Pre-Physical Therapy
Physical therapists commonly provide non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, but may be involved in treatment of other body systems as well. In addition to treatment of existing problems, they may also provide therapies and strategies to maintain function and/or prevent future injury from occurring. Most PTs are found in primary care settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. There are also options to specialize in a variety of subspecialties such as orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, sports medicine, and neurology. The PT field is rapidly growing as demand steadily increases and interest in the profession expands.
Physical therapy programs award the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The professional program takes 3 years to complete.
There are currently 10 accredited DPT programs in North Carolina:
- Campbell University
- Duke
- East Carolina University
- Elon University
- High Point University
- Methodist University
- UNC Chapel Hill
- Western Carolina University
- Wingate University
- Winston –Salem State University
UNC Charlotte does not offer the professional-level DPT program.
Recommended Core Courses
The following classes are recommended for completion of the basic pre-physical therapy core at UNC Charlotte. The classes are recommended to cover the minimum basic requirements at the majority of physical therapy schools.
| General Biology with labs | BIOL 2120+2130 | Some schools will accept survey-level biology (BIOL 1110 + BIOL 1115).Some schools require an upper-level biology course (3000/4000 level); Exercise Physiology can often substitute for the upper-level biology course. |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology with labs | BIOL 2273 +2274 or EXER 2168+2169 | NC DPT programs will accept either sequence. |
| General Chemistry with labs | CHEM 1251+1252 | |
| General Physics with labs | PHYS 1101+1102 or PHYS 2101+2102 | |
| Statistics | STAT 1220 or 1221 or 1222 | |
| Math | MATH 1100 (College Algebra) or higher-level math | |
| General Psychology | PSYC 1101 (lab not required) | |
| Additional Psychology Course | PSYC 2341 (Psychopathology, aka “Abnormal Psychology”) or PSYC 2120 (Child Psychology) | Some programs only accept a course in Abnormal Psychology. |
Each physical therapy school establishes their own specific prerequisites; always check the websites of the programs that you want to attend.
More Resources
STUDENT CLUBS
Exercise Science Student Organization
email: charlotte.exso@gmail.com