Pre-Physical Therapy

About the Profession

Physical therapists, also known as PTs, provide healthcare services to patients who have both chronic and acute medical conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs evaluate each patient and develop a plan along with the patient that will allow them to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability as well as the loss of mobility before they occur. They develop programs that are fitness and wellness oriented to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Work Settings

PTs provide care in different settings, including nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. In hospitals, PTs can work in acute care or rehabilitation. Acute care PTs focus on providing care to patients who are admitted to the hospital for a short-term stay after surgery, accident, or recovery from trauma. The goal is to discharge the patient as soon as they are stable and safe. PTs who work in rehabilitation provide care to patients who are admitted to a facility or rehabilitation unit. They provide intense therapy to improve the patient's ability to care for themselves. PTs who practice in outpatient clinics see patients with chronic neuromuscular injuries or impairments and work with them to improve their quality of life. PTs can also be employed by federal agencies to provide services to military personnel. Physical therapists can focus on conducting research alongside other healthcare professionals to improve patient care outcomes and expand the body of knowledge in the PT field.

Academic Requirements

In the United States, physical therapists are required to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program. Most PT education programs require applicants to obtain a bachelor's degree before admission into the professional program. Drake's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences provides excellent preparation for PT school! After earning your degree at Drake, you'll usually undergo three years in a DPT program comprised of didactic and lab work along with clinical education.

Additional Information

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the agency that grants accreditation status to entry-level education programs for PTs. PTs need to pass a state licensure exam for every state they practice in. PTs who choose to specialize in different areas will need to take an additional exam to get certified. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers board-certification in 9 specialty areas:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Immunology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports
• Women's Health

Why is Health Sciences a great major for Pre-PT?

As a student in our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree, you'll get the best of both worlds: a rigorous science curriculum that will prepare you for the academic challenges of PT school and an education in healthcare that will help you succeed in your professional career. All Health Sciences students take core courses in the sciences that can be customized based on the required prerequisite coursework you'll need to get into your top choice graduate program. Beyond that, you'll complete our Health Sciences Core Curriculum, which teaches you about every aspect of healthcare and how to be a successful professional once you graduate. The Health Sciences Core Curriculum includes coursework in professionalism, innovation and problem solving, cultural sensitivity, healthcare ethics, and an overview of what to expect when you enter the workforce. This unique curriculum is only offered to Health Sciences majors at Drake and will make you stand out when you apply for PT school.

In addition to your coursework, the Health Sciences Core Curriculum also includes a full-year internship and research. In your senior year, you will be paired with a professional in a career that relates to your own interests and complete an internship with that person at their office or practice site. Drake has numerous placements that relate to physical therapy, including several partnerships with local clinics and specialists. You will also conduct an original research project alongside your internship, which is valuable in the graduate school admission process and is the reason why our graduates are so successful in getting into many of their top choice PT schools!