Dec 18, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Physical Therapy


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 complete preparation coursework for professional studies in physical therapy in addition to a bachelor’s degree at UMBC. Students complete their professional studies in physical therapy with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at another institution.

The Office for Academic and 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. Pre-requisite requirements may vary depending on the physical therapy program. Students are encouraged to review pre-requisite requirements for each program they are applying to and plan accordingly.

Total Credits


Students complete the pre-physical therapy curriculum and the requirements of a UMBC major in a minimum of 120 credits.

Physical Therapy Requirements and UMBC Equivalent Courses


Observation Hours


Students complete a minimum of 100 observation hours in a physical therapy setting.