Pre-Physical Therapy

Health Sciences Major

Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration

The Pre-Physical Therapy concentration includes the standard pre-requisite courses for advanced study in physical therapy. After completing required coursework and other admission requirements, students can enter Doctor of Physical Therapy programs to become physical therapists.


Requirements

  • BIOL 101 Seminar for Entering Majors (1 cr)Pre-PT
  • BIOL 150 Introduction to Biology I: Cells (4 cr)
  • BIOL 240 Genetics (4 cr)
  • BIOL 302  Applied Statistics in Biology (1 cr)
  • BIOL 342 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr)
  • BIOL 343 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr)
  • BIOL 440 Exercise Physiology (4 cr)
  • Elective BIOL/ATTR course, 300-level or above (3-4 cr)
  • CHEM 150 Introduction to Chemistry I (4 cr)
  • CHEM 152 Introduction to Chemistry II (4 cr)
  • PHYS 131 General Physics I (4 cr)
  • PHYS 132 General Physics II (4 cr)
  • MATH 232/232H Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3 cr)
  • HLTH 105 Medical Terminology (1 cr)
  • HLTH 210/210H Human Growth and Development (3 cr)

As electives, students can also take relevant courses such as BIOL 484 Biomechanics and courses in the Athletic Training program such as ATTR 321 Lower Body Assessment, ATTR 322 Upper Body Assessment, ATTR 337 Therapeutic Modalities, and ATTR 338 Therapeutic Exercise.


MCLA in 4

MCLAin4 LogoA sample 4-year plan showing a possible sequence of courses in this concentration.


Articulation

Strong students who have met the requirements outlined in the articulation agreement gain preferred admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Sage Colleges in Albany, NY.


Internships & Professional Experiences

Students should observe physical therapists in practice or do an internship combining observation with an academic project. Physical therapists practice in a local physical therapy clinics, nursing homes and hospitals.


Application Tests

Physical therapy programs often require the GRE. Study materials for this examination are provided in the Biology department.


Advising

A faculty advisor will meet with each student at least once per semester, and alumni currently working as physical therapists have agreed to serve as contacts for students interested in this field. Information about pre-requisites for physical therapy programs, specific internships, research opportunities, upcoming courses, and other topics is provided to enrolled students on the Biology Department’s Canvas page.


Careers & Outcomes

Two MCLA graduates are currently enrolled in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.