à£à£Ö±²¥Ðãing to Physical Therapy School
Physical Therapy programs require various prerequisites for admission and consider a variety of clinical and non-clinical experiences. This typically includes:
- A bachelor's degree
- Specific prerequisite coursework
- Standardized test scores
- Observational or Paid Experience in a PT setting
Become a PT
- Learn more about the profession:
- Find a Program (PTCAS Directory):
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) vs. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA):
- Become a PTA:
Subheading: What major should you choose? You can major in anything and apply to PT school. Admissions requirements vary from school to school, so you should do your research to make sure you have a plan to meet all of the requirements needed for your schools of interest. The Health Pathways page provides information about health-related programs at ODU. This is a good place to start exploring options to make sure you've chosen your best fit major.
How to Build a Competitive Application
Most programs have a minimum GPA, typically at least 3.0 but many programs have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher for admitted students
You'll apply through a Centralized Application Service, or CAS. The link below explains how GPAs are calculated:
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Physical Therapy |
Most PT programs require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), although specific requirements such as minimum scores vary by program.
Shadow
Most PT programs require at least some shadow/volunteer/work experience in a PT setting. Some programs, like ODU's DPT program, require students to gain experience in at least 2 different settings (acute care + outpatient clinic, for example)
Get a Certification
- Become a PT Tech: No diploma or certificate is needed to become a PT tech. Many clinics will train students on the job, so ask around and keep your eye out for PT tech positions. Often if you start out by shadowing or observing in a clinic, that can be a great way to get your foot in the door to ask for opportunities to work as an aide or tech.
Volunteer
Request to volunteer in the physical therapy department.
- Hampton Roads/Coastal Virginia Hospitals
- , , and are all hospitals with great volunteer programs that are right down the street from ODU.
- Interested in opportunities on the peninsula? Check out location or .
- Live outside of Hampton Roads? Check your local hospital’s website for information about volunteer opportunities and how to apply!
Research
Research experience can be a great way to hone your analytical and critical thinking skills, demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based practice, and can help to strengthen your PT school application.
As an R1 research institution, there are many opportunities on campus to gain research experience as an undergraduate. Look up faculty in the College of Sciences, Ellmer College of Health Sciences, Ellmer School of Nursing, and Joint School of Public Health and reach out to professor(s) whose research matches your interests.
Leadership
Join a club or organization and volunteer for a leadership position
- Medical Brigades
Unique Life Experiences
- Multilingual
- Study Abroad or travel outside of the US
- Peace Corps
- Military Experience
- Work full time
Guaranteed Entry Program
ODU offers outstanding and qualified ODU undergraduate students the opportunity to gain guaranteed entry into the PT program before beginning their final year of college.
Common Prerequisites / Pre-Physical Therapy Guide
| Common Prerequisite Courses | Course Numbers | |
| General Biology I & II w/ labs | BIOL 121N/122N | BIOL 123N/124N |
| Anatomy & Physiology I & II w/labs | BIOL 240 or 250 | BIOL 241 or 251 |
| General/Inorganic Chemistry I & II w/ labs | CHEM 121N/122N | CHEM 123N/124N |
| Physics I & II w labs | PHYS 111N | PHYS 112N |
| Statistics | STAT 130M | |
| Psychology | PSYC 201S | |
| Kinesiology (recommended) | EXSC 417 |