Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants help people to maximize their quality of life. They are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. They work with people of all ages and abilities, and in a variety of settings. They help people rehabilitate from devastating injuries, manage chronic conditions, avoid surgery and prescription drugs, and create healthy habits. 

Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. 

There are many specialties within physical therapy and the opportunities are across disciplines. See more about specialist certification here: https://www.apta.org/your-career/career-advancement/specialist-certification 

Pre-Physical Therapy Resources

Click on the 4 categories below to learn more about the pre-physical therapy track at UCCS, testing requirements, and experiential learning opportunities in the industry.

IMPORTANT: UCCS does not have a physical therapy program. Pre-Physical Therapy Prep is not a major or minor but a listing of requisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission into CU School of Medicine’s Physical Therapy program at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO (UCDAMC). Other schools may have different requirements, so students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan on applying.

For information, contact Academic Advising at (719) 255-3260 or advising@uccs.edu.

Pre-Physical Therapy preparation offered at UCCS prepares students for candidacy into professional programs offered at other facilities. A college program leading to a bachelor’s degree is considered by the faculty and the CU School of Medicine’s Committee on Admissions to offer the best preparation for a student interested in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Students in the pre-physical therapy program are advised to choose a major and should plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from UCCS.

NOTE: Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree.

 

Click Here to access the Program Catalog for the Pre-Physical Therapy Track Information

Testing and Requirements: (Program dependent) 

o Altus Suite- CASPer. Register for test here https://takealtus.com/ Some programs are moving away from the CASPer exam so be sure to check the program’s requirements. 
o GRE: A percentage of DPT programs require GRE. (not CU) 
o Letters of Recommendation: 3-5 LORs, faculty and 1 from a licensed physical therapist. View LOR tab to learn more. 
o Personal Essay 
o Criminal Background Check 

There are currently nine board-certified clinical specializations within the PT world, all of which are designated by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specializations (ABPTS): 

 1. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy (CCS) 

 2. Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy (ECS) 

 3. Geriatric Physical Therapy (GCS) 

 4. Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) 

 5. Oncologic Physical Therapy 

 6. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) 

 7. Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS) 

 8. Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) 

 9. Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS) 

 

APTA: American Physical Therapy Associationhttps://www.choosept.com/ (A great location to find shadowing in Colorado)