Pre-Physical Therapy
Set Your Career in Motion
Prepare for a Career in a Fast-Growing Field.
The Pre-Physical Therapy program at Davis & Elkins College prepares students for admission to doctoral physical therapy (DPT) programs by combining a strong foundation in exercise science with the science prerequisites and experiential preparation that DPT programs require
The Pre-Physical Therapy program at D&E is housed within the Department of Sport Science in the Division of Education and Sport Sciences. The program is designed to prepare students for doctoral programs in physical therapy by building a strong scientific foundation in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and rehabilitation alongside the interpersonal and clinical observation skills that DPT programs demand.
Baccalaureate Programs (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science — Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization
The requirements for a major in exercise science with the pre-professional specialization in pre-physical therapy consist of 53 semester hours of sport science core courses, plus additional requirements in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, nursing, and psychology. Most students interested in physical therapy complete a four-year degree with the pre-professional specialization in exercise science and take the GRE exams.
Physical Therapy Program Admission
Admission to most physical therapy doctoral programs is based on academic achievement as indicated by GPA, GRE scores, recommendations, observation hours in physical therapy settings, and personal interviews. Pre-physical therapy students at D&E are strongly encouraged to accumulate hands-on observation hours in physical therapy clinics throughout their undergraduate years.
Courses
What We Offer
Sport Science Core Courses (Exercise Science Major)
- Foundations of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
- Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Safety, First Aid & CPR
- Kinesiology
- Measurement in Health and Physical Education
- Physiology of Exercise
- Stress Testing
- Research Methods and Interpretation
- Personal Training Certification
- Physical Education Assisting
- Practicum
Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization — Additional Required Courses
- Principles of Biology I & II
- General Chemistry I, II, III & IV
- Physics I & II
- Calculus
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Medical Terminology
- Life Span Development (Psychology)
- Additional Psychology elective (3 hours)
Recommended Supporting Courses
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Microbiology
- Statistics
- Principles of Athletic Training
- Therapeutic Rehabilitations
- General Medical Conditions
- Psychosocial Aspects of Sport
Partnerships in Pre-Physical Therapy Education
D&E — Marshall University Doctor of Physical Therapy Agreement
D&E has a formal agreement with Marshall University that offers two qualifying D&E graduates guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program at Marshall University School of Physical Therapy. This rare, concrete pathway to doctoral study removes uncertainty from one of the most competitive application processes in healthcare. The combination of strong science coursework, hands-on clinical exposure, and sport science expertise makes D&E graduates highly competitive applicants.
McDonnell Center for Health, Physical Education and Athletics
D&E’s main indoor athletic facility, featuring an athletic training suite with two therapeutic whirlpools, three electrical stimulation units, Game Ready cold-and-compression therapy, and rehabilitation equipment used in real student-athlete care
Hermanson Center
Adjacent to the McDonnell Center, housing the George A. Myles Pool and the Robbins-Madden Fitness Center with cardiovascular equipment, CYBEX strength machines, and a complete free weight area with Olympic benches and racks
Clinical Observation Partnerships
with Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center and regional physical therapy practices, providing pre-physical therapy students access to supervised observation hours in professional settings
Careers in Physical Therapy
A pre-physical therapy education from D&E, combined with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, opens the door to one of the fastest-growing and most personally rewarding health professions.
Career options for physical therapy graduates include:
Clinical Practice Settings
- Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist
- Hospital/Inpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapist
- Sports Physical Therapist
- Pediatric Physical Therapist
- Neurological Rehabilitation Physical Therapist
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapist
- Home Health Physical Therapist
- Geriatric/Long-term Care Physical Therapist
Specialized and Advanced Practice
- Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
- Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)
- Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Aquatic Physical Therapist
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist
Education, Research, and Administration
- Physical Therapy Faculty/Professor (with additional graduate study)
- Clinical Research Scientist
- Rehabilitation Program Director
- Healthcare Administrator
- Military Physical Therapist
Why Pre-Physical Therapy at D&E
The supportive community of the Sport Science Department and a rigorous exercise science curriculum give you the scientific foundation, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on preparation that DPT programs and the GRE demand. D&E’s formal agreement with Marshall University School of Physical Therapy offers two qualifying graduates guaranteed acceptance into the DPT program each year.
Small class sizes mean faculty know you by name and invest in your success.
The Sport Science faculty will work closely with you to plan your course sequence, build your observation hours, and prepare a competitive DPT application from your very first semester. State-of-the-art facilities give you hands-on experience with rehabilitation equipment, therapeutic modalities, and fitness assessment tools used in professional physical therapy settings.
D&E’s NCAA Division II athletics program and partnerships with Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center provide rich opportunities for clinical observation and student training experience alongside certified athletic trainers and healthcare. D&E’s broad liberal arts curriculum ensures you graduate as an empathetic, communicative, and culturally aware clinician — the qualities that distinguish great physical therapists and that doctoral programs are increasingly looking for in their applicants.