Bachelor's in

Pre-Physical Therapy
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About the Pre-Physical Therapy Program

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at SRU is a professional doctorate degree program designed to prepare graduates for clinical practice in physical therapy. This program provides a unique curriculum, practical hands-on experience, clinical rotations, and faculty-student research opportunities. A key advantage of this program for students is the variety of available clinical sites and length of time spent in clinical rotations through four different clinical experiences. At SRU, we have strong undergraduate majors that will provide you with excellent preparation for DPT school. SRU offers both traditional and accelerated options in which students can select an undergraduate major that matches their interests. Of the students admitted to the SRU DPT program, there is no limit to the number of highly qualified applicants it will accept from SRU undergraduate programs.

What Can I Do With a Pre-Physical Therapy Degree?

Upon completion of the undergraduate program and the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program you will be well prepared to embark on your career as a Physical Therapist, a growing profession with increasing demand.

physical therapist helping patient

Why Choose a Pre-Physical Therapy Degree?

  • Hands-on Learning
    Students gain real-world experience through labs, internships, service projects, and fieldwork that bring classroom concepts to life.
  • Student-Faculty Research
    Collaborative research opportunities allow students to work side-by-side with faculty on meaningful projects that contribute to their field.
  • Support and Guidance
    From academic advising to career services, students receive personalized support every step of the way.
  • Experienced Faculty
    Our faculty are experts in their fields, bringing years of professional experience and a passion for teaching to every class.
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I really loved the program at SRU; the faculty, the facilities and curriculum are great. I had opportunities to go to other universities but Slippery Rock was by far the best.

Karly Allen '06, Owner
Precision Physical Therapy and Performance
Karly Allen

Pre-Physical Therapy BS and Concentrations

Microscope

Biology, BS - Concentration in Pre-Health Professions / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

This accelerated program at SRU allows you to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in just six years. Incoming freshmen complete their biology major and DPT prerequisites in three years before applying for early admission to the doctoral program. If accepted, your first year of graduate study will also satisfy the remaining requirements for your undergraduate degree.

Curriculum Guide
Microscope

Biology, BS - Concentration in Pre-Health Professions / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Complete the requirements for your biology major and the pre-requisites for the SRU DPT program and apply to the SRU DPT program in your senior year.

Curriculum Guide
therapy on mat

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Allows students to earn both their bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in six years instead of seven. Students complete their undergraduate coursework and DPT prerequisites in the first three years, applying for the DPT program during their third year.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
therapy on mat

Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Allows students more time to accumulate prerequisite coursework, gain valuable observation hours, and fully prepare for the application process for various Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs after graduation.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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HCAM, BS - Concentration in Leadership / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Provides a unique pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in HCAM with a Leadership concentration and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years. The curriculum builds your knowledge of the healthcare environment, including financial management and organizational dynamics, while developing the effective communication skills needed for patient and professional collaboration.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Med Students looking at skeleton model

HCAM, BS - Concentration in Leadership / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in HCAM with a Leadership concentration, preparing you with both the administrative expertise and the scientific prerequisites for doctoral studies. The curriculum builds your knowledge of the healthcare environment, including financial management and organizational dynamics, while developing the effective communication skills needed for patient and professional collaboration.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Physical therapist taping shoulder

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

Provides a direct pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years. The curriculum builds your professional competency by teaching you to assess and implement health promotion for diverse communities while developing the effective communication skills needed to interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Physical therapist taping shoulder

Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Gives you a full four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health, letting you build a deep foundation before applying to doctoral programs. You'll build your professional competency by learning to assess and implement health promotion for communities, while sharpening your communication skills for effective interaction with patients and colleagues.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students helping patients workout

Recreational Therapy, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (3+3)

A unique pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just six years. The curriculum builds your methodological proficiency, teaching you to assess, plan, and implement the Recreational Therapy process while sharpening your professional decision-making and critical thinking skills.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Students helping patients workout

Recreational Therapy, BS / Pre-Physical Therapy (SRU) (Traditional)

Gives you a full four-year Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy, letting you build a thorough foundation before applying to doctoral programs. The curriculum builds your methodological proficiency in the recreational therapy process—from assessment to intervention—while strengthening your professional decision-making and critical thinking abilities.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

Graduates work in a wide variety of settings, including:

  • Outpatient clinics and private practices
  • Hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation centers
  • Sports medicine and athletic facilities
  • Pediatric therapy in schools and clinics
  • Geriatric care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Home health services

Clubs & Organizations

  • Exercise Science Society
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Club
  • Resistance Training Club
  • Rock Run Club

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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