Pre-physical therapy
James Madison University has an excellent advising process that guides students toward a career in the physical therapy profession. This process is explained in greater detail in the "JMU Physical Therapy Information Sheet".
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has established a goal that by the year 2020 all physical therapy education programs will be offered at the doctoral level. To date, many schools have made the transition to a professional doctoral degree (DPT), while some others remain at the master degree level (MPT). There are over 150 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States. Admission to each of these programs is highly competitive and based upon several factors. Admission criteria often include prerequisite coursework, assessment of both science and overall grade point average, graduate record examination scores, volunteer experiences, letters of reference, and a completed formal application. Each physical therapy program has established its own set of admission requirements, so it is imperative that students contact schools individually to identify specific admission requirements. A complete listing of accredited physical therapy schools can be obtained from the APTA.
To facilitate knowledge of the profession and provide physical therapy related extracurricular activities for students at James Madison University, the Pre-Physical Therapy Society has been established and operates as an active organization open to all JMU students. Membership to this society is offered and encouraged so that students interested in the field of physical therapy may meet others with similar interests and take part in pre-professional activities. The Pre-PT Society meets monthly during the academic year, elects society officers, participates in community events, visits physical therapy facilities, hosts guest speakers, offers detailed information of PT schools, and annually holds a PT Expo where representatives from physical therapy programs spend a day at JMU meeting with students. JMU has excellent relationships with many of these schools and has developed formal articulation agreements with some of the schools resulting in greater opportunities for our students.
For additional information or assistance, please contact the following:
Kristi Lewis, PhD, MPH
Pre-Physical Therapy Coordinator
IIHHS MSC 4312
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-2607 FAX (540)568-7970
lewiskl@jmu.edu
