Physical Therapy (Pre)
Why choose pre-physical therapy at North Central College?
Physical therapists diagnose and treat people with illnesses or diseases that limit their ability to move and function. They also provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems such as back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis, conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, and injuries related to work and sports.
North Central College provides you with the solid undergraduate foundation you’ll need to pursue studies in physical therapy. Not only will you complete the prerequisite courses in biology, psychology, physics and mathematics, you will refine your writing and communication skills that physical therapists must possess to work with clients.
In addition, you will have the flexibility to explore other interests to help make the most of your college experience. Whether it be learning about how to run a business, participating in theatre productions, or spending a semester studying abroad, you will be transformed into a well-rounded person who not only excels academically but also brings diverse perspectives and skills to the table when it comes time to apply to graduate school. That’s why at North Central we encourage you to pursue both your passions AND your prerequisites.
You can also:
- Conduct research with faculty, independently or with other students during North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium and present your findings at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research or the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
- Receive personalized mentoring from faculty and a dedicated health programs advisor.
- Study abroad or apply for a Richter Independent Study Fellowship grant to conduct health-related research in a foreign country.
- Pursue job shadowing and volunteer opportunities at numerous facilities near North Central’s campus, including Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton.
- Gain valuable experience with our student Pre-Health Organization.
- Apply to North Central’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Guarantee Admissions program to get a head start on reserving your spot in graduate school.
NCC Doctor of Physical Therapy Guarantee Admissions
North Central offers direct (guaranteed) admission for qualified undergraduate students into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, giving you a head start over other candidates for these highly competitive spots. Learn more about the benefits and conditions of the NCC Doctor of Physical Therapy Guarantee Admissions program.
Healthcare done differently
North Central College is a leader in healthcare education, with more than 38 undergraduate and graduate healthcare programs. Our focus is on developing excellent clinicians, educators, scholars and leaders who are driven not just by optimistic career outcomes, but also by a desire to serve. This is what makes North Central stand apart.
Explore our healthcare programs
Wentz Science Center
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Pre-Physical Therapy Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Graduate Schools
Graduates have been accepted at:
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Midwestern University
- Governors State University
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
- University of Indianapolis
- The College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University
- A.T. Still University
- Governors State University
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
- Des Moines University of Medicine and Health Science
Practitioners
Graduates include:
- Orthopedic rehabilitation specialist, Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Appleton/Green Bay, WI
- Pediatric physical therapist, Achievement Therapy Services, Scottsdale, AZ
- Physical therapist, Functional Therapy & Rehabilitation, Homer Glen/Joliet, IL
- Co-owner, Women’s Physical Therapy Institute, Lake Zurich, IL
- Rheumatology specialist, Bone and Joint Physicians Orthopedics Group, Oak Lawn, IL
- Physical Therapist, Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, Schaumburg, IL
- Physical Therapist, Athletico Physical Therapy, Bloomingdale, IL
- Physical Therapist, Advocate Physical Therapy, Algonquin, IL
- Physical Therapist, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, IL
- Physical Therapist, Duly Health and Care, Wood Dale, IL
- Physical Therapist and Center Manager, Rush Physical Therapy, Lake in the Hills, IL
- Physical Therapist, OrthoArizona, Phoenix, AZ
What major should I choose at North Central College?
A degree in Exercise Science, Biology, Athletic Training, Neuroscience or Health Science is recommended unless you have a strong interest in another major. Regardless of your major, physical therapy programs require a set of prerequisite courses (see list below).
Will I need graduate education?
Yes. After earning your bachelor’s degree at North Central, becoming a physical therapist requires an additional 28 months to three years of graduate study in a program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The average GPA for students accepted to physical therapy programs is about 3.5 or higher.
What prerequisite courses do physical therapy programs require?
Minimum course requirements for admission to DPT programs are:
- General Biology with lab
- General Chemistry I and II with labs
- General Physics I and II with labs
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Psychology
- Sociology/Behavioral Science
- Statistics
Many DPT programs also require or recommend:
- Additional Biology with lab course
- Calculus - not a typical prerequisite per PTCAS
- Ethics
- Medical Terminology
What else should I consider?
Since physical therapists work intensely with people, they must possess good communication skills, a commitment to serving others, and an interest in client-centered therapy. First-hand knowledge of physical therapy by working, observing or volunteering in settings with physical therapists is required by most DPT programs in order to be eligible for admission.
While a student at North Central, you will participate in activities that will help you develop into a competitive applicant for DPT programs. These include: observing physical therapists in a variety of settings; leadership activities like serving as a peer health educator, being an officer in a student organization, or tutoring; and, a commitment to others demonstrated through volunteer service or paid employment in a PT setting. The Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator will guide you in these activities, connect you with alums who have pursued this path, and advise you throughout the application process to physical therapy programs.
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Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.
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