Prerequisite coursework for PT school varies greatly amongst programs; therefore, it is crucial to be aware of individual schools’ requirements.
Course prerequisites for UW-Madison’s Physical Therapy program can be found here.
For a Pre-PT academic planning guide, click here.
Many programs also require a minimum of 40 - 100 hours of supervised volunteer hours. Click here for a chart from the APTA that lists individual program requirements.
+ Mathematics
Some PT schools require math and/or statistics. We recommend that you take at least one math course and one course in statistics. Note that Math 112 is a pre-requisite for Chem 103.
The statistics course can be taken in your major department.
+ Chemistry
-
General Chemistry: Choose one of these two options:
- Chem 103 & 104
- Chem 109
+ Biological Sciences
Choose one of these two course tracks:
-
1. General Track:
- Zoology 101 & 102 Introductory Zoology OR Biology 151 & 152 Introductory Biology
-
2. BioCore Track:
- Biocore 301-302 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics lecture/lab
- Biocore 303-304 Cellular Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 323-324 Organismal Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 333 Biological Interactions
Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
+ Lifespan development & Psychology Courses
-
Many PT programs require courses in lifespan development and psychology. Options include courses in:
- Childhood development: HDFS 362 or Psyc 560
- Adult development: HDFS 363 or Psyc 564
- Introductory Psychology: Psyc 202
- Abnormal Psychology: Psyc 509
+ Kinesiology Courses
-
Some PT programs (including UW-Madison's) require courses in kinesiology. This requirement can be met by taking:
- Kinesiology 314
- Kinesiology 318
+ Physics
-
Some PT programs require coursework in Physics.
Choose one of these three sequences:
- Physics 103-104 (without calculus)
- Physics 201-202 (calculus-based)
- Physics 207-208 (calculus-based)
+ Anatomy/Physiology
-
Many PT schools require coursework in anatomy and/or physiology.
This requirement can be met by taking:
- Anatomy 328 AND/OR
- Physiology 335 OR 435
+ English
Some PT programs require coursework in English or composition. Check individual school requirements for more information.
There are currently 2 primary degree tracks students interested in Physical Therapy can follow.
Please note that by 2015, most programs will have transitioned to DPT programs.
MPT / MSPT ~ Master of Physical Therapy
The Master’s degree in Physical Therapy is typically a 2-year program and is equivalent to the DPT as a first professional degree. There are currently 12 schools nationwide that confer MPT degrees.
DPT ~ Doctor of Physical Therapy
The DPT degree is typically a 3-year program, and prepares students for the licensing exam. The profession is transitioning to the clinical doctorate. As such, there are many more programs offering DPTs, and in 2015 the CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) will require all programs to offer the DPT degree.
Most, but not all, PT programs require the GRE; a fee reduction program is available. Visit individual program websites for more detailed information.
