Physical Therapists (PTs) work with multiple patient populations impacted by disease, injury, and movement dysfunction. They optimize quality of life by maintaining, restoring, and improving patient’s ability to move, function, and live more active lifestyles. For more information about PT and DPT programs, visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). To understand the differences between physical therapy and occupational therapy, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy has a breakdown of the differences between the two fields.
Exploration of the field is highly encouraged. You can do so by shadowing practitioners and working or volunteering in healthcare settings.
The timeline for application looks different for each student. Current Mizzou students can talk with their MedOpp advisor about their personal timeline and building their candidacy for PT school.
Courses
The following courses* are common requirements for PT school and must be completed before matriculation**:
- One year (8 credit hours) of general chemistry with lab
- One year (8 credit hours) of physics with lab
- One year (8 credit hours) of biological sciences with lab
- One year (8 credit hours) of human anatomy with lab
- One year (8 credit hours) of physiology with lab
*See Plan of Study for Mizzou course numbers.
** Disclaimer: this list is not necessarily comprehensive. Please consult schools’ websites for exact requirements.
Most PT programs require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admittance.