YOUR PATH TO PRACTICE STARTS HERE
Physical therapists evaluate and treat injuries, illnesses and conditions that affect movement, building rehabilitation programs that reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. The path runs through a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, and Ripon’s advising and clinical affiliations help you build the foundation to get there.
WHAT PT PROGRAMS ARE LOOKING FOR
PT admission requirements are generally vary considerably from program to program, so it’s essential to confirm specifics with the schools you plan to apply to. Most programs evaluate:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Competitive GRE scores
- A minimum cumulative GPA, usually 3.0
- A minimum science GPA
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework no later than the spring before summer admission
- Evidence of the professional behavior needed to work effectively in a health care environment
- Volunteer or paid patient care experience in two physical therapy settings under a licensed PT’s supervision—typically a minimum of 20 hours in each
BUILD THE RIGHT FOUNDATION*
Prerequisite coursework varies between programs, but interested students should plan around these core courses:
- Biology — General biology (BIO 123), plus Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (BIO 211, 312)
- Chemistry — A year sequence with lab (CHM 111, 112)
- Physics — A year sequence with lab (PHY 131, 152/172)
- Psychology — General Psychology (PSC 110) and
- Human Development (PSC 235 or 242)
- Statistics — MTH 120 or PSC 211
Some schools also require additional coursework, including:
- Ecology, Evolution & Diversity (BIO 122) or animal biology with lab (BIO 216 or 229)
- Exercise Physiology (EXS 333)
- Additional psychology courses (PSC 221, 235, 242)
- Calculus (CTL 210)
- Medical Terminology (not offered at Ripon)
Most schools also require observation hours in a variety of physical therapy settings.
*Requirements vary by institution—always confirm current prerequisites directly with the PT program you plan to apply to.
THREE DIRECT PATHS INTO PT
Ripon holds agreements with three physical therapy programs, each with its own prerequisite coursework and GPA threshold:
Bellin College
(Green Bay, WI)
- Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 211, 312), plus two additional biology courses with labs (exercise science can substitute for one)
- Chemistry (CHM 111, 112)
- Physics (PHY 131, 152/172)
- Two semesters of psychology
- Statistics (MTH 120 or PSC 211)
- Medical terminology
- Cumulative and pre-professional GPA of 3.0+
Carroll University
(Waukesha, WI)
- Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 211, 312) or two general biology courses with labs
- Organic Chemistry (CHM 111) and Structures & Reactivity (CHM 112)
- Physics (PHY 131, 152/172)
- General Psychology (PSC 110), plus up to one additional 200-level+ psychology course
- Statistics (MTH 120 or PSC 211)
- Cumulative and pre-professional GPA of 3.2+
Verified clinical observation in at least two unique settings, totaling a minimum of 16 hours
Midwestern University
Guaranteed interviews at the College of Health Sciences–Glendale (CHS-Glendale) and College of Health Sciences–Downers Grove (CHS-Downers Grove) for students who meet requirements
Ripon's small, personalized science department attracted me to the college and developed the knowledge base that shaped the professional I am today. The faculty provided a supportive yet challenging environment, and the ability to interact closely with professors during and after class is a unique benefit that larger universities cannot offer.
Jacob Baus, PT, DPT
Prevea Health Center
MORE PATHS, MORE POSSIBILITY
See a member of HPAC to map out the specific requirements for each affiliation and make sure your coursework and clinical hours stay on track.
Ask your HPAC advisor how to make the most of it.
