Pharmacy, Natural & Health Sciences

Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists are the movement experts

Program Opportunities

  • Major in Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences
    • Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT) concentration
    • Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy (DPT)

Overview

Physical therapists assist people to live healthy and active lives while restoring, maintaining and promoting optimal physical functions and movement. The pre-PT concentration at Manchester University prepares students to apply for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Physical therapists are the movement experts that evaluate, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological conditions through exercises, hands-on therapies and patient education. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy is identified to be the fastest-growing health sciences occupation between 2019-2029, with an 18 percent increase in demand nationally!

Career Tracks for Physical Therapy Graduates

Majoring in clinical and rehabilitation sciences with a pre-PT concentration satisfies the requirements as an undergraduate major in physical therapy when applying for DPT programs and prepares students for DPT program applications.

The DPT is a three-year professional graduate degree program that equips students with entry-level physical therapy knowledge and skills to practice as a physical therapist. A typical DPT program curriculum includes anatomy, exercise physiology, pathology, therapeutic exercises, modalities, biomechanics, kinesiology, orthotics and prosthetics, neuroscience, cardiopulmonary system, pharmacology, research and more in detail.

After passing the state-administered national licensure exam, a DPT graduate can practice as a physical therapist in a broad range of career tracks:

  • Clinical settings:
    • Outpatient PT
    • PT in Acute and Sub-Acute Care
    • PT in Rehabilitation Hospitals
    • PT in Skilled Nursing Facilities
    • PT in Extended Care facilities
    • PT in Senior Living Facilities
    • PT in Schools & Pre-Schools Settings
    • PT in Home Healthcare Services
    • Telehealth Services
  • Non-clinical settings:
    • Academics
    • Clinical Research
    • Professional/Spectator Sports
    • Fitness Centers
    • Insurance Agencies
    • Recruitment Agencies
    • Television Broadcasts as PT Experts
    • Government Services for Military and Defense