What Physical Therapists Do?
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. But PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.
Physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.
Visit ChoosePT.com, APTA’s official consumer information website, to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy.
What should I major in?
Although the majority of Physical Therapy Schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, due to the academic preparation required for the Physical Therapy School application, the most common PrePhysical Therapy majors at NMSU are: Kinesiology and Athletic Training
Commonly Required Courses:
Two semesters of Biology courses with lab
General Chemistry
Physics
Human Anatomy & Human Physiology: BIOL or SPMD
Statistics
Psychology
*Although coursework listed is recommended by most Physical Therapy Schools, admissions requirements may vary from school to school. Please check specific physical therapy school admission websites for detailed prerequisite requirements.
You can review prerequisites for most PT programs using this breakdown by PTCAS: https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/5287/Comparison-of-Course-Prerequisites-by-Program
