Pre-Physical Therapy (PrePT)

Physical therapists (PT) evaluate, diagnose, and manage movement and health issues for people of all ages and abilities. PTs are important members of healthcare teams charged with improving and restoring mobility and function, managing pain, and preventing injuries for patients with acute and chronic conditions.

In order to become a PT, an individual needs to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates from CAPTE-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). After successful completion of the NPTE, individuals with a DPT will be licensed physical therapists in the state or jurisdiction where they plan to work. Completing the DPT typically takes about three years and includes classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. As of 2025, the CAPTE reports 335 DPT programs in the United States.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs in Indiana:

Pre-Requisite Courses

Marian University has several undergraduate majors that work for Pre-PT students, including but not limited to Exercise Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Students can complete ANY undergraduate major along with prerequisite coursework throughout their undergraduate degree.

The following table includes the Marian University courses to fulfill the Pre-PT Certificate and the Marian DPT program's prerequisite requirements. DPT prerequisite requirements can vary across programs, so students should consult information from programs of interest and work with their advisor(s) to ensure all courses are completed in a timely fashion.

Preparing a Competitive Application

Admission to PT programs is highly competitive. Since the requirements for entry vary, students should thoroughly explore the requirements of the programs to which they plan to apply. At Marian, meet early and often with your advisor to stay on track for a successful application.

A competitive candidate will generally:

• Demonstrate strong academic performance in all courses (minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required, but a higher GPA will improve the competitiveness of your application).
• Score well on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), if necessary. Many DPT programs no longer require the GRE.
• Demonstrate extensive familiarity with the field of physical therapy to gain an understanding of the expectations of the profession, including;
  
  • Shadow several physical therapists in different specialties and settings to gain a realistic view of the responsibilities across the profession
  • Gain extensive first-hand experience with patients through volunteering or a paid position
  • Get involved in community service, volunteerism, and co-curricular activities
  • Seek leadership opportunities in clubs, organizations, church, or sports
  • Conduct independent research to better understand the scientific literature. Note: Research is not necessarily required for your PT application, but it will help distinguish you as an applicant.