Applicants who wish to apply to a physical therapy school within the US must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree with a list of specified prerequisite courses having been completed throughout their degree. But which courses do PT schools want these applicants to have successfully completed? And are all schools looking for the exact same prerequisite coursework to be taken, or is there some variation from one school to the next?

The quick answer for prerequisite coursework required for PT school

There are seven predominate categories of subjects that are required by PT schools within the United States. While there are minor variations from one PT school to another regarding additional coursework outside of these categories, the vast majority of DPT schools within the US require PT applicants to have completed coursework in the following undergraduate fields:

Anatomy – One course, required by all schools.*
Physiology – One course, required by all schools.*
Chemistry – Two courses, each with labs (98% of schools using PTCAS require two courses)
Physics – Two courses with labs (98% of schools using PTCAS require two courses)
Biology – One or two courses (89% of schools using PTCAS require at least one course)
Psychology – One or two courses (93% of schools using PTCAS require at least one course)
Statistics – One introductory course (95% of schools using PTCAS require a course in statistics)

*Note: Two semesters consisting of combined anatomy & physiology (A&P I and A&P II) are often acceptable in place of a dedicated anatomy course and dedicated physiology course. This may however vary by institution.

The percentage statistics are calculated from the information within the 2017-2018 PTCAS Course Prerequisite Summary PDF document, available on their website. This article contains further specific statistics as to how many PT schools are looking for these specifics as well as further resources you can check out for additional information.

A list of other fairly common prerequisites for PT school in the US

While the above seven subjects and their subsequent courses are required by virtually all PT schools within the US, some schools still require additional subjects and courses as well.

The following is a list of additional coursework that may be required along with the percentage of all PTCAS-participating institutions that require them:

• 22% of all PTCAS-participating schools require a college-level mathematics course, such as calculus.
• 15% require an exercise physiology course
• 16% require a medical terminology course (often referred to as “classics”)
• 19% require at least one English/writing composition course
• 6% require a communications/speaking course
• 2% require a humanities course
• 2% require an ethics course
• 1% require a first aid/CPR course
• 1% require a nutrition, health & wellness class
• 13% require at lease one other specific category of coursework to be completed

What does all this prerequisite coursework mean for you?

Ultimately, you should understand that any PT school you apply to in the US will require you to have completed a specific amount of coursework in the seven major categories outlines within this article. Depending on the school that you are wishing to apply however, you should check with that particular institution to determine any other specific coursework requirements they may have. They may not have any additional requirements, but as you can see by the preceding paragraph, a fair percentage of schools have other unique coursework requirements that must be met by all applicants in addition to the near-universal course requirements.

Prerequisite courses usually require laboratory components in addition to lecture

It’s important for applicants to be aware that coursework for anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and biology all require laboratory components in addition to their lecture component. If students have completed lecture material for any of these courses but have not either taken or successfully completed their respective laboratory components, PT schools will not consider the prerequisite to be met.

Why are these prerequisite courses required for PT school?

Physical therapy requires the practicing therapist to have an incredibly strong understanding of more than just the human body, its movements and normal functions. Physical therapists must also possess the knowledge and understanding of scientific principles that play into how diseases and injuries occur, how the mind of the human behaves throughout the lifespan and how the scientific method helps us to continually learn more and more about all facets of health and the human body.

Many of the basic principles pertaining to the human body, how it functions and the movement it is capable of producing are grounded in the basic sciences of chemistry, physics and biology. Understanding how chemical structures comprise and regulate the various systems of the body (chemistry, biology and physiology) are just one such example.

Understanding how various forms of energy and forces that interact with the body (physics) is yet another example. More specifically, physical therapists must not only have an understanding of how external and internal forces applied to the body can stress its abilities, but they must also understand how energy in the form of electrical or thermal energy can be manipulated and controlled for various therapeutic electrical or thermal modalities often used within the clinic (ultrasound, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and so on).

In short, a fundamental knowledge grounded in the basic sciences is needed for the physical therapy student to then begin to build their knowledge of more advanced concepts regarding the health sciences and the human body itself.

