Pre-Physical Therapy

The Pre-Physical Therapy program will set the foundation for you to become an expert in the function and movement of the human body. Our program takes a holistic approach to patient care, including courses in exercise science and nutrition.

Completing your bachelor’s degree at Lees-McRae in Pre-Physical Therapy is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed physical therapist. The curriculum includes the foundational science pre-requisite courses for graduate programs. Choosing to major in Pre-Physical Therapy, rather than completing a minor or concentration found in many other schools, can help your graduate application stand out.

The program teaches you how to deliver patient care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values when guiding health decisions. You’ll also gain real life experience as a volunteer in a physical therapy clinic.

Students must demonstrate drive, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA with no ‘C’ grades in the sciences in order to stay in the program. Toward the end of the program, students will take the GRE (graduate record examination).

What You'll Study

The Pre-Physical Therapy major prepares you for graduate study in physical therapy. The curriculum includes all pre-requisite courses for graduate admissions including general psychology, statistics, and labs in biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, and chemistry. You will also have the opportunity to take electives in the social and behavioral sciences, exercise science, nutrition, and other disciplines.

Beyond the Classroom

Experience in health care settings is a necessary component of your undergraduate preparation as it is a required pre-requisite for graduate study. Pre-Physical Therapy advisors will help students decide which graduate programs are a good fit, research admissions requirements, and secure internships.

After Graduation

The Pre-Physical Therapy program will prepare you for the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) process. After graduation, you can expect to transition to either a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. After completing a MPT or DPT, graduates will then be required to gain experience in a clinic through a school-approved residency program. Upon completion of the residency, students will qualify to apply for a physical therapy license, which will prepare them for careers as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants.

Career information is provided through Vault and O'Net. Current Lees-McRae students can see the full results on Vault using their student email and password. 

Meet the Faculty

Dee Medford-Baker, DC
Program Coordinator for Pre-Physical Therapy, Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Biology