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Pre-Physical Therapy

Start your path towards a doctorate in physical therapy by enrolling in this pre-professional program.

Working with children, the elderly or even professional athletes to regain mobility and functionality is the role you'll play as a physical therapist. UND’s Pre-Physical Therapy program is designed to prepare you for the rigors of physical therapy school, and to provide you with guidance and support you need to be successful.

Program type:
Pre-Professional Program
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
3 years
Credit hours:
90
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Requirements
  • How to Apply

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Why study pre-physical therapy?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

As an incoming freshman, you can earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy and undergrad degree at the same time. Physical Therapy is a demanding, intensive area of study. Pre-Physical Therapy is not a major, but a three-year course plan that will ready you for admission to the professional school.

As a Pre-Physical Therapy student, an advisor will assist you with developing a plan of study that includes the classes necessary for admission to physical therapy school. You'll take 90 credits, including classes like:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Introductory College Physics
  • Orientation to Physical Therapy

After completing the recommended courses, you can apply for the professional school to earn your Doctorate in Physical Therapy. 

Pre-Physical Therapy at UND

  • Participate in direct delivery of physical therapy services in a variety of settings.

  • Take classes in the state-of-the-art School of Medicine and Health Sciences building, opened in 2016.

  • Gain advanced knowledge and skills in the Sports Physical Therapy Residency program.

  • Join UND's Physical Therapy Club to network with your future colleagues and gain experience in the field.

Physical Therapy Careers 

17%

Expected job growth for physical therapists through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

95k

Median pay for physical therapists after earning your professional or doctoral degree

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

By enrolling in the pre-physical therapy program at UND, you're taking the first step to beginning your rewarding career as a physical therapist. Most UND physical therapy graduates are employed in private clinics or hospitals. Job demand is expected to grow 21 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is higher than the average for all occupations.

  

CAPTE Accredited Physical Therapy Program

The Physical Therapy program at the University of North Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

3030 Potomac Avenue, Ste 100 
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
703.706-3245 | accreditation@apta.org

If needing to contact the program directly, please call Dr. David Relling at 701.777.2831 or email david.relling@UND.edu.

Pre-Physical Therapy Courses

PT 101. Orientation Physical Therapy. 1 Credit.

Overview of the educational requirements, practice issues, and opportunities in the profession of physical therapy. Course content includes multimedia presentations, lectures, and observation in clinical settings.

PSYC 111. Introduction to Psychology. 3 Credits.

A survey of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, with consideration of the nature and scope of psychology as a science and a profession. F,S.

BIMD 220. Human Anatomy & Physiology I. 3 Credits.

BIMD 220 (3 credits) and BIMD 221 (3 credits) together are a complete survey of the anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems and the foundational concepts required to understand them. BIMD 220 covers beginner material on introductory A&P, cells, and tissues, as well as advancing through the skin, skeletal, muscle and nervous organ systems. BIMD 221 is a more advanced study of the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Each concept is presented through the lens of a diverse human population and both BIMD 220 and 221 are validated as essential studies special emphasis courses covering "The Diversity of Human Experience" topic. Together the courses are designed to meet field standards using the HAPS learning outcomes and goals. Prerequisites or Corequisites: Either BIOL 150 and BIOL 150L or CHEM 116 and CHEM 116L or CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L. F,S.

PSYC 250. Developmental Psychology. 4 Credits.

A survey of the psychology of human life span development including intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of the normal individual and emphasizing childhood and adolescent development. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F,S.

BIOL 150. General Biology I. 3 Credits.

Basic concepts of biology with emphasis on the process of science, metabolism, cell biology, plant and animal form and function, and physiology. Broadly designed to satisfy the needs of those pursuing biological and preprofessional curricula. F.

PHYS 161. Introductory College Physics I. 4 Credits.

An introduction to the principles and concepts of physics with the application of minimal mathematics, sufficient to show the logical progression from one topic to the next. General physics for those who do not plan to take an advanced course in science. Topics: Newtonian mechanics and gravitation, work and energy, solids and fluids, vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics. The laboratory is a component of this course. No mathematical prerequisite is required, but knowledge of elementary algebra is recommended. F.

Leader in Physical Therapy

When Kayana Trottier transferred to UND, she followed her passion for physical therapy despite the challenges in her personal life. Now she's set to become a physical therapist.

Read KayanA's Story

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Explore More Options

Connect with your Pre-PT advisor or find additional pre-professional choices at UND.

  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Search more pre-professional programs
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