Pre-Physical Therapy

While the requirements for admission to any of the professional physical therapy educational programs have similar prerequisites, there are slight differences with each school. The student is advised to consult with each program in which they have an interest for specific admission criteria. All physical therapy programs confer the doctoral (DPT) degree upon graduation and generally require that the applicant complete a baccalaureate degree which will include the prescribed prerequisite course work. Admission to physical therapy programs is highly competitive and usually requires a grade point average considerably above a 3.00 (on a 4.00 system.) Additionally, the majority of programs require that the student demonstrate knowledge of the profession. This may be obtained in a variety of ways, such as observation, volunteering or paid employment as an aide in a physical therapy department or clinic. It is suggested that the student have broad exposure to various types of physical therapy practice settings.

Hardin-Simmons University offers a doctoral-level curriculum in physical therapy education with a class beginning yearly in the fall semester. As a service to the pre-physical therapy students on the HSU campus, the department of physical therapy serves as a central advisory office. Pre-physical therapy students should seek assistance from their academic advisor or contact the Department of Physical Therapy with questions about the graduate program in physical therapy at HSU.

Chemistry: General Chemistry with lab for science majors; organic chemistry or other higher courses may be used.

Statistics: One introductory course: may be taken from any department.

Psychology: Minimum one introductory or general psychology course AND one course in developmental or abnormal psychology; two appropriate higher-level courses may also be used.

Advanced Anatomy: One course of upper level human anatomy with lab (BIOL 3417); if a 300/400 level human anatomy course is not available, another upper level course related to humans may be substituted (embryology, microbiology, neuroanatomy, etc.)

General Physiology: One course of upper level human physiology with lab (BIOL3418); if a 300/400 level human physiology course is not available, another upper level biology course related to humans may be substituted (pathophysiology, neurophysiology, immunology, nutrition, etc. -NO EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY)