Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Pre-Physical Therapy
About the Career
Physical therapists examine, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Physical therapists work with patients who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. They help patients avoid surgery and prescription drugs, maximize mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, prevent future problems, and improve physical function and fitness (APTA). Physical therapists provide care in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, sports and fitness facilities, schools, and nursing homes. Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, with a median annual wage for physical therapists of $101,020 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Why Choose CSU?
The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise Science concentration prepares students for graduate study in physical therapy and other health related fields such as occupational therapy. This undergraduate degree program is designed to satisfy the pre-requisite coursework required for admission physical therapy. Through this coursework and a hands-on internship experience, students build the knowledge and practical skills aligned with current practice in the health professions. CSU faculty and advisors are dedicated to helping you grow as a future physical therapist and becomes a strong, competitive applicant for graduate study.
Quick Facts
A competitive application includes:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A target GRE score of ~300 combined, 4.0 higher on writing
- ~100 observation hours of shadowing, volunteering, employment
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
Common Course Requirements
Typical physical therapy coursework include the listed courses below. Requirements do vary by program, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion of all prerequisites. Some programs will accept AP credit, however, it is always best to confirm with the specific program of interest.
Biology and Chemistry Sciences
- BIOL 1107K Principles of Biology I/Lab (4)
- BIOL 2251K Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
- BIOL 2251K Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
- CHEM 1121K Principles of Chemistry I/Lab (4)
- CHEM 1211K Principles of Chemistry II/Lab (4)
Mathematics and Physics Courses
- MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus (3)
- MATH 1401 Introduction to Statistics (3)
- PHYS 1111 Introductory Physics I (3)
- PHYS 1311 Introductory Physics I Lab (1)
- PHYS 1112 Introductory Physics II (3)
- PHYS 1312 Introductory Physics II Lab (1)
Social/Behavioral Sciences
- PSYC 1101 Introduction to General Psychology (3)
- Additional PSYC course (PSYC 2103, PSYC 3125 recommended)
Additional Courses often Recommended or Required
- KINS 2106 Medical Terminology (3)
- KINS 4131 Exercise Physiology (3)
- SOCI 1101 Introduction to Sociology (3)
Advising
Your academic coach and/or faculty advisor will assist you with:
- Planning for prerequisite coursework
- Connecting with community members in the profession
- Gaining experience through shadowing and research opportunities
- Aid in setting up a required internship
- Planning for and applying to admissions cycles
Contact the Center for Academic Coaching to get started.
Physical Therapy Program Information
Specific admissions requirements for the physical therapy programs in Georgia can be found on each school’s website:
- Augusta University
- Brenau University
- Emory University
- Georgia Southern University
- Georgia State University
- Mercer University
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia
- University of North Georgia
- South College
- Tufts University- Atlanta
Program admission requirements for schools participating in the PTCAS application system can be found here: PTCAS Program Requirements
