Do you want to help people move better and regulate pain as a licensed physical therapist? If so, you’ll want to set yourself up for success as early as possible.
You will need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program). But prior to gaining admission at any schools good for physical therapy, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree.
While you can theoretically enroll in one of the top physical therapy programs with a bachelor’s degree in any subject, some majors are more relevant to a physical therapy career than others.
—those which allow you to complete prerequisite courses and start gaining the valuable skills you’ll need to succeed in one of the top PT programs.[1] Here are the top 5 undergraduate degrees according to USAHS’ internal database.
1. Kinesiology
While biology explores the science of life in general, kinesiology hones in on the dynamics of human movement.[2] Because the field is closely related to physical therapy, many students find it to be a natural stepping stone into one of the best physical therapy a DPT programs.[3]
Kinesiology takes a well-rounded approach to health sciences, encouraging students to learn about biology, chemistry, and physics. More specifically, kinesiology programs explore:[4]
- The prevention, management and treatment of injuries
- The optimization of movement for workplace or athletic performance
- The promotion of general health and well-being
- The restoration of body functions
2. Exercise Science
Exercise science takes the principles of kinesiology and boils them down even further. Rather than looking at all human movements, exercise scientists focus specifically on intentional movement—in other words, exercise.[5]
Because activity-related injuries are one of the most common reasons why people see physical therapists, exercise science is an ideal major if you’re applying to one of the top physical therapy programs.
In fact, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, exercise science is also one of the most common undergraduate degrees to have before applying to the best physical therapy programs.[6]
3. Health Science
Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Health Science offers a comprehensive foundation for a career in physical therapy.[7] It’s a multidisciplinary field that encompasses critical topics and subjects that will give you a headstart at any of the top physical therapy programs, such as human anatomy, physiology and healthcare policy.
Students studying health science will gain a broad understanding of the health sector. Health Science majors gain insights into the determinants of health and disease, which can prepare them for the holistic approach required in physical therapy.
An education in health science not only meets the prerequisites for many advanced DPT programs but also instills a strong ethical framework and problem-solving skills essential for patient care. It’s an ideal launch pad for anyone seeking to enroll at any of the best physical therapy programs.
4. Biology
Physical therapy requires knowledge of the human body, so it should be no surprise that biology is one of the best degrees to pursue before applying to any physical therapy programs.[8], [9] Biology students explore the science of life in a broad sense, tapping into the inner workings of various living organisms—all of which can provide insight into health and wellness.[10]
In an undergraduate biology program, you’ll encounter a range of topics applicable to the best physical therapy programs, such as:
- Anatomy
- Scientific and medical terminology
- Genetics
Because biology programs typically touch on chemistry and physics as well, you should have no trouble meeting your prerequisites for the top physical therapy programs.
5. Psychology
Perhaps you’ve heard the adage “pain is mental.” While the saying doesn’t address all the questions a physical therapy degree seeks to answer, the mind is certainly part of the well-being puzzle.
Psychologists study the mind and behavior, while physical therapists often work to adjust physical activity and behavior to treat movement dysfunction.[11],[12] Therefore, the two disciplines can go hand in hand.
Gaining an understanding of human psychology provides insight into the motivations behind an individual’s actions, a crucial competency for applicants to physical therapy programs. The study of human movement, behavior, and response forms a vital component of PT education, offering extensive benefits.
A Note About Prerequisites
As mentioned, you can apply to a Doctor of Physical Therapy study at any of the top ranked physical therapy programs with an undergraduate degree in any field. However, most DPT programs or other graduate-level physical therapy programs require the completion of certain prerequisite courses. Regardless of the major you choose, you’ll have to fulfill the requirements listed by your future university.
For example, students applying to the DPT program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) must complete the following physical therapy prerequisites:
- Chemistry (general or upper level with lab)
- Physics (general or upper level with lab)
- Biology (general or upper level with lab)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (general or upper level with lab)
- Social Sciences
- Medical Terminology
If you use your electives to take the prerequisite courses, you should be able to transition from any degree into one of the many accredited universities for physical therapy. But, to optimally equip yourself for top PT programs, pursuing these comprehensive undergraduate majors will undoubtedly provide a competitive advantage.
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a hands-on Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn under the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Practice with mock and real patients in our state-of-the-art simulation centers and learn anatomy with our high-tech tools. Prepare for clinical practice with a wide range of patients, as well as for advanced roles in research, practice leadership and policy making. Residential (blended didactic courses + in-person labs on weekdays) and Flex (online courses + in-person labs on select weekends) formats are available.
Sources
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- American Physical Therapy Association, “PT Admissions Process,” n.d.:
https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/pt-admissions-process
[2] Ilana Kowarski, “What You Can Do With a Kinesiology Degree,” U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 14, 2021: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-kinesiology-degree
[3] American Physical Therapy Association, “PT Admissions Process,” n.d.: https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/pt-admissions-process
[4] Ilana Kowarski, “What You Can Do With a Kinesiology Degree,” U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 14, 2021, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-kinesiology-degree
[5]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 27). Exercise physiologists : Occupational outlook handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm
[6] American Physical Therapy Association, “PT Admissions Process,” n.d.: https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/pt-admissions-process
[7]Christine Comizio, “What You Need to Know About Becoming a Health Science Major,” U.S. News & World Report, July 16, 2019: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/health-science-major-overview
[8] American Physical Therapy Association, “PT Admissions Process,” n.d.: https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/pt-admissions-process
[9] Christine Comizio, “What You Need to Know About Becoming a Biology Major,” U.S. News & World Report, July 19, 2019: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/biology-major-overview
[10] Christine Comizio, “What You Need to Know About Becoming a Biology Major,” U.S. News & World Report, July 19, 2019: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/biology-major-overview
[11]American Psychological Association, “Science of Psychology,” https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/science.
[12] American Physical Therapy Association, “What Physical Therapists Do,” n.d.: https://www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt.
