Pre-Physical Therapy Requirements
Most physical therapy programs require 90 or more hours of coursework; some programs require a baccalaureate degree prior to admission. Some programs also require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Previous work as an aide or volunteer in physical therapy is often required for admission. Specific course requirements vary considerably among the programs; consult your advisor to develop an education plan and class schedule at Del Mar College.
Courses which are required at most schools include
- English/Composition (ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302)
- Sophomore literature or philosophy — 3 semester hours
- One year of anatomy and physiology (BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402)
- One year of introductory majors’ track biology (BIOL 1406 plus BIOL 1407)
- Algebra and trigonometry (MATH 1314, MATH 1316)
- One year of general chemistry (CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412)
- Eight semester hours of physics (PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402)
- Two, or more, semesters of psychology (PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314)
- One semester of speech (SPCH 1315)
- One year of United States History (HIST 1301, HIST 1302)
- One year of Federal and Texas Government (GOVT 2305, GOVT 2306)
Certain course substitutions are permitted. See advisor for details.
Students planning to complete an associate degree at Del Mar College should work closely with an advisor to avoid accumulating excessive hours. It may be necessary to defer some of the pre-professional courses listed to a university if an associate degree is desired.