Pre-Physical Therapy

Consult the American Physical Therapy Association to view a list of accredited physical therapy programs and the requirements and admission statistics for 175+ physical therapy programs.

Physical Therapy: Four-Year Plan

Four-year plans for common majors of physical therapy students at Gustavus:

• Biology: Four-Year Plan Physical Therapy
• Exercise Physiology: Four-Year Plan Physical Therapy

Any undergraduate major is acceptable, as long as you fulfill the physical therapy program's prerequisite requirements.

A physical therapist (PT) provides services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disability of patients with injuries or disease. They work directly with their patients and closely with other health care providers to restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and wellness for healthier and more active lifestyles. There is no "typical" patient; PTs may work with accident victims, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease, and cerebral palsy. Physical therapy is an autonomous career. PTs determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and implement a specific and individualized plan of care in order to restore the patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after an injury or illness.

An occupational therapist (OT) helps individuals achieve independence and improve their ability to perform activities of daily life (ADLs) and self-care. For example, an OT may help a patient learn to dress themselves, brush their teeth, or comb their hair after a stroke or illness that has severely weakened their arms. A physical therapist (PT), focuses on the large motor groups that contribute to walking, reaching, standing, and other physical activities. They work on strength, balance, range of motion, and swelling as well as pain to encourage independence. It is important to note that many times an occupational therapist and physical therapist will collaborate closely with one another in order to provide the best care for a patient.

Many physical therapists practice in hospitals. However, more than 80 percent work in other settings, such as acute care clinics, rehab/sub-rehab clinics, private practice clinics, schools, and nursing homes.