High School Requirements for a Physical Therapy Career

High School Prep for Physical Therapy (DPT) Admission

PT programs are competitive (avg. GPA 3.6+, GRE often required). Start building foundation now.

Academic Priorities

• Science (AP/Honors): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology (if offered).
• Math: Algebra II, Pre-Calc, Statistics (AP Stats ideal) — needed for research literacy.
• English/Communication: AP Lang/Lit, Speech/Debate — documentation, patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Psychology/Sociology: AP Psych — behavioral health, adherence, lifespan development.
• Health/PE: Kinesiology, sports medicine, first aid/CPR cert.

Extracurriculars That Matter

• PT Observation Hours: 50–100+ hrs across settings (outpatient, inpatient, peds, sports). Document & reflect.
• Healthcare Volunteering: Hospital, nursing home, Special Olympics, adaptive sports.
• Leadership: Team captain, club officer, Eagle Scout/Gold Award, peer tutoring.
• Research/Science Fair: Demonstrates inquiry mindset.
• Certifications: CPR/AED, First Aid, CNA/EMT (if age-eligible).

Soft Skills to Cultivate

• Empathy, active listening, cultural humility
• Time management, resilience, growth mindset
• Teamwork, professional communication

College Planning

• Major: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, Health Sci — any major OK if prereqs met.
• Prereqs (typical): Bio I/II, Chem I/II, Phys I/II, A&P I/II, Psych, Stats — all with labs.
• Maintain ≥3.5 prerequisite GPA.
• GRE: Prepare early; some programs now test-optional.
• Apply via PTCAS (centralized).

Early exposure confirms fit. Document everything for PTCAS.