Pre-Physical Therapy Program in Pennsylvania
Gain the prerequisite knowledge to enter a doctoral physical therapy program.
Study Pre-Physical Therapy at a Christian University
The pre-physical therapy concentration, offered as part of the applied health science major, prepares you to apply to a doctoral physical therapy program. This unique educational experience allows you to gain the basic science prerequisite knowledge needed in the physical therapy profession, as well as the applied science to understand the application of the science. In other words, you’ll take the science and physiology of biology and apply it to the human body and how it reacts to exercise, stress and disease.
In addition to taking classes in biology, chemistry, physics, athletic training and applied health science, you’ll also engage in original research with professors, attend regional/national scientific meetings, obtain placement in a variety of practical/internship experiences, and depending on your course of study, you may even be able to study abroad or participate in cross-cultural experiences. We also specifically offer courses in injury assessment, applied physiology and cadaver anatomy to help you understand the field in a unique perspective.
Pre-health professions advising option
Alternatively, you also have the option to pursue the pre-physical therapy advising option. This allows you to major in another discipline (arts, sciences, humanities) and work with our pre-health professions advisor to complete pre-physical therapy program requirements. Please contact Martha Stigelman, Messiah's pre-health professions advisor, for more information on this path of study.
Messiah's Early Assurance Program (EAP) for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
Messiah University's Early Assurance Program provides opportunity for five students each year to obtain guaranteed acceptance into Messiah’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program during their senior year of high school. Students accepted into this program will receive their bachelor’s degree from Messiah University and transition to Messiah’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Learn more about the EAP for DPT here.
In the Pre-Physical Therapy program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Pre-Physical Therapy:
Applied Health Science (B.S.) Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
Pre-Physical Therapy careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Pre-Physical Therapy program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.