Pre-Physical Therapy Advising

While USD does not have a physical therapy school or major, students are encouraged to choose a major that offers the following courses:

Typical* required courses

• 1 year of General Biology – Bio 240, Bio 240L, Bio 242, Bio 242L
• 1 year of General Chemistry – Chem 151, Chem 151L, Chem 152, Chem 152L
• 1 year of General Physics – Phys 136, Phys 136L, Phys 127, Phys 137L - (Math 130 or 150 are prerequisites)
• 1 year of English/USD Core Requirement – FYW 150 + Upper Division Writing course
• 1 year of Anatomy and Physiology – Bio 212, Bio 213
• 1 semester of Statistics – Math 120 (most will accept Psych stats or Biostats)
• 1 semester of Psychology – Psyc 101

*These courses will satisfy the requirements for most physical therapy schools. Make sure that you check for additional requirements at your selected schools. Most schools want you to have completed the required courses prior to the time of application. Take all required classes for a grade; pass/fail is not acceptable. Grades below a "C" are not considered passing for most medical schools. Also, note that some schools will not accept AP credit in lieu of the required courses (even if accepted by USD). You must then substitute advanced science courses for the traditional requirements satisfied with AP credits.

Some schools recommend

• Exercise Physiology – Bio 105 or Bio 115
• Abnormal Psychology – Psyc 355
• Medical Terminology (taken at community college)
• 1 semester of Communication – Comm 203
• Kinesiology or Biomechanics

Other application information

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Students who intend to apply to Physical Therapy programs must take the GRE prior to application. The GRE measures three areas in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.
• Clinical: A minimum of 200 hours of clinical experience in a variety of physical therapy settings is recommended. This can be in a volunteer or paid capacity.
• Community Service/Leadership: While physical therapy schools don't require volunteer experience, it will strengthen your overall application. There are many opportunities on and off campus to become involved.

Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.

In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from, for example, back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida and injuries related to work and sports.

Physical therapy care and services are provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Physical therapists evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunction and use interventions to treat patient/clients. Interventions may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment and physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.

Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists.