Pre-Physical Therapy at Weber State University

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Roberto Herrera

 (801) 626-7050

General Information on the Profession

Your education at Weber State can prepare you for a career in physical therapy (PT) by providing you with the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor's degree and complete the prerequisite courses that all accredited PT programs require of their applicants. An undergraduate degree in any area of emphasis is acceptable; it does not need to be in a health-related discipline. Prerequisite course requirements vary from program to program. On the backside of this sheet, I have included a list of the prerequisite courses that the University of Utah 's program requires of Weber State graduates. For a more general list of prerequisites, see those listed under "Prephysical Therapy" in either the hardcopy or online version of the WSU catalog.

To become practicing physical therapist, you must complete a graduate degree. Depending on the university, the graduate degree required is either an M.S. or (increasingly) a Ph.D. PT programs typically require three years of full-time schooling (including two summers) beyond a bachelor's degree. Further specialization in PT beyond a graduate degree is typically acquired through postprofessional education programs and direct clinical experience. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recognizes advanced certification in seven areas: cardiopulmonary, electrophysiological, neurological, geriatric, orthopedic, pediatric, and sports physical therapy.

The APTA is the best source of general information on physical therapy. They publish an annual Directory of Physical Therapy Education Programs. A copy is available for review in the Department of Zoology office. You can write them at 1111 North Fairfax St. , Alexandria , VA 2231t 1488) or visit their homepage: http://apta.edoc.com. Most universities now have descriptions of their programs (including prerequisite and application information) online. For example, the University of Utah has detailed information on their program at this address: http://www.health.utah.edu/pt.

 

Tips on Preparing to Apply to Physical Therapy Programs

1. Strive to maintain a high grade point average (GPA), particularly in Pl prerequisites. For example, successful applicants to the University of Utah 's program typically have at least a 3.6 GPA in prerequisite coursework.

2. Acquire significant volunteer or work experience in physical therapy clinic. Other health-related experience (e.g., working as an aide or a phlebotomist) may enhance your application, but it will not substitute for volunteer or work experience done under the supervision of a physical therapist.

3. Develop a good working relationship with at least one physical therapist and with other potential references, such as employers or professors, so that you can solicit meaningful letters for your application. Physical therapy programs typically require at least three letters of recommendation. At least one of these will need to come from a physical therapist under whom you have worked.

4. Prepare yourself to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), which many PT programs still require. General information on preparing for the GRE's and on testing locations is available through the Weber State Testing Center in the Student Services building. Several good GRE preparation books are available at most major bookstores and through internet book sellers.

5. Know the prerequisite requirements and application procedures for all programs to which you may apply well in advance of applying.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PRE-REQUISITE CLASSES AT WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY 2002-2003 (THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT WRITTEN NOTICE OR OBLIGATION.)

Biological Sciences:
Animal Biology: Zoology 1010 OR
Human Biology (preferred) Zoology 1020
Human Anatomy: Zoology 2100
Human Physiology: Zoology 2200
 

Physics:
General Physics: Physics 2010 and 2020 (with labs)

Chemistry:
Elem Chem & Elem Org/Biochem: Chemistry 1110 & 1120 (with labs)

Health Education:
Advanced First Aid: HE 1300
(MUST include adult. infant child CPR. choking and 1- and 2-man CPR)

Psychology:
Intro to Psychology: Psychology 1010
Abnormal Psychology: Psychology 3010
 

Communications:
Intermediate Writing: English 2010
Technical Writing: English 2100 OR 3100
(NOTE: If you are planning on transferring to the U of U without a Bachelor's Degree. it is suggested that you take an upper-division technical writing course. Please contact University College at (801) 581-8146 in order to determine & verify that EnRl-3100 satisfies a U of U upper-division intensive writing requirement. )

Math Requirements:
Trigonometry: Math 1060 OR Calculus l: Math 1210 AND
Statistics (MUST include ANOVA, correlation and regression testing techniques):                                  Math 1040 OR Psy 3600 OR Soc 3600
(NOTE: If you are planning on transferring to the U of U without a Bachelor's Degree. it is suggested that you take an upper-division statistics course. Please contact University College at (801) 581-8146 in order to determine & verify that Psy-3600 or Soc-3600 satisfies a U of U upper-division quantitative intensive reasoning requirement.)

For questions please contact:
Dr. Roberto Herrera, SG 118 (801) 626-7050

email: rherrera@weber.edu

Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance  


Univ. of Utah : Joyce Bawden (801) 581-8681

Last Updated July 26, 2002