What Is the Best Physical Therapy Major?
Let's explore which major options and prerequisite coursework are recommended for aspiring physical therapists at the undergraduate and graduate levels. We'll review the prerequisite classes required for admission into a physical therapy/PT program, as well as licensing and career information.
What do physical therapists major in? There is not one best PT major for physical therapy students. In order to become a physical therapist, you need to complete a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) training program after earning your bachelor's degree. You can choose any major that interests you for your bachelor's degree, so long as you are able to complete certain prerequisites that are necessary to gain acceptance to a physical therapy program. Often, future physical therapists major in a foundational science, since these courses usually align closely with physical therapy prerequisites. Some examples of undergraduate physical therapy majors include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Exercise science
- Exercise physiology
- Athletic training
- Kinesiology
What area of study is physical therapy at the undergraduate level? Undergraduate preparation for physical therapists usually includes majoring in one of the foundational sciences, such as biology or physiology, though there isn't one single best specific major. For aspiring physical therapists, coursework is most important, as there are specific undergraduate prerequisites that must be completed in order to gain admission to a graduate PT program. The mandatory prerequisite classes are generally the same regardless of whichever major is chosen. PT prerequisite courses include, but are not always limited to:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
It's often recommended that undergraduates gain volunteer or internship experience with a physical therapy provider as well, since observation hours are a common requirement for entry to PT graduate programs.
At the graduate level, students study the methods and practices of the physical therapy profession. Graduate courses teach body movement and therapeutic techniques, as well as how to work with pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. Students must typically participate in supervised clinical internships during the program.
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What Else Could I Major in to Become a Physical Therapist?
Are you still wondering what to major in to become a physical therapist? Although the classes for science majors often align well with prerequisite courses for physical therapy programs, students who want to become physical therapists are not required to major in a foundational science. Rather, future physical therapists can choose any major that interests them as long as they are able to complete the physical therapy prerequisite courses. Choosing a major in the humanities could make it more difficult to complete the physical therapy prerequisites. However, these majors can help an applicant gain unique perspectives that make them more desirable for physical therapy programs. Some alternative majors for students who want to become physical therapists include:
- Music
- English
- Psychology
- Political science
- Literature
Licensure Requirements
Physical therapists in the United States are required to be licensed, though each state has different licensing criteria. In general, physical therapists must have graduated from an accredited program and must have passed national and state examinations. Continuing education requirements must usually be fulfilled in order to maintain licensure.
Physical Therapy Job Description
What is a physical therapist? A physical therapist is a medical professional who works with patients to promote physical rehabilitation following an injury, illness, or medical procedure. Physical therapists may work with patients to restore their ability to walk following traumatic injuries like car accidents. They can also work to restore lost muscle function in the arms, legs, or other body parts. Physical therapists may work in hospitals or in their own private studios, and the work one-on-one with patients to perform exercises that can promote the restoration of motor function.
Salary and Employment Information
As of May 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $89,440 for physical therapists. According to the BLS, 33% of all physical therapists worked in PT offices and/or offices of speech therapists, occupational therapists, and audiologists in 2019. Twenty-six percent of all physical therapists worked in hospitals in 2019. The remainder practiced in nursing facilities, physicians' offices, and home healthcare. The BLS predicts an increase in job openings of 18% from 2019 to 2029, especially in rural areas and locations with a larger elderly population.
Aspiring physical therapists have a diverse range of majors to choose from to be eligible for admission to a graduate PT program. More importantly, undergraduates must complete a number of mandatory prerequisite classes to be eligible for enrollment in a graduate PT program. All practicing physical therapists are required to obtain proper licensing. Specific requirements for licensure vary by state. With the growing number of job openings, a career in physical therapy is a great choice for someone interested in health, science, or human anatomy.
