Pre-Physical Therapy @ SoM
The WVU School of Medicine Health Professions offers undergraduate pre-health degrees for every interest, that help you graduate prepared for your future in healthcare. Considering a career in physical therapy? Read on to see how we support you.
Kelly Schambach
Physical Therapy
“WVU may look like a large school, but Morgantown has such a small-town, family atmosphere that makes you never want to leave. The opportunities I have had at WVU and in the School of Medicine are endless.”
What undergraduate major should I choose?
The Exercise Physiology (EXPH) major incorporates all typical DPT prerequisite courses and provides a strong foundation for understanding human movement, function, and rehabilitation. EXPH courses examine how the body responds and adapts to exercise, providing optimal preparation for future physical therapists. EXPH students apply principles of evidence-based practice as they complete a clinical internship or research experience, with many gaining hands-on patient care skills at sites like the WVU Human Performance Laboratory.
WVU also offers two opportunities for well-qualified, first-time freshmen who are admitted to EXPH and who meet certain high school GPA and ACT/SAT score requirements:
- Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program (EAP), which offers a streamlined admission pathway for admission into the WVU DPT after completion of the BS in EXPH; and
- Physical Therapy Accelerated Bachelor's to Doctorate Program, which offers a pathway for students to enter the WVU DPT program early and complete both their undergraduate and professional degrees within six years.
What other opportunities are there to strengthen my application to physical therapy school?
Stand out and explore your interests with a minor in rural health, healthcare data analytics, disability studies, or performing arts medicine. Additionally, EXPH students can choose the Aquatic Therapy area of emphasis, which - like the Performing Arts Medicine minor - teaches them to apply rehabilitation principles in specialized settings and populations.
How soon should I start preparing for physical therapy school?
Choosing to major in EXPH at WVU is a great first step towards physical therapy school. Below are key milestones to keep you on track:
- Sophomore year:
- Speak with your advisor about area of emphasis or minor options (e.g., Aquatic Therapy, Performing Arts Medicine).
- Junior year:
- Start identifying volunteer or work experience opportunities in physical therapy; see the WVU PT website for information on volunteer/work experience requirements.
- Identify individuals willing to serve as a reference when you apply; see the WVU PT website for information on letters of recommendation.
- Between junior and senior year:
- Complete 1st Graduate Record Examination (GRE) attempt (GRE is recommended for WVU PT but not required).
- Apply to program(s) via PTCAS.
- Senior year | Fall term:
- Work with WVU Career Services or the Pre-Health Professional Development Office to prepare for interviews (which typically occur late fall term - early spring).
If you are accepted as an incoming first-time freshman into the Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program (EAP) or Physical Therapy Accelerated Bachelor's to Doctorate Program, your timeline and admissions process will be accelerated, and you should work closely with your assigned advisor to ensure you meet required timelines.