Pre-Physical Therapy

Selecting a Major

So what should you major in at TAMUCC? A common myth is that you have to major in a science degree as a Pre-Physcal Therapy student; however, this is not true. We recommend that you choose a degree based on your interests. It is important to choose a major based on your academic interests rather than one that you think looks good to physical therapy schools. Choose a major that you are passionate about, whether it is a major in Liberal Arts, Business, Health Sciences, or something else entirely, completing the prerequisites for physical therapy schools can be accomplished. Certain degrees may cover the pre-physical therapy prerequisites; however, physical therapy schools also accept students who show broad interests in their academic coursework through a non-science major. Major in any subject you want!

If you would like to major as a Pre-Physical Therapy student follow this degree plan:

Pre-Physical Therapy Degree Plan (Under Revision)

Texas Schools

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Angelo State University, Dept. of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences, Physical Therapy Program (San Angelo)
Texas State University, Department of Physical Therapy (San Marcos)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (Lubbock)
Texas Woman's University, School of Physical Therapy (Dallas and Houston)
University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Physical Therapy (Fort Worth)
University of Texas at El Paso, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Physical Therapy (Galveston)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Physical Therapy (Dallas)

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Hardin-Simmons University, Department of Physical Therapy (Abilene)
University of the Incarnate Word, School of Physical Therapy (San Antonio)
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (Austin)

DEVELOPING PROGRAMS

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Physical Therapy Program (Belton) – Candidate for Accreditation

Stress Management Resources

CAMPUS RESOURCES

University Counseling Center 361-825-2703

Individual walk-in support M-F 8-5 PM in the Driftwood Building
Counselor on Duty Hours M-F 9-11:30 AM & 1-4 PM
After Hours Crisis, call 361-825-2703 and press 2 to be connected to the Emergency counselor
Self Help Resources

OTHER RESOURCES

GRE Exam

GRE online test registration

Research Physical Therapy Schools Before You Apply!

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) Directory of Programs

Application Services

PTCAS
As of 2016 all of the Texas PT Schools listed in our advising aid except University of St. Augustine are using PTCAS
See the other schools individual school admissions web pages for application instructions
Some PT schools have secondary applications and fees. Review the PTCAS Directory or contact the institution directly to obtain supplemental instructions or application.

Physical Therapy Observation Hours

Carefully review the program pages for important information about the PT observation requirements. PTCAS does not determine if you have completed the appropriate number of hours for a particular program.

Make sure to read up on how to properly report your observation hours on PTCAS and figure out which PT setting to select when you are filling out your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Make sure to check out the letter of recommendation requirements for programs participaing in PTCAS, before you make a decision on who to ask for a reference.

ELECTRONIC LETTER

You should enter only their e-mail addresses and leave the mailing address fields blank. Inform the evaluators to expect an e-mail from PTCAS Messenger (noreply@ptcas.org) with instructions and login information for an online reference form. PTCAS will send this e-mail to your evaluators as soon as you save their information on your PTCAS application, regardless of whether you have e-submitted your final application

HARD COPY LETTER

PTCAS no longer accepts hard-copy (paper) letters of reference. http://www.ptcas.org/References/

Personal Statements

The personal statement is a critical component of your application to PA school, as the personal statement can either significantly help or harm your chances for success, it is important to take it seriously. The statement must be personal. This is your chance to let the Admissions Committee hear from you and understand who you are. Take advantage of the opportunity to express your commitments, motivations and values.

To get personal statement prompts download from PTCAS “Print Instructions” under Quick Links