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.