Pre-Physical Therapy

Set Your Career in Motion

Prepare for a Career in a Fast-Growing Field.

The Pre-Physical Therapy program at Davis & Elkins 91快播 prepares students for admission to doctoral physical therapy (DPT) programs by combining a strong foundation in exercise science with the science prerequisites and experiential preparation that DPT programs require

The Pre-Physical Therapy program at D&E is housed within the Department of Sport Science in the Division of Education and Sport Sciences. The program is designed to prepare students for doctoral programs in physical therapy by building a strong scientific foundation in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and rehabilitation alongside the interpersonal and clinical observation skills that DPT programs demand.

Baccalaureate Programs (B.S.)

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science 鈥� Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization

The requirements for a major in exercise science with the pre-professional specialization in pre-physical therapy consist of 53 semester hours of sport science core courses, plus additional requirements in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, nursing, and psychology. Most students interested in physical therapy complete a four-year degree with the pre-professional specialization in exercise science and take the GRE exams.

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Physical Therapy Program Admission

Admission to most physical therapy doctoral programs is based on academic achievement as indicated by GPA, GRE scores, recommendations, observation hours in physical therapy settings, and personal interviews. Pre-physical therapy students at D&E are strongly encouraged to accumulate hands-on observation hours in physical therapy clinics throughout their undergraduate years.

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Courses

What We Offer

Sport Science Core Courses (Exercise Science Major)

Foundations of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
Exercise Testing and Prescription
Safety, First Aid & CPR
Kinesiology
Measurement in Health and Physical Education
Physiology of Exercise
Stress Testing
Research Methods and Interpretation
Personal Training Certification
Physical Education Assisting
Practicum

Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization 鈥� Additional Required Courses

Principles of Biology I & II
General Chemistry I, II, III & IV
Physics I & II
Calculus
Introduction to Nutrition
Medical Terminology
Life Span Development (Psychology)
Additional Psychology elective (3 hours)

Recommended Supporting Courses

Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Microbiology
Statistics
Principles of Athletic Training
Therapeutic Rehabilitations
General Medical Conditions
Psychosocial Aspects of Sport

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Partnerships in Pre-Physical Therapy Education

D&E 鈥� Marshall University Doctor of Physical Therapy Agreement

D&E has a formal agreement with Marshall University that offers two qualifying D&E graduates guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program at Marshall University School of Physical Therapy. This rare, concrete pathway to doctoral study removes uncertainty from one of the most competitive application processes in healthcare. The combination of strong science coursework, hands-on clinical exposure, and sport science expertise makes D&E graduates highly competitive applicants.

McDonnell Center for Health, Physical Education and Athletics

D&E鈥檚 main indoor athletic facility, featuring an athletic training suite with two therapeutic whirlpools, three electrical stimulation units, Game Ready cold-and-compression therapy, and rehabilitation equipment used in real student-athlete care

Hermanson Center

Adjacent to the McDonnell Center, housing the George A. Myles Pool and the Robbins-Madden Fitness Center with cardiovascular equipment, CYBEX strength machines, and a complete free weight area with Olympic benches and racks

Clinical Observation Partnerships

with Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center and regional physical therapy practices, providing pre-physical therapy students access to supervised observation hours in professional settings

Careers in Physical Therapy

A pre-physical therapy education from D&E, combined with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, opens the door to one of the fastest-growing and most personally rewarding health professions.

Career options for physical therapy graduates include:

Clinical Practice Settings

Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist
Hospital/Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapist
Sports Physical Therapist
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Neurological Rehabilitation Physical Therapist
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist
Home Health Physical Therapist
Geriatric/Long-term Care Physical Therapist

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Specialized and Advanced Practice

Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)
Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
Aquatic Physical Therapist
Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist

Education, Research, and Administration

Physical Therapy Faculty/Professor (with additional graduate study)
Clinical Research Scientist
Rehabilitation Program Director
Healthcare Administrator
Military Physical Therapist

Why Pre-Physical Therapy at D&E

The supportive community of the Sport Science Department and a rigorous exercise science curriculum give you the scientific foundation, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on preparation that DPT programs and the GRE demand. D&E鈥檚 formal agreement with Marshall University School of Physical Therapy offers two qualifying graduates guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program each year.

Small class sizes mean faculty know you by name and invest in your success.
The Sport Science faculty will work closely with you to plan your course sequence, build your observation hours, and prepare a competitive DPT application from your very first semester. State-of-the-art facilities give you hands-on experience with rehabilitation equipment, therapeutic modalities, and fitness assessment tools used in professional physical therapy settings.

D&E鈥檚 NCAA Division II athletics program and partnerships with Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center provide rich opportunities for clinical observation and student training experience alongside certified athletic trainers and healthcare. D&E鈥檚 broad liberal arts curriculum ensures you graduate as an empathetic, communicative, and culturally aware clinician 鈥� the qualities that distinguish great physical therapists and that doctoral programs are increasingly looking for in their applicants.

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