Pre-Physical Therapy Advising Program in Pennsylvania
Choose from a variety of paths and options that will enable your acceptance into a post-undergraduate physical therapy school.
Study Pre-Physical Therapy Advising at a Christian University
Are you interested in a career in physical therapy? Messiah University, a private Christian university in Pennsylvania, offers several paths to help you prepare for a health-related career after obtaining your undergraduate degree.
Students who plan to attend physical therapy school post-undergrad often choose our pre-physical therapy concentration within the applied health science major. However, this is not the only major students select in preparation for physical therapy. Some other widely selected majors for physical therapy are listed below.
You may also take advantage of Messiah’s pre-health advising option, which is not structured as a major. Messiah will help prepare you for physical therapy school through a personalized, rigorous advising pathway within a major you choose (other than applied health science). You will work one-on-one with our dedicated pre-health advisor to get answers to your questions; explore a career path that matches your passions and skills; and to help ensure you complete the prerequisite courses and application materials required for acceptance into physical therapy school.
While we have students from various majors go on to physical therapy school, some of the more widely selected majors for physical therapy school-bound students at Messiah include:
- Applied Health Science (Pre-Physical Therapy concentration)
- Biochemistry (B.S. and B.A.)
- Biology – Biomedical concentration
- Biopsychology
- Molecular Biology
While specific requirements vary by school, you will likely be required to take the following courses to be able to apply to physical therapy school.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- English
- Humanities
Arcadia University – 4 + 3
Messiah students complete four years at Messiah, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in biology or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in applied health science with a pre-physical therapy concentration, followed by three years at Arcadia University earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Note: A maximum of five (5) Messiah University students will be guaranteed a seat via this articulation mechanism; other application terms apply.
An Early Assurance Program (EAP) program with Messiah University School of Graduate and Professional Studies enables students to secure acceptance into Messiah University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program during their senior year of high school. Students accepted into this joint program receive their bachelor’s degree from Messiah University and transition to our Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Learn more about the Early Assurance Program here.
For academic and application requirements, career planning tools and more.
Questions?
Contact Martha Stigelman, Pre-health professions advising coordinator
717-766-2511, ext. 3936
In the Pre-Physical Therapy Advising program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Pre-Physical Therapy Advising careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Pre-Physical Therapy Advising program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
95% of the Class of 2024 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.