The path to becoming a licensed physical therapist requires advanced education, beginning with an undergraduate degree. Physical therapy does not mandate a single, specialized pre-professional major. Students have significant flexibility in their choice of bachelor’s degree, provided they strategically complete a specific set of foundational science and non-science courses. The undergraduate years prepare a competitive application for the necessary next step: a doctoral-level program.
Prerequisites Are Paramount
Admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is determined less by the undergraduate major and more by the successful completion of a rigorous course checklist. These prerequisite courses establish the scientific foundation for the intensive, specialized DPT curriculum. Core requirements focus on the life and physical sciences, demanding an understanding of how the body functions and interacts with the physical world.
The most commonly required science courses include two semesters of General Biology, General Chemistry, and General Physics, all requiring a laboratory component. A study of human structure and function is also required, typically fulfilled by two separate courses in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, or a two-course sequence in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) with labs. These courses cover the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems central to physical therapy practice.
DPT programs also require coursework in quantitative reasoning and behavioral sciences. Applicants must complete a course in Statistics, necessary for understanding and applying evidence-based practice and research. Additionally, most programs require at least one or two courses in Psychology, often including General Psychology, to provide context for patient behavior and the psychological aspects of rehabilitation.
Undergraduate Majors That Align Best
While any major can lead to a DPT program, certain fields naturally incorporate a majority of the prerequisite coursework, streamlining the application process. These majors provide a foundational knowledge base relevant to the study of human movement and rehabilitation. They also demonstrate a focused interest in the concepts defining the physical therapy profession.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology are commonly pursued undergraduate degrees among successful DPT applicants. Kinesiology, the study of human movement, directly covers topics like biomechanics, motor control, and exercise physiology, which are specific areas of study within the DPT curriculum. Exercise Science focuses on the physiological responses to physical activity and often includes courses in fitness assessment and sports nutrition, strengthening an applicant’s understanding of the body’s functional capacity.
Other highly aligned degrees include Biology and Health Sciences, which provide a broad scientific background. A Biology major ensures an understanding of cellular processes, genetics, and organismal biology, providing context for pathology and healing. Health Sciences majors are often designed as pre-professional tracks, encompassing anatomy, physiology, and general healthcare administration, offering a versatile foundation for clinical careers.
The Essential Post-Baccalaureate DPT Requirement
The undergraduate major serves as the preparatory step for the mandatory professional degree required to practice. To become a licensed physical therapist, an individual must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The DPT is the entry-level degree for the profession, replacing the previous master’s degree requirement.
DPT programs are intensive, post-baccalaureate programs requiring three years of full-time study. The curriculum blends didactic (classroom) instruction and extensive clinical education, where students gain supervised experience in various healthcare settings. Coursework includes specialized subjects such as neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, and advanced clinical reasoning.
After graduating from an accredited DPT program, the final regulatory step is passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This examination is required for state licensure, which is mandatory for a physical therapist to legally practice.