Pre-Physical Therapy
North Park University’s pre-professional track for physical therapy is a sequence of courses and advising that will give you a solid foundation for your applications to competitive physical therapy schools around the country. The pre-physical therapy track should accompany a major—most often biology, psychology, athletic training, or exercise science—where you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the human body.
Advising
Pre-physical therapy students are advised typically by Dr. Linda Vick in the Biology Department or Dr. David Bennett in the Psychology Department and the director of health professions advising, Kristine Aronsson. Your advisor and Kristine will speak with you about your particular interests in physical therapy, and help you stay on track throughout your program at North Park. Our Pre-Health Advising Committee—a group of faculty in the Division of Life and Physical Science and the director of health professions advising—will work with you to make sure you are prepared for your applications and interviews for physical therapy school.
Courses and Activities
We recommend you take the following courses alongside your major and Core Curriculum requirements to prepare for physical therapy school and a career in healthcare. These courses meet the prerequisite requirements for most physical therapy programs. However, you should investigate programs you’re interested in to make sure you complete any other specific requirements. Some courses may also meet major/Core Curriculum requirements. For full course descriptions and major requirements review the academic catalog.
Physical Therapy Admission Prerequisites
- Introduction to Human Anatomy
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Medical Terminology
- Advanced Human Physiology
- Additional Biology course
- Introduction to Chemistry I
- Introduction to Chemistry II
- Additional Biology or Chemistry course
- Introductory Physics I
- Introductory Physics II
- Introductory Statistics
- Calculus I
- Introduction to Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
Other Recommendations
- For athletic training majors: follow the Athletic Training Educational Program guidelines and talk with your advisor about your physical therapy goals.
- An internship in a physical therapy setting is strongly recommended
Alumni Profile
Nate Cercavschi C’10 has wanted to become a physical therapist since a knee injury at age 12 exposed him to the profession. Now earning his doctorate in physical therapy, the pre-physical therapy track at North Park prepared him to achieve his career goal.