Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists practice physical medicine in rehabilitation. They use mechanical force and movements to remediate impairments and to promote mobility, function, and quality of life. Physical Therapists use an individual’s history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan.
CAREER DESCRIPTION*
- National median salary: $101,020
- National projected career growth: 11%
- Many work in private offices, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes
- Help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain
TYPICAL EDUCATION**
- Years of School (including undergraduate): 7
- Average Entering GPA: 3.7
- GRE may be required at some schools
- Programs typically require a bachelor's degree
COMPETITIVE STUDENTS ALWAYS...
- Maintain a competitive academic record
- Gain hands on experience as a physical therapy technician
- Shadow professionals in the field
NEARBY SCHOOLS
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Creighton University
- College of Saint Mary
- Regis University
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Des Moines University
Prerequisites vary by program. Students are responsible for ensuring all entrance requirements are met. Most schools prefer science classes to be taken in-person versus online.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER’S (UNMC) PREREQUISITES
Biological Sciences (minimum credits: 16)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| BIOL 1450 Biology I & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | High School Biology and Chemistry |
|
BIOL 2440 The Biology of Microorganisms & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | High School Biology and Chemistry |
|
AND BIOL 2740 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab |
4 | F, S, M | High School Biology and Chemistry |
| BIOL 2840 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | BIOL 2740 |
|
OR BMCH 2400 Human Physiology & Anatomy I & Lab |
4 | F, S | N/A |
| BMCH 2500 Human Physiology & Anatomy II & Lab | 4 | F, S | BMCH 2400 |
Chemistry (minimum credits: 8)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| CHEM 1180 & 1184 General Chemistry I & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 or CHEM 1140 and 1144 |
| CHEM 1190 & 1194 General Chemistry II & Lab | 4 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 and CHEM 1180 and 1184 |
Physics (minimum credits: 10)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| PHYS 1110 & 1154 Physics for Life Science I & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
| PHYS 1120 & 1164 Physics for Life Science II & Lab | 5 | F, S, M | PHYS 1110 and 1154 |
Psychology (minimum credits: 6)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| PSYC 1010 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
ANDPSYC 2500 Lifespan Psychology |
3 | F, S, M | PSYC 1010 |
|
OR PSYC 4440 Abnormal Psychology |
3 | F, S, M | PSYC 1010 |
Statistics (one course)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| PSYC 3130 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | 3 | F, S, M | MATH 1120, 1300, 1320, or STAT 1530 |
| BIOL 2020 Statistics for Life and Environ. Science | 3 | F, S | MATH 1120, 1130, 1300, or 1320 |
| SOC 2130 Social Statistics | 3 | F, S, M | MATH 1120, 1300, 1320, or STAT 1530 |
| STAT 1530 Elementary Statistics | 3 | F, S | ACT 19 or ALEKS 4 |
| STAT 3000 Statistical Methods I | 3 | F, S | MATH 1300 or 1320 |
Other statistics courses can fulfill the requirement as well but should be approved by an admissions advisor.
Social Sciences (one course)
Anthropology, Community Health, Criminal Justice, Ethnic Studies, Human Sexuality, Marriage/Family, Personal Health, Sociology, Social Work, or Women’s Studies.
Additional Information
- Pass/Fail, credit by CLEP examinations, or Advanced Placement (AP) will not be accepted for any of the listed prerequisites.
- UNMC will not accept online science labs.
- It is recommended that students take courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and psychology beyond the required minimum.
*Data and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Data and information from UNMC
Last update: 9.2025