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Pre-Physical Therapy

A pre-physical therapy degree program will help prepare you for advanced studies and careers in the field of physical therapy, as well as within a variety of natural science disciplines.

PT student working with a patient
PT student working with a patient

Types

Pre-Professional

Location

On-Campus

Credits

53*

Cost

$9,875

For those who dream of making a difference in the health and wellbeing of others.

With your bachelor in pre physical therapy from University of the Cumberlands, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to transform your aspiration of improving others’ physical health and well-being into a fulfilling career. Through the positive restoration of physical functions within the human body, a physical therapy career can be not only lucrative but personally fulfilling.  

By taking on the challenges of a career in the natural sciences, you can also make your mark by contributing to vital medical discoveries and innovation in areas such as clinical research and chemistry. Our pre physical therapy major is thoughtfully designed to help prepare you for more specialized focus in advanced graduate programs, including focuses on both physical therapy and the natural sciences.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$95,620

Average Salary

17%

Industry Growth

100%

Affordable

16:1

Student-to-Facutly ratio
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

If you’re preparing for admission to physical therapy school, it is essential for you to obtain a broad background in natural sciences, social studies, and humanities, all of which are key focus areas in the pre-physical therapy degree program curriculum. Students interested in our pre-physical therapy major should consult bulletins from physical therapy schools of their choice for specific entrance requirements. 

Course Requirements

Students interested in applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school are strongly encouraged to complete these courses. It is important to review the admissions requirements requirements for each program to which you will apply because the prerequisites for admission may be slightly different among professional schools.

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

  • FREN 131     Elementary French I
  • FREN 132     Elementary French II
  • FREN 231     Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232     Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131     Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132     Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231     Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232     Intermediate Spanish II

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The goal of the pre-physical therapy program at University of the Cumberlands is to prepare students for admission into physical therapy (PT) school.

Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Effectively use informational resources, perform research, and interpret data.
Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Begin learning the basics of health-related work, including the emotional care of patients.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Physical Therapy Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physical Therapist: $95,620

Physical Therapist: $95,620

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. 

Physical Therapist Assistant/Aid: $49,180

Physical Therapist Assistant/Aid: $49,180

Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses. 

Director of Rehabilitation Services: $101,340

Director of Rehabilitation Services: $101,340

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. 

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. 

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. 

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. 

A DPT instructor shows a student proper techniques in the classroom.

Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

Become a licensed physical therapist with Cumberlands Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Our pre-physical therapy program prepares pre-physical therapy majors for more specialized focus in advanced graduate programs, offering them the kind of well-rounded undergraduate education that is preferred by most professional schools offering PT programs.  

With your pre-physical therapy education, you can choose to continue on to a professional physical therapy program or pursue a natural science discipline through your pre-physical therapy studies. You’ll also have the opportunity to take on jobs in the field of physical therapy or within one of the many areas of natural science. 

To the right person, pursuing a degree in pre-physical therapy will help build momentum toward a highly rewarding career. Some of the benefits of pursuing your pre-physical therapy degree at UC are expanded career opportunities, having dedicated advisors, and meeting requirements for graduate studied in physical therapy early.  

Following a biology or chemistry degree track, your coursework as a pre-physical therapy major will focus on sciences, including physics, chemistry and biology, as well as English, mathematics, social sciences and the humanities. 

Earning a pre-physical therapy degree at University of the Cumberlands can not only help you meet certain physical therapy pre-requisites early for entry into graduate programs, but also better prepare you for professional success in your future area of interest. A pre-physical therapy degree is the perfect way to begin preparing for a career as a physical therapist! 

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Pre-Physical Therapy

Learn more about your future pre-physical therapy professors at Cumberlands!

Kara Stanley

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Ms. Kara Stanley

Contact Information

kara.stanley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

606-539-4318
jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Leif Deyrup

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor
Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Contact Information

606-539-4309
leif.deyrup [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B116
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