According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists will grow by 36% over the next 10 years.
Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.
Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
The Department of Physical Therapy began in January of 2011. The Department currently consists of internationally renowned faculty and the world-class Human Biomechanics and Physiology Laboratory (HBAPL). The HBAPL is home to High Point University’s first research institute: The Institute of Human Health and Sports Science Research. The Institute is dedicated to impactful research in the areas of injury prevention and performance enhancement in active individuals. The PT Doctoral program at HPU is under development and is scheduled to accept its first cohort in 2017.
Physical Therapy Accreditation Information
Shadowing may occur at any point in the student’s academic journey and students should contact their advisor for more details.
The physical therapy advisors are:
- Dr. Dan Tarara ([email protected])
- Dr. Kimberly Reich ([email protected])
L.J. Georgetti, ’15
Thomas Jefferson University
“High Point University helped me achieve my goals by preparing me inside and outside the classroom. At HPU, I have been surrounded by some amazing faculty members who have influenced me as a student to constantly improve and work hard. They have also made learning unique and exciting. Additionally, HPU has offered one of the best Biomechanics Laboratories around with state-of-the-art equipment which has allowed me and my classmates to participate in experiential learning.”
High Point University sophomore Laura Santiago presented research on the diagnostic accuracy of various medical imaging services at the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association annual conference, held in Greensboro.
Some of the programs that HPU students have been accepted to for a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) include:
- Lynchburg College
- Campbell University
- Elon University
- Touro College
- Rutgers University
- Neiman University
- Hampton University
- Wingate University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Miami
- University of New England
- Creighton University
- Marshall University
- Sacred Heart University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Belmont University
- Columbia University
- Marymount University
- Washington University at St. Louis
- University of Florida
- Medical University of South Carolina
- George Washington University
- Regis University
- East Carolina University
Students wishing to apply to Physical Therapy schools will need to consult the specific prerequisites of the schools to which applications are made. While the amount may vary, Physical Therapy schools require hands-on experience within the field as part of the application requirements. Most Physical Therapy programs are Doctoral level programs. Applicants should expect to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission.
High Point University courses that are prerequisites for Physical Therapy Schools:
- PHS/BIO 2060 – Human Physiology (4 credits)
- ANA/BIO – Human Anatomy (4 credits)
- BIO 1500 & BIO 2000 (8 credits)
- CHM 1010/1020 – General Chemistry (8 credits)
- PHY 1510/1520 – General Physics (8 credits)
- PSY 2000 – Psychology (8 credits)
- STS 2020 – Introduction to Statistics (4 credits)
- BMC 2300 – Biomechanics (4 credits)
- EPY 2200 – Exercise Physiology
Each DPT program has its own unique set of prerequisite courses for application. This list was designed to assist students in translating the most common DPT prerequisite requirements, BUT does not account for every DPT program. The student should review the prerequisite course work required for their targeted DPT programs to best understand application requirements.
Preparing for the Admissions Process
- Research PT programs to determine the ones that may best meet your educational needs.
- Determine if you are first required to have a bachelor’s degree by filtering the CAPTE directory (use key code A4).
- Complete course prerequisites for your designated programs.
- Obtain physical therapy experience and have your hours verified by a PT, if required by your designated programs.
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) at least 6 weeks before the application deadline. (Freshmen-entry students may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores). Preparation for this test should begin in the summer prior to the junior year and the exam should be taken during junior year of undergraduate study. View the resources available from the HPU Library to assist with GRE prep.
- Request references from appropriate individuals, if required by your designated programs.
- Arrange for official transcripts from every college/university attended to be sent to PTCAS or the institution, as required by the programs.
- Submit the completed application EARLY and before the program’s deadline date. Some programs use a rolling admissions process.
- PTCAS applicants should also review the PTCAS checklist.