Undergraduate Pre-Physical Therapy
About the Pre-Physical Therapy Tracks
Slippery Rock University’s Pre-Physical Therapy program is not a single major, but a purposeful pathway designed to prepare you for competitive admission into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This flexible track allows you to explore the area of study that best fits your interests while completing all required prerequisites for physical therapy school. Students can choose from majors such as Biology (Pre-Health Professions), Exercise Science, Healthcare Administration and Management (HCAM), Public Health, or Recreational Therapy, each offering an academic foundation aligned with your long-term goals.
What Can I Do With Pre-Physical Therapy?
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.
Why Choose Pre-Physical Therapy?
- 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.
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
Pre-Physical Therapy Tracks
Discover the various academic paths that lead to a successful career in pre-physical therapy at Slippery Rock University. Our Pre-Physical Therapy pathway is available through several outstanding undergraduate majors.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 GuideResources
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.
