Pre-Physical Therapy
If you have a strong desire to help diagnose and treat people with movement-related disabilities, injuries, and diseases, a career in physical therapy could be a good fit for you. The pre-physical therapy advising program at UMHB is designed to help students who plan to attend PT school by providing them with information and support they need as they prepare for and apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Students wishing to pursue a career in PT may major in any field of study, as long as they also complete the foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics that physical therapy programs require. However, the preferred route at UMHB to prepare for admission to a PT graduate program is the Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree. Offered through the School of Exercise and Sport Science, the Health Science curriculum combines required prerequisite courses with the academic rigor required to succeed in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. UMHB’s pre-PT program advisors are equipped to help you tailor your studies to your particular interests and navigate your way through the application process, whether you choose to major in Health Science or choose a different major such as Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology as your starting point toward a career in physical therapy.
Kaden Cordell
Student
I chose a health science major because my passion has always been in the sports world, and I want my future career to be a service to people.
Kaden Cordell
Student
How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
After you complete your undergraduate degree, it typically takes 2.5 to 3 more years to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
What courses do I need for admission to a PT program?
Course requirements vary at different PT programs. The American Physical Therapy Association offers an up-to-date list of accredited PT programs and the courses they require for admission.
Are there entrance exams I will need to take?
The Graduate Record Examination general test is required for entrance to most physical therapy graduate programs.
What is the job outlook for physical therapists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists is growing much faster than the average demand for all occupations, with the number of jobs expected to increase by 21% over the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
What PT graduate programs have accepted UMHB alumni?
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor DPT program
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
- Texas Woman's University
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Baylor University
- University of North Texas Health Science Center
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- Hardin Simmons University
- University of Texas Health San Antonio
Where are UMHB graduates employed today?
- Scott & White Roney Bone & Joint Institute
- Stephenville Sports Rehab
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- Sportherapy
- Sterling Ridge Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Why should I do my pre-physical therapy studies at UMHB?
UMHB is known for its outstanding professors, who are great teachers as well as scholars.
Professors from UMHB’s own Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program have served as advisors to help shape the pre-PT curriculum, so you know you will be covering the material you need to be ready for your graduate work.
Your professors will not only be ready to guide you in selecting the courses you will need to prepare for graduate school but will also be happy to provide the letters of recommendation you will need to apply to PT programs.
