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Physical Therapy

Overview:

APTAPhysical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or disease. PTs work closely with patients and clients to restore, maintain, and promote their overall fitness and wellness for healthier and more active lifestyles. Patients may include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, fractures, head injuries, arthritis, heart disease, and cerebral palsy.

PTs take the patient’s/client’s history and conduct a systems review, and perform tests and measures such as strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function, to identify potential and existing problems. Based on the examination and the physical therapist’s evaluative judgment, PTs determine a patient diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care that describes evidence-based treatment strategies and the anticipated functional outcomes. Finally, as a part of the plan of care, PTs determine the patient's ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness.

Recent graduates of PennWest Clarion have been accepted to the following Physical Therapy programs:
Duquesne University
Gannon University
Slippery Rock University
St. Augustine College (Florida)


TYPICAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMS:

Required Coursework: Semesters:
Biology w/Labs 2
General Chemistry w/Labs 2
Organic Chemistry w/Labs 2
Anatomy and Physiology w/Labs 2
Physics w/Labs 2
Math 2 (Calculus)
English 2
Recommended Coursework:
Social and Behavior Science 2
Medical Terminology 1
Kinesiology 1
Biochemistry 1
Program Requirements:
GPA Minimum:  3.3; Average:  3.6
Average GRE 310
Average Job Shadow Hours 50+

 

typical clarion degree programs associated with pre-physical therapy concentrations:

While it is required to be awarded a four year undergraduate degree, there is no specific degree associated for any physical therapy program admissions. Therefore, a student may seek any four year degree program as long as they obtained the required coursework listed above. However, below are the most common degree programs associated with a pre-physical therapy concentration. Click on the link to view a typical four year plan that schedules the degree as well as the physical therapy program requirements.
BS Biology BS Molecular Biology
BS Chemistry BA Sociology
BA Psychology BS Psychology
BS Nutrition and Fitness  

 

RESOURCES:
Professional Organization:
Common Application Service:
Entrance Exam:
Financial Aid Programs:
Last Updated 5/26/23