Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Pre-Physical Therapy



Dr. Nicholas Despo, Adviser

Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Veterinary are professional programs, not majors. Students interested in the health professions may major in any field but most choose to concentrate their study in biology or chemistry.

A liberal arts education provides the general background which professional schools expect. Furthermore, a broad understanding of modern science and a variety of courses in the social sciences and humanities are important to students seeking admission to professional schools. Selection is very competitive; successful applicants maintain a high level of academic performance in all work and score well on the appropriate aptitude tests (MCAT, DAT, etc.).

Many of the best schools of physical therapy have established a standard of students attaining a master’s degree in physical therapy for entry into the profession. A bachelor’s degree with a strong preparation in the natural sciences is needed for entry into these programs. Thiel recommends a major in biology with a minimum of two courses in chemistry and two courses in physics as preparation for application to a school of physical therapy. See the chair of the biology department for details.

Thiel College has articulation agreements with Chatham University and Gannon University for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). Students earn a B.A. in biology at Thiel and then an advanced degree in physical therapy from Chatham or Gannon. Students may also choose to enroll in a graduate program in physical therapy at a non-affiliated college or university on a competitive basis. Chatham University has
identified additional specific prerequisites for their programs.

Chatham University – Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
4 + 2 Program
• Four years at Thiel. B.A. in Biology
• Two years at Chatham. D.P.T., Chatham
Entrance Requirements – guaranteed acceptance of up to three students per year who:
• obtain a minimum of C in each required course,
• achieve an overall GPA of 3.5,
• maintain a good citizenship record,
• complete all of Chatham’s prerequisite courses, application, volunteer hours, on-campus interview and writing sample, and submit three letters of recommendation.

Gannon University – Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
3 + 3 Program
• Three years at Thiel in biology
• Achieve a minimum of 3.4 GPA or higher
• Successfully complete 94 hours of prerequisite courses as well as requirements for major in biology
• Guaranteed acceptance of one student
• Granting of BA in Biology from Thiel with successful completion of two semesters
at Gannon University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program with B’s or better

Both affiliated institutions will consider for acceptance students who are enrolled in Thiel’s Pre-PT program who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in the sciences with a C in prerequisite courses.