Physical Therapy
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who work with people who have been in accidents or have disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy. They help patients
who have had surgery or treatment restore function, improve balance and mobility, increase flexibility and coordination, and diminish pain. Physical therapists work in clinics, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and many make home visits.
They are known for improving and restoring mobility without expensive surgery and reducing the need for medications through pain management. PTs are required to complete a graduate degree, either a master’s or clinical doctorate.
Physical Therapy Courses
| Entrance exam |
Some programs may require GRE exam |
|
Suggested electives
|
CHEM 326 -- Organic Chemistry I & 326L Lab - 5
PSYC 221 -- Lifespan Development Psychology - 3
PSYC 451 -- Psychology of Abnormal behavior - 3
PE 103 Nutrition for Everyday Living
Upper level kinesiology course at BHSU
or other program
|
| Shadowing hours |
Volunteer or work hours recommended |
Required Classes for All Medical Majors
| Biology courses |
BIOL 151 -- General Biology I & 151L Lab - 4
BIOL 153 -- General Biology II & 153L Lab - 4
BIOL 221 -- Human Anatomy & 221L
BIOL 326 -- Biomedical Physiology & 326L
BIOL 331 -- Microbiology & 331L 381L Lab - 4
BIOL 371 -- Genetics & 371L Lab - 4
|
| Chemistry courses |
CHEM 112 -- General Chemistry I & 112L Lab - 4
CHEM 114 -- General Chemistry II & 114L Lab - 4
CHEM 326 -- Organic Chemistry I & 326L Lab - 5
CHEM 328 -- Organic Chemistry II & 328L Lab - 5
|
| Math courses |
MATH 123 -- Calculus - 4
MATH 281 -- Introductory Statistics - 3 or Math 381 Probability and Statistics
|
| Physics courses |
PHYS 111 -- Introduction to Physics I & 111L Lab - 4
PHYS 113 -- Introduction to Physics II & 113L Lab - 4
|
| Social Science courses |
PSYC 101 -- General Psychology - 3
SOC 100 -- General sociology
|
| English courses |
Met through SDBOR general education requirements
|
| Suggested electives |
BIOL 375 Current Bioethical issues
Epidemiology (no course number yet)
SOC 411 Licit and Illicit Drugs
SOC 420 Alcohol Use and Abuse
|
Student Resources
Professional Schools, Application, and Entrance Information
Entrance Exam
Most physical therapy schools require the Graduate Record Exam as an entrance exam. Learn more about the GRE here.
Selected Regional Programs
- University of South Dakota - Graduate Physical Therapy
Vermillion, SD
- Briar Cliff University - DPT Program
Sioux City, IA
- Creighton University DPT Program
Omaha, NE
- Des Moines University DPT Program
Des Moines, IA
- Idaho State University DPT Program
Pocatello, ID
- University of Iowa - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Iowa City, IA
- University of Kansas - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Kansas
City, KS
- University of Minnesota Program in Physical Therapy
Minneapolis, MN
- University of Montana School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Missoula, MT
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Physical Therapy Program
Omaha, NE
- University of North Dakota Dept. of Physical Therapy
Grand Forks, ND
Important Note:
Consult the admissions/application web pages of the professional programs for information on required pre-requisite courses and admissions tests, application procedures, and application deadlines. Some professional/graduate programs will not accept AP
or CLEP credits, online courses, or correspondence courses for the core science and math pre-requisite requirements. Many programs also require that all pre-requisite coursework be completed within a certain period of time, e.g., within 5 years prior
to application. Policies vary by school and program. Be sure you know the requirements