Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy (B.S.)
If you're passionate about helping people heal, recover, and regain their strength, a degree in Pre-Physical Therapy can help you take the first step toward a meaningful career in healthcare.
At Colorado Christian University, you'll build a strong foundation in the sciences that prepare you for graduate study in physical therapy and related fields. Through courses in Kinesiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Science, and other health sciences, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the human body moves, heals, and performs. You'll also learn how physical therapists guide patients through the recovery process, helping them overcome injuries, restore mobility, and improve their quality of life.
Pre-Physical Therapy at CCU
Offered through CCU's School of Science and Engineering, the Pre-Physical Therapy program prepares you to care for the whole person (body, mind, and spirit). You'll receive rigorous academic training while exploring how faith can shape compassionate, ethical healthcare.
At CCU, you'll study the science behind movement and recovery while learning to view every patient as someone created with purpose and dignity. Through the integration of faith and learning, you'll be equipped to serve others with both professional excellence and Christ-centered compassion.
Whether your goal is to become a physical therapist or pursue another healthcare profession, you'll graduate prepared for the next step in your education and ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Program FAQs
What is the pre-physical therapy major at CCU?
The pre-physical therapy major at Colorado Christian University is a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy offered through the School of Science and Engineering. This program provides robust preparation for doctoral programs in physical therapy by grounding you in the fundamental principles of Kinesiology with the additional scientific training needed for DPT programs. You will complete 120 credits that fulfill all recommended prerequisite courses for the majority of PT programs across the country.
CCU's pre-physical therapy program equips you to be part of the physical and spiritual healing process by integrating Christian faith into the realm of therapy. The curriculum provides in-depth immersion into core therapy concepts including Kinesiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Exercise. This unique approach prepares pre physical therapy students to minister to patients both physically and spiritually, understanding that complete wellness encompasses body and soul.
What can you do with a pre-physical therapy degree?
A pre-physical therapy degree prepares you for admission to physical therapy school to become a licensed physical therapist. Most DPT programs require a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment, and CCU's pre-physical therapy major fulfills the prerequisite courses and knowledge base that most PT programs require. Physical therapists work with patients to restore function, manage pain, prevent disability, and improve mobility through therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation techniques in settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and sports facilities.
Before or while applying to physical therapy school, you can pursue careers that provide valuable hands-on experience in the health professions. These positions include physical therapy assistant, strength and conditioning specialist, coaching, and health care assistant roles. Many pre PT students gain clinical education experience working directly with patients in these capacities, which strengthens their applications to DPT programs and deepens their understanding of the physical therapy profession.
What courses will you take in the pre-physical therapy major?
The pre-physical therapy program curriculum includes required courses in Kinesiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Exercise Science that prepare you for the rigors of doctoral-level physical therapy education. Core classes include Physiology of Exercise, Sports Nutrition, and Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation, which provide the foundation for understanding how physical therapists work with patients. You will also complete prerequisite courses in biology, general chemistry, general physics, and statistics that most DPT programs require for admission.
Beyond science coursework, the curriculum incorporates behavioral sciences and psychology courses including general psychology to help you understand patient motivation and development. The 62-credit major core is complemented by 49 credits in general education and 9 elective credits, allowing you to explore additional research opportunities or complete required coursework that specific PT schools on your list may require.
Why should you study pre-physical therapy at CCU?
CCU's pre-physical therapy program combines rigorous science education with a Christ-centered approach that prepares you to serve patients holistically. The program fulfills the prerequisite courses required by the majority of PT programs while equipping you with biblical principles that allow you to guide people through both physical and spiritual recovery. Small classes and hands-on experience in laboratories provide the personalized attention and practical skills development you need to succeed in competitive DPT programs.
You will be well-versed in Kinesiology with the additional scientific training to excel in doctoral-level programs. Through student organizations like the Pre-Health Club, you can connect with other pre-physical therapy students, gain research opportunities, and network with professionals in the physical therapy profession. This supportive community helps you develop both technical competence and Christ-like character needed to serve patients with excellence.
What major is best for physical therapy?
The pre-physical therapy major is specifically designed to prepare students for admission to PT school by fulfilling all recommended prerequisites for physical therapy programs. While DPT programs accept students from various undergraduate majors, a dedicated pre-physical therapy program ensures you complete the required courses in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and psychology that most PT programs mandate. This focused curriculum plan allows you to stay on track from your freshman year through graduation while building the knowledge base necessary for success.
Some students pursue psychology majors or other programs and complete PT prerequisites separately, but this approach requires careful planning with an academic advisor to ensure you fulfill all courses required by your target physical therapy schools. The pre-physical therapy major streamlines this process by systematically incorporating all prerequisite coursework into the degree plan. The kinesiology foundation also provides deeper preparation for understanding human movement, exercise physiology, and therapeutic interventions than students from other majors typically receive before entering PT school.
What are the admission requirements for the pre-physical therapy major at CCU?
Admission to CCU's pre-physical therapy major follows the university's standard undergraduate admission process for the College of Undergraduate Studies. You should demonstrate solid academic preparation in high school science and math courses, as these subjects form the foundation for college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics. Successful pre-physical therapy students typically show strong performance in science classes and mathematics.
Once admitted to CCU, you can declare the pre-physical therapy major and begin following the recommended curriculum plan designed to prepare you for the Graduate Record Examination and admission to DPT programs. Working closely with your academic advisor from the School of Science and Engineering, you will plan your schedule to complete all prerequisite courses while maintaining the grades and gaining the clinical education experience that physical therapy schools seek. This guidance helps ensure you are well-prepared and competitive when you apply to PT programs in your junior or senior year.
How does the pre-physical therapy program prepare you for PT school?
The pre-physical therapy program prepares you for physical therapy school through comprehensive coursework that covers all classes required by most DPT programs. The curriculum is strategically designed to help you complete prerequisite courses in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and behavioral sciences while building the foundational knowledge in Kinesiology and Exercise Science that physical therapy students need.
Beyond academics, the program emphasizes hands-on experience through laboratory work and opportunities to gain clinical education through internships or positions as physical therapy assistants. These experiences allow you to work directly with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or other settings where physical therapists work. The Pre-Health Club provides additional support for pre PT students through networking with professionals, reviewing graduate school requirements, and connecting with upperclassmen who share insight on their application experiences. This holistic preparation develops both the technical skills and compassionate character needed to thrive in three years of doctoral study and throughout your career serving patients.
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