Grade requirements for prerequisite coursework

Individuals who are considering applying to physical therapy school should ensure they have received grades that meet the minimum requirements for the school(s) they are choosing to apply to in addition to merely having completed the prerequisite coursework.

Each school’s grade requirements may vary slightly, however as a general rule most schools require a letter grade of B- or above for each and every prerequisite course. Course grades below a letter grade of B- are typically not acceptable. Students should try to strive for grades much higher than the required minimum however since physical therapy school is very competitive for acceptance, with grade point averages in the mid to upper 3’s (on a 4.0 scale) are often at a competitive level.

What do each of these prerequisite courses cover and how do they relate to the job of a physical therapist?

The following information for each of the courses within the following list is generalized and by no means an exact outline of what each course may or may not cover. While most of these prerequisite courses cover the same concepts and topics across each institution, due to the extensive variety of coursework and its subsequent material that may be presented, the information within the list below should not necessarily be interpreted as exact.

Human Anatomy

What human anatomy covers

Undergraduate or introductory human anatomy covers basic anatomy of all the major systems within the human body (skeletal, muscular, nervous, reproductive, integumentary, digestive, etc.). The course also introduces the student to different classifications and types of connective tissue found within the body.

How human anatomy relates to physical therapy

Knowledge and understanding of the anatomical systems, parts and features of the human body is the foundation for which a physical therapist must build their knowledge. A therapist cannot effectively evaluate and subsequently intervene or treat an injury or condition that a patient may be experiencing if they are unsure as to the anatomical structures or features that have been adversely affected.

Physiology

What human physiology covers

Anatomy is often referred to as the “what” and physiology is often referred to as the “how” when it comes to learning about the functioning of the human body. Courses in physiology examine how various systems and tissues within the body are able to carry out the functional processes that make life sustainable for the human body.

As an example, while introductory anatomy will cover the various components of the urinary system (such as the kidneys, the parts of the kidneys, all unique features pertaining to this system), physiology will look at how the kidneys and urinary system are able to operate and carry out their unique roles within the human body. You will take your knowledge of cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons (which you learn about in anatomy) and now learn just how these amazing little functional units of the kidneys get the job done.

How how physiology relates to physical therapy

When a physical therapist examines and treats an injury or impairment within the body, they are doing more than just applying their knowledge of anatomy. They also must implement a heavy amount of their knowledge towards how tissues and systems within the body function in terms of repair and recovery.

As an example, the physical therapist must have a strong understanding of how the musculoskeletal system along with the cardiovascular system both function in regards to the demands of physical activity. Knowing how these systems adapt and respond to physical movement and activity (such as exercise) helps the therapist to apply specific interventions that can appropriately challenge and strengthen these systems as part of a therapeutic rehabilitation program.

Chemistry (AKA Introductory chemistry, or Chem I & Chem II)

What introductory chemistry covers

Introductory chemistry (oftentimes referee to as Chem I and Chem II) cover basic principles of chemistry, including atomic structures, bonding, properties of solids, liquids and gasses. Introductory chemistry courses can also cover quantum-based theories such as valence shell configurations and VSEPR theory, just to name a few.Chem II typically continues to build on what was learned in Chem I and can include further topics such as quantitative chemistry, chemical equilibrium, redox reactions and other material.

Some students throughout their undergraduate studies also take other chemistry courses, such as organic chemistry, which are usually acceptable for fulfilling a chemistry course prerequisite that is not necessarily considered an introductory chemistry course.

How chemistry relates to physical therapy

Having a basic understanding of chemistry assists the physical therapist in a variety of manners. The therapist can use this understanding to further their knowledge and understanding of topics such as the structure and composition of human tissues, disease processes that take place within the body and metabolic or other chemical processes that occur with basic life functioning and therapeutic exercise. Knowledge in basic chemistry is also important in regards to a stronger understanding towards medications that are often used by patients in conjunction to their physical therapy.

Physics (AKA Physics I & Physics II)

What introductory physics covers

Physics I typically covers theories of kinematics and dynamics and their applications towards linear and rotational motion. This typically involves understanding and calculating forces that occur when two objects interact with one another and how they are affected by other forces and phenomena throughout the process.

