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PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY

Begin Your Journey Toward a Rewarding Career as a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists assist people to live healthy and active lives while restoring, maintaining and promoting optimal physical functions and movement. These highly sought-after health sciences professionals evaluate, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological conditions through exercises, hands-on therapies and patient education.

Manchester University's Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in pre-physical therapy is your gateway to this rewarding and fast-growing field. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for an undergraduate major in physical therapy when applying for DPT programs, our Pre-Physical Therapy Program also positions you as a strong candidate for our Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

Our program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and essential skills necessary for success in this dynamic field. You will benefit from guidance provided by experienced faculty members and gain invaluable hands-on experience, enabling you to fast-track your journey toward becoming a physical therapist.

MU PRE-PT AT A GLANCE

57

Credits

4

Years*

Tuition

View Annual Cost

Fall Session

August 2025

Learning Environment

On Campus and online with some hybrid components 

Faculty

Meet your professors

*Pre-PT students can earn this degree in 3-4 years.

Why Choose Manchester for Pre-Physical Therapy?

At Manchester University, we are unwavering in our commitment to preparing students for successful and rewarding careers in physical therapy. In fact, more than 90 percent of our pre-physical therapy graduates are accepted into a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. This is a testament to the strength of our pre-PT program and the quality of the education you’ll receive.

Immersive hands-on learning

Our curriculum is designed to immerse you in the world of physical therapy from day one. It integrates internships, fieldwork and practical learning experiences, ensuring you’re well prepared for the real-world challenges you’ll encounter as a physical therapist. You won't just study; you'll experience.

State-of-the-art facilities

Our Pre-Physical Therapy Program features cutting-edge facilities, equipping you with the resources needed for a successful academic journey. Working in our human performance lab and rehabilitation space, you’ll gain crucial experience to prepare you for your future career. At Manchester, we believe in learning by doing.

Learn from industry experts

Our physical therapy faculty are passionate and experienced experts who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. Their dedication ensures you receive the best possible education tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Meet your professors

How to get into Physical Therapy School

" I've been helping PT applicants for 16 years applying to both private and public universities, and I would be happy to assist you in this part of your journey."
Thomas Ruediger, DPT DSc
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director

What Can You Do With Your Pre-Physical Therapy Degree?

While pre-physical therapy majors may initially consider entry-level opportunities in health sciences or related fields, the majority of our graduates opt to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

The DPT is a three-year professional graduate degree program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as licensed physical therapists. Upon successfully passing the state-administered national licensure exam, Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates become eligible to practice as licensed physical therapists.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, you can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in diverse settings, including:

  • CLINICAL SETTINGS

    • Outpatient PT, acute and sub-acute care, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, senior living facilities, schools & pre-schools settings, home healthcare services and telehealth Services

  • NON-CLINICAL SETTINGS

    • Academics, clinical research, professional/spectator sports, fitness centers, insurance agencies, recruitment agencies, television broadcasts as PT experts and government services for military and defense

Career Outlook for Physical Therapy Graduates

The career outlook for physical therapists is very promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of physical therapists will grow 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This job growth is expected to be driven by a number of factors, including:

An aging population - As the population ages, more people are likely to need physical therapy to maintain their mobility and function.

An increase in chronic diseases - Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and arthritis, can lead to mobility impairments that require physical therapy.

A growing emphasis on preventative care - Physical therapists play an important role in helping people prevent injuries and improve their overall fitness and well-being.

How Much Do Physical Therapists Make?

Pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy upon completed of your pre-physical therapy degree is a rewarding investment in your personal and financial future.

Physical therapists are in high demand, and the median annual salary for the profession is $97,720, according to BLS wage data, with the highest 10 percent of physical therapists earning more than $142,730.

Salaries for physical therapists can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, education, location, and setting of employment. For example, physical therapists who work in hospitals or outpatient clinics tend to earn more than those who work in schools or nursing homes. Physical therapists who have specialized training or certification may also earn more.

Explore Classes for Pre-Physical Therapy Majors

Manchester University’s pre-physical therapy degree is thoughtfully crafted with your career success in mind. Our comprehensive curriculum covers a range of essential health sciences subjects to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for your journey in the field. From foundational courses to advanced topics in health sciences, our program is designed to ensure your real-world readiness.

You'll explore courses in rehabilitation sciences, medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, orthopedic evaluation, developmental psychology, exercise physiology, orthopedic intervention, physics and statistical analysis.

Additionally, you'll have opportunities for practical experience through an internship and coursework related to the administration of health and physical activity programs.

View all required classes for the pre-physical therapy major.

Get Started on Your Pre-Physical Therapy Degree

Are you ready for a life-changing career as a physical therapist? Take the first step toward making your dreams a reality with Manchester University’s pre-physical therapy degree.

Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.