Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and treat people who have medical problems or health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities to their highest degree. 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.
Resources for Success
Study + Excel. A competitive GPA is essential when considering a career in the health field. You must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to remain in the Medical Professions Advising program at Georgia Southern University. Talk with your Academic Advisor, professors and Academic Success Center for help with study skills through various workshops and tutoring.
Resume + Interviews. Create and/or improve your resume at the Office of Career and Professional Development. You can also gain confidence and develop your interview skills with a video-taped mock interview.
Job Shadow. Pre-Physical Therapy students should plan to gain 150+ hours of shadowing within three different physical therapy settings. Document your experiences in a physical or digital format, and obtain at least one letter of reference from a physical therapist you have shadowed.
Volunteer + Lead. We recommend that you participate in volunteer activities within your community. Contact the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement for more information about volunteering with local weekly trips, Alternative Break Trips, and more. We also recommend that you participate in leadership seminars, workshops, retreats and LEAD courses. Get involved and join a student club or organization within your interests.
Connect + Explore. Get to know your professors and local health care, professionals. These individuals are valuable resources for research experience, volunteering, shadowing, and letters of recommendation. Consider Study Abroad programs through the Office of International Programs and Services. Attend information sessions, workshops, field trips, and other events for pre-physical therapy students offered by the Office of Medical Professions Advising.
Research. Talk with your professors and peers who are involved with undergraduate research and consider opportunities within your college of study.
Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This exam requires substantial amounts of preparation and study time, so it is never too early to begin. Typically, students prepare to take the GRE in the spring of their junior year, so it is important that necessary coursework be completed by this time.
Biology and Anatomy/Physiology Courses
- BIOL 1107/L: Principles of Biology I/Lab (4)
- BIOL 2251/L: Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab (4)
- BIOL 2252/L: Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab (4)
Chemistry Courses
- CHEM 1211K: Principles of Chemistry I/Lab (4)
- CHEM 1212K: Principles of Chemistry II/Lab (4)
Mathematics and Physics Courses
- MATH 1113: Pre-Calculus (3) (if necessary)
- MATH 1401: Elementary Statistics (3)
- PHYS 1111K: Intro to Physics I /Lab (4) or 2211K: Principles of Physics I/Lab (4)
- PHYS 1112K: Intro to Physics II/Lab (4) or PHYS 2212K: Principles of Physics II/Lab (4)
Social and Behavioral Science Courses
- PSYC 1101: Intro to General Psychology (3)
- HDFS 2137: Lifespan Development (3)
- PSYC 3101: Psychological Disorders (3)
Additional courses to consider
- MATH 1501: Calculus I (3)
*Please refer to each school’s prerequisite requirements for specific information.
There are eight Physical Therapy programs in Georgia. Specific admissions requirements are available on each school’s website:
- Augusta University
- Brenau University
- Emory University
- Georgia Southern University
- Georgia State University
- Mercer University
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus
- University of North Georgia
Physical Therapy Programs in US: Learn More
