Skip to content

pre-physical Therapy

Build the skills and knowledge you need to be a physical therapist — starting in your undergraduate years. Pre-physical therapy is a set of undergraduate coursework that prepares you for your Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

General Biology (8 credit hours)

General Chemistry with lab (8 credit hours)

Physics 1 and 2 with lab

Behavioral Science: General Psychology

Statistics

Recommended: Medical Terminology, English (writing)

Medical professional observes patient vitals while patient walks on treadmill

Physical Therapy At a Glance

Improve the quality of life in patients’ lives through the profession of physical therapy. These movement experts work directly with patients to create a recovery plan that aims to reduce the need for surgery or long-term medication. With diverse work settings and numerous specialization options, Physical Therapy offers endless opportunities to grow your practice and impact lives.

#6

BEST JOBS

On the “100 Best Jobs” list

(U.S. News & World Report, 2023)

$99,710

MEDIAN SALARY

Median salary for physical therapists

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

16%

PROFESSION GROWTH

Expected growth of physical therapist jobs through 2032

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

Your PT Journey Starts Here

Our biomedical sciences program was designed as our pre-professions program, but our exercise physiology program can also be adapted to meet the necessary prerequisites for most professional programs.

  • Undergraduate

    Biomedical Sciences

    Explore

    Undergraduate

    Biomedical Sciences

    The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program prepares students for futures in a changing world by giving them a strong academic foundation in the sciences as well as the skills required to be successful in a wide variety of health professions careers.

  • Undergraduate

    Exercise Physiology

    Explore

    Undergraduate

    Exercise Physiology

    The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology combines the University’s strengths in anatomy, physiology and basic sciences with the exercise sciences to prepare you for success in the career you want.

A Partnership for Your Physical Therapy Future

After earning your bachelor’s degree or completing your prerequisites, you’ll be prepared to succeed at the therapy program of your choice.

Continue with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

The School of Medicine is home to one of the nation’s top medical schools and their physical therapy program is tied for No. 1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As an added bonus, students who choose to pursue their Doctor of Physical Therapy at the School of Medicine benefit from preferred admission and three interview slots reserved for UHSP students each year

take the next step toward extraordinary