Physical 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 Clarion University 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.