physical therapists work in:

  • Private offices
  • Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Rehabilitation centers
Additional Resources: 
Overview of Science-Based Pre-Professional Studies
WVU School of Physical Therapy