Physics II typically covers the physics and its applications of statics, fluids, sound waves, heat & temperature, magnetism and optics pertaining to lenses.

How physics relates to physical therapy

Physical therapists work in a profession that is based upon physical movement. Having an understanding of how forces affect movement and vice versa is critical for understanding biomechanical movements pertaining to the joints, tissues and structures within the human body.

Additionally, physical therapists often employ therapeutic modalities that manipulate sound waves, thermal energy and light energy as a means to promote tissue healing and injury recovery within their patients. Therefore, having an understanding of the basics pertaining of the physics involved with these modalities and the processes taking place while this occurs will better help therapists to understand and apply critical knowledge towards the application of these interventions.

Biology (AKA Bio I & Bio II)

What introductory biology covers

Introductory biology often covers topics pertaining to the origins of cellular life, the major components and specific organelles that comprise cells, along with how metabolic processes within the cell allow for the conversion, utilization and expenditure of energy required for sustaining life within an organism. Introductory molecular genetics is often covered within an introductory biology course as well.

How biology relates to physical therapy

Physical therapy is all about the maintenance, repair, recovery and strengthening of living human tissues. With all human tissue being comprised of cellular material, it’s critical that the practicing therapist have a strong understanding of basic biological principles that govern life and health at this microscopic level. Understanding key processes of how cells require energy, provide energy and regulate energy is foundational in understanding the requirements of healthy tissue along with how to foster ideal cellular environments for the regeneration and proliferation of new, healthy human tissue.

Psychology/behavioral sciences

What introductory psychology covers

An introductory psychology course typically covers the biology of human behavior and its various mental processes. This includes the biology of behavior along with how the body perceives and interprets sensation and consciousness. The course also covers topics of learning, memory and emotional processing. Personality, intelligence and factors pertaining to personal motivation are typically covered as well.

In addition to introductory psychology, some schools may require a second course in psychology. An example of a commonly required second psychology course is developmental psychology, which focuses on the various psychological phases and processes that occur in the individual throughout different stages of life.

How psychology and the behavioral sciences relates to physical therapy

The physical therapist is often exposed to and must work with or treat a variety of individuals across all stages of the lifespan. In addition to treating individuals within different stages of life, each patient will have unique life experiences and subsequent psychological behavior. Introductory courses in psychology help the physical therapy student (and subsequent practicing clinician) in understanding how each patient is thus largely a product of their biological, psychological and social experiences within their life.

Having an understanding as to the basic psychological functioning of the human brain, basic theories behind human behavior and the psychological needs of humans helps the practicing physical therapist better understand the traits and behaviors of their clients, allowing the therapist to more effectively interact and communicate with each individual.

Introductory applied statistics

What introductory applied statistics covers

Typical introductory statistics courses comprise topics covering the application of mathematical principles to a variety of statistical tests and methods. These tests and methods typically include sampling methods, frequency distribution, regression, probabilities, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, T-tests, Chi-square tests and correlations.

How knowledge of statistics is important to physical therapy and physical therapists

Physical therapists, like all other healthcare professionals, often must analyze and interpret various aspects of ongoing clinical and medical research within the scientific community. As a result, it is important that they understand the basics of statistical methods that are used within the world of academic research. This understanding allows the clinician to critically analyze research information they may be presented with or reading up on.

Concluding remarks

If you’re considering applying to physical therapy school within the US, your fist step should be to ensure that you have successfully completed the required prerequisite coursework required by the school(s) you wish to apply to. Schools within the US will require the applicant to have taken a specific amount of coursework in sciences pertaining to anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, biology, psychology and statistics.

While each school may require some other coursework in addition to these major prerequisites, you will need to check with the institution, as they can vary from one school to the next.

If you’ve completed the required prerequisite coursework, you should also ensure that your grades meet (and hopefully exceed) the minimum required grades for each individual course.

While many of these prerequisite courses may not seem like they directly apply to the courses you’ll be required to take in PT school, they are instrumental in helping you succeed with the curricula you will be exposed to if PT school is what you’re aiming for. In addition to helping you with your coursework, the fundamental knowledge within each one of these sciences will help ensure that you have an appropriate baseline of knowledge for clinical reasoning and applications within clinical practice.