Pre-Physical Therapy at JMU
Does JMU have a physical therapy program?
No, what JMU has is a pre-physical therapy program. This program prepares undergraduate students for basic requirements needed in graduate school.
What are the requirements for the pre-physical therapy program?
| Class | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Bio 270 - Human Physiology |
4 |
Bio 290 - Human Anatomy |
4 |
Chem 131-132 – General Chemistry (including laboratory 131L – 132L) |
8 |
Phys 140-150 - General Physics (including laboratory) |
8 |
Math 220 – Elementary Statistics |
3 |
Calculus (Math 205, 231, or 235) |
4 |
English (literature, composition or scientific writing) |
9 |
GPSYC 101 - General Psychology |
3 |
PSYC 160 - Developmental Psychology (including laboratory 140L - 150L) |
3 |
PSYC 250 - Abnormal Psychology |
3 |
GSOC 210 - Social Issues |
3 |
NOTE: Physical therapy schools often have varying prerequisite requirements for admission. Classes listed here meet Pre-PT requirements at JMU, but may differentiate slightly from what some PT schools require. Course substitution requests should be made through and approved by the coordinator.
Do I have to choose a specific major for pre-physical therapy?
No. Students interested in physical therapy, and applying to graduate school may choose any major, as long as they fulfill the pre-physical therapy requirements. The most common majors for pre-physical therapy students at JMU include (but are not limited to) Health Science, Kinesiology, Biology and Athletic Training. Student often find these majors desirable since many courses in these majors overlap with pre-physical therapy courses.
Does the pre-physical therapy program require all the courses I will need to apply for graduate school?
No, although the pre-physical therapy track requires a majority of the requirements for graduate school, many schools have additional specific classes necessary for admissions. Students are encouraged to contact and research the graduate schools they are interested in, to confirm the exact courses needed for admissions.
Is volunteer work required for the pre-physical therapy track?
No. Some majors require clinical rotations and volunteer work, but the pre-physical therapy track does not. Either way, students are encouraged to obtain experience in a variety of different physical therapy settings to ensure the field is right for them. In addition, most graduate schools require a minimum number of hours and various settings they would like each student to have been exposed to.
Do I have to apply to the pre-physical therapy program?
No, this preparation program is open to any students interested, applications are only needed for graduate school. However, you must declare your interest as a pre-physical therapy student to insure you receive information and announcements about the program. This can be done with the Pre-PT Coordinator (Dr. Kristi Lewis, lewiskl@jmu.edu).
What other types of activities can I do to get involved?
JMU offers a Pre-Physical Therapy society, which is an organization offered to all students interested in the field. The society provides a broad range of experiences including visits to graduate schools, speakers, field trips, philanthropic, and social events. In addition, the society serves as a support group for students interested in the field to exchange information and answer questions regarding physical therapy.
What other majors have been successful applying to PT school?
A student's major makes no difference as long as the applicant completes all necessary prerequisites for the respective PT school. Popular majors of PT students include Health Science, Biology, Kinesiology, and Psychology. However, Art majors from JMU have also been successful, showing any major is acceptable if all prerequisites are met.
What physical therapy graduate schools have recent JMU graduates been accepted to?
Over the past few years the following schools accepted JMU students:
Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, Shenandoah University, Marymount University, Duke University, Medical University of South Carolina, Emory University, Boston University, University of Miami, Arcadia University, Chatham College, East Carolina University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Elon University, University of St. Augustine, University of Delaware, New York University and Quinnipaic University.
Are there any physical therapy graduate schools that specifically request JMU graduates or reserve spaces for them?
JMU annually hosts a physical therapy expo where many schools’ representatives have the opportunity to meet and converse with students. Through the Expo, JMU students on average are identified highly competitive candidates to any PT school. Our alumni hold a strong reputation at schools around the country and give current JMU applicants an advantage.
Several PT schools offer JMU students articulation agreements. These contracts ensure JMU students an advantage over other undergraduate schools. See the Physical Therapy Articulation Information link for additional information.
Where can I go with any additional questions?
For specific questions: Pre-Physical Therapy Coordinator - lewiskl@jmu.edu
