Pre-Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from the young to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. In addition, PT's work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by promoting fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical Therapists provide care for people in a variety of setings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sport and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state a physical therapists practices.
The exercise science pre-physical therapy emphasis at Utah State is designed to prepare students to enter a graduate degree program in physical therapy. This degree is science-based and focuses on the anatomical, biomechanical and physiological principles of human movement, exercise and rehabilition. Coursework completed for this degree (human anatomy and physiology, anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics and exercise physiology) provide a strong foundation to succeed in advanced studies in Physical Therapy. THIS EMPHASIS IS NOT A PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM. However, this degree will allow students to complete all prerequisite courses necessary for admission into graduate programs in Physical Therapy. All graduate degrees in Physical Therapy are a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). To be eligible for admission into a graduate program students must complete an undergraduate degree, a set of prerequisite courses, take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), complete observational hours in a physical therapy setting and obtain letters of recommendations from academic faculty and licensed physical therapists. Addtionally this emphasis will provide students an internship that will meet graduate school physical therapy observation requirements.
For more in depth information and for admission and curriculum requirements for the Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis in HPER:
How do I make sure I have completed the courses I need for entry into a Physical Therapy Program?
Each Physical Therapy program has a list of required prerequisites that must be completed. The State of Utah sponsored graduate program in Physical Therapy is located in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah. The majority of seats avaliable are set aside for residents of the State of Utah. Therefore we encourage students who are in-state residents to apply. The University of Utah's program is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). For complete information including admission requirements, course prerequisites and curriculum please visit their website at: http://www.health.utah.edu
There are many more Physical Therapy Programs throughout the United States. To learn more about these programs, what their requirements are including prerequisite courses visit the website of the American Physical Therapy Association.
AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION
Or check out the link below:
LINKS TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY in the Intermountain & Pacific Northwest Region
Utah State University Cooperative Education Internship Program Manual
