Physical Therapy
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who work with people who have been in accidents or have disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy. They help patients who have had surgery or treatment restore function, improve balance and mobility, increase flexibility and coordination, and diminish pain. Physical therapists work in clinics, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and many make home visits. They are known for improving and restoring mobility without expensive surgery and reducing the need for medications through pain management. PTs are required to complete a graduate degree, either a master's or clinical doctorate.
Physical Therapy Courses
| Entrance exam | Some programs may require GRE exam |
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Suggested electives |
CHEM 326 -- Organic Chemistry I & 326L Lab - 5 |
| Shadowing hours | Volunteer or work hours recommended |
Required Classes for All Medical Majors
| Biology courses | BIOL 151 -- General Biology I & 151L Lab - 4 BIOL 153 -- General Biology II & 153L Lab - 4 BIOL 221 -- Human Anatomy & 221L BIOL 326 -- Biomedical Physiology & 326L BIOL 331 -- Microbiology & 331L 381L Lab - 4 BIOL 371 -- Genetics & 371L Lab - 4
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| Chemistry courses | CHEM 112 -- General Chemistry I & 112L Lab - 4
CHEM 114 -- General Chemistry II & 114L Lab - 4
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| Math courses | MATH 123 -- Calculus - 4
MATH 281 -- Introductory Statistics - 3 or Math 381 Probability and Statistics |
| Physics courses | PHYS 111 -- Introduction to Physics I & 111L Lab - 4
PHYS 113 -- Introduction to Physics II & 113L Lab - 4 |
| Social Science courses | PSYC 101 -- General Psychology - 3
SOC 100 -- General sociology |
| English courses | Met through SDBOR general education requirements |
| Suggested electives |
BIOL 375 Current Bioethical issues |
Student Resources
Professional Schools, Application, and Entrance Information
Entrance Exam
Most physical therapy schools require the Graduate Record Exam as an entrance exam. Learn more about the GRE here.
Selected Regional Programs
- University of South Dakota - Graduate Physical Therapy / Vermillion, SD
- Briar Cliff University - DPT Program / Sioux City, IA
- Creighton University DPT Program / Omaha, NE
- Des Moines University DPT Program / Des Moines, IA
- Idaho State University DPT Program Pocatello, ID
- University of Iowa - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science / Iowa City, IA
- University of Kansas - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science / Kansas City, KS
- University of Minnesota Program in Physical Therapy / Minneapolis, MN
- University of Montana School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science / Missoula, MT
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Physical Therapy Program / Omaha, NE
- University of North Dakota Dept. of Physical Therapy / Grand Forks, ND
Important Note:
Consult the admissions/application web pages of the professional programs for information on required pre-requisite courses and admissions tests, application procedures, and application deadlines. Some professional/graduate programs will not accept AP or CLEP credits, online courses, or correspondence courses for the core science and math pre-requisite requirements. Many programs also require that all pre-requisite coursework be completed within a certain period of time, e.g., within 5 years prior to application. Policies vary by school and program. Be sure you know the requirements.
Contact Us
If you have questions about any of our pre-med programs, call (605) 394-2447.