A pre-professional program is a statement of intent on the student’s part, not an academic major.
Physical Therapists “help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility” (American Physical Therapy Association). They also “teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits” and “work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs” (American Physical Therapy Association).
Pre-physical therapy students pursue a course of study to fulfill requirements for entry into a physical therapy school. Pre-physical therapy students in addtion to completion of a bachelor’s degree at UMBC, will complete preparation coursework for professional studies in physical therapy. Students will then complete their professional studies in physical therapy in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at another institution.
The Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising can assist students interested in pursuing the pre-physical therapy curriculum.
The coursework below meets the requirements for most nationally accredited DPT programs. Students should become familiar with the requirements of the school(s) from which they eventually wish to obtain their professional degree.