Pre-Physical Therapy Studies

The minimum admission requirements for accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs include an earned bachelor’s degree with the following: 

  • 16-21 semester hours of introductory and advanced biology
  • 8 semester hours of general chemistry
  • 6-9 semester hours of English composition and technical writing
  • 3 semester hours of kinesiology
  • 3 semester hours of mathematics
  • 8 semester hours of general physics
  • 10 semester hours of psychology

Applicants to advanced physical therapy programs are required to take the Graduate Record Examination and to submit all admission materials in a timely manner as specified by program and school to which they apply. In conjunction with a strong overall grade point average and a competitive Graduate Record

Examination score, students interested in physical therapy should consider gaining clinical experience by way of volunteer work in a hospital or rehabilitation facility or through other opportunities that involve working with people through planned exercise programs designed to improve physical mobility and function.

Undergraduate degrees in biology and kinesiology are popular choices among students who seek admission to physical therapy programs, most of which require two years of additional study leading to the DPT degree.

To learn more about preparing for a career in physical therapy, review the following curriculum suggestions, professional resources, and virtual links to accredited programs in Texas.


Professional Resources


American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org/

Texas Physical Therapy Association
http://www.tpta.org/

Graduate Record Examination
http://www.takethegre.com/

Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs in Texas

Angela State University
https://www.angelo.edu/dept/physical_therapy/ 

Hardin-Simmons University
https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/graduate-programs/doctorate-physical-therapy/

Texas State University-San Marcos
http://www.health.txstate.edu/pt/

Texas Tech Health Sciences Center
https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/doctor-of-physical-therapy/default.aspx

Texas Woman’s University at Houston Campus
http://www.twu.edu/physical-therapy/

University of Texas El Paso
https://www.utep.edu/chs/pt/

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
https://shp.utmb.edu/PhysicalTherapy/

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/programs/doctorate-programs/index.html