Pre-Physical Therapy (Not a major)
Planning Worksheet
COURSES REQUIRED BY MOST PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOLS
 B CHEM 143/144 (General Chemistry I)*
*Prerequisites: B CHEM 139 or placement into BMATH 123. Students
must also register for a Chemistry Quiz section
 B CHEM 153/154 (General Chemistry II)
 B CHEM 163/164 (General Chemistry III)
 B BIO 180 (Intro to Biology I)
 B BIO 200 (Intro to Biology II)
 B BIO 220 (Intro to Biology III)
 Statistics (BHLTH 215, BBUS 215 or BIS 315) Consult with an
advisor regarding best option for your major.
 B PHYS 114/117 (General Physics I)
 B PHYS 115/118 (General Physics II)
 B PHYS 116/119 (General Physics III)
 B BIO 351 (Anatomy and Physiology I)
 B BIO 352 (Anatomy and Physiology II) Some programs
require human A&P (B BIO 241 and 242). Consult with advisor.
 Any two courses in behavioral sciences such as
psychology, sociology or anthropology. Suggested
courses:
o BIS 170 (Intro to Psychology)
o BIS 181 (Intro to Sociology)
Local Physical Therapy programs:
College
Chemistry
UW
B CHEM 143/144
B CHEM 153/154
Biology
B BIO 180
B BIO 200
Physics
A&P
Behavioral
B PHYS 114/117
B PHYS 115/118
B BIO 351, 352
OR
B BIO 241, 242
One course psychology
plus one more
psychology, sociology
or anthropology
Min 50 hours volunteer,
paid, shadow or
observation
(B BIO 220 prerequisite
for A&P courses)
Experience
EWU
B CHEM 143/144
B CHEM 153/154
B CHEM 163/164
1 – 300/400 level
course in physiology
1 – 300/400 level
course in biology
B PHYS 114/117
B PHYS 115/118
B PHYS 116/119
B BIO 351, 352
OR
B BIO 241, 242
Any two behavioral
science courses in
psychology, sociology,
or anthropology
Min 75 hours work,
observation or volunteer
in at least two settings
UPS
B CHEM 143/144
B CHEM 153/154
B CHEM 163/164
Full bio series (BBIO 180,
200 & 220) needed for
A&P courses
B PHYS 114/117
B PHYS 115/118
B PHYS 116/119
B BIO 351, 352
OR
B BIO 241, 242
One course in
psychology or sociology
on human behavior or
disability
100 or more hours is
recommended
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The University of Washington’s PT program requires only two courses in chemistry, biology and physics.
Take the Math Placement Test to determine your eligibility for starting science courses.
It is recommended that you take B CHEM 143/144 within your first year as it is the prerequisite for many other science courses.
The course above serve as a guide to physical therapy school prerequisites. You should research the specific courses needed for
your chosen schools.
First year students should choose VLPA or I&S Discovery Core classes. Science prerequisites above will fulfill NW.
A W Sp Su 20__
A W Sp Su 20__
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Course/Requirement
Course/Requirement
Course/Requirement
Course/Requirement
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
SB 8/1/2017
Preparing for Physical Therapy School
Students apply a full year in advance of starting physical therapy (PT) school, which typically begins
in the fall. Below are the steps:
EXPERIENCE – Many PT programs require students to have a certain number of volunteer or paid
experience in the PT field. Contact local PT clinics, hospitals and long-term care businesses for
information about participating at their facilities. For resources on finding these opportunities, see
the Pre-Health Advising website at: http://www.uwb.edu/pre-health
GRE – The entrance exam required for most PT schools is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This
exam can be taking year round and focuses on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and
analytical writing. The current cost of the GRE test is $205.
APPLY
Primary Application – Apply to PT schools through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application
Service (PTCAS) and indicate which schools you want to receive your application. The PTCAS is
available in early July and deadlines vary from early October through May. The current
application fee is $145 and includes one school designation. The cost of each additional school
designation is $45. Local school deadlines: UW – December 15, University of Puget Sounds –
November 2, Eastern Washington University – November 2 (PTCAS, transcripts and GRE scores)
Supplemental Applications – Many schools require you to submit a supplemental application
that is specific to that school. These applications typically include more essays and additional
application fees.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION - Most admission committees require academic and character
recommendations. Most programs require 3-4 letters and you should include at least one from a
physical therapist that can speak on your behalf.
INTERVIEW – Many PT schools will ask applicants to interview on campus and the format varies by
institution. You should be prepared to discuss why you are interested in a career in the PT field.
Students are advised to prepare for their interviews by meeting with a Career Counselor in Career
Services and conducting a mock interview. Students should also become familiar with the type of
questions that may be asked during their interview.
For more information contact:
Stephanie Baron, Pre-Health Advisor
Student Success Center, 1st Floor of UW1
[email protected] | (425) 352-3613
www.uwb.edu/pre-health
Appointments: https://wco.uwb.edu/secure
SB 8/1/2017