Here is a list of required courses for undergraduate college programs in physical therapy.
* Anatomy and physiology: These courses provide students with a foundation in the structure and function of the human body.
* Biochemistry: This course covers the chemical processes that occur in living cells.
* Calculus: This course covers the basic principles of calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals.
* Chemistry: This course covers the basic principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions.
* English composition: These courses help students develop their writing, research, and critical thinking skills.
* Ethics: This course covers the ethical principles that govern the practice of physical therapy.
* Exercise physiology: This course covers the physiological adaptations that occur in the body in response to exercise.
* Human growth and development: This course covers the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of humans from infancy to old age.
* Kinesiology: This course covers the scientific study of human movement.
* Mathematics: These courses cover the basic principles of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and statistics.
* Nutrition: This course covers the principles of nutrition and how it relates to health and wellness.
* Physics: This course covers the basic principles of physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.
* Psychology: This course covers the basic principles of psychology, including human behavior, cognition, and emotion.
* Sociology: This course covers the basic principles of sociology, including social structure, social interaction, and social change.
* Spanish: This course covers the basic principles of Spanish, including grammar, vocabulary, and conversation.
Additional Courses
In addition to the required courses, students may also take additional courses to personalize their education and prepare for a career in physical therapy. Some popular electives include:
* Biomechanics: This course covers the mechanical properties of biological tissues and how they relate to human movement.
* Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation: This course covers the principles of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise testing, prescription, and monitoring.
* Clinical internship: This course provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised clinical experience in a physical therapy setting.
* Evidence-based practice: This course covers the principles of evidence-based practice and how to apply it to physical therapy practice.
* Geriatric physical therapy: This course covers the special needs of older adults and how to provide physical therapy services to this population.
* Health policy: This course covers the health care system in the United States and how it affects physical therapy practice.
* Neurorehabilitation: This course covers the principles of neurorehabilitation, including assessment, treatment, and prognosis.
* Orthopedic physical therapy: This course covers the principles of orthopedic physical therapy, including assessment, treatment, and prognosis.
* Pathophysiology: This course covers the mechanisms of disease and how they affect human function.
* Pediatric physical therapy: This course covers the special needs of children and how to provide physical therapy services to this population.
* Sports medicine: This course covers the principles of sports medicine, including injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.
* Women's health: This course covers the special needs of women and how to provide physical therapy services to this population.
Prerequisites
Most undergraduate college programs in physical therapy require applicants to have completed certain prerequisites. These prerequisites vary from program to program, but some common prerequisites include:
* English: 2-3 semesters
* Mathematics: 2-3 semesters
* Science: 2-3 semesters, including biology, chemistry, and physics
* Social sciences: 2-3 semesters, including psychology and sociology
Entrance Exams
In addition to completing the required courses and prerequisites, applicants to undergraduate college programs in physical therapy must also take an entrance exam. The most common entrance exam for physical therapy programs is the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Some programs may also require applicants to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).