Physical Therapy

Professional schools of physical therapy generally require three to four years of preprofessional college work before admitting a student to the technical portion of training. After completing preprofessional work, students spend eighteen months to three years in the technical portion of the program at one of the approximately 110 professional schools in the United States. Admission to the professional schools is competitive, and completion of the preprofessional program does not guarantee acceptance.

The University offers the necessary coursework and practical experience for students to meet the prerequisites of any professional school of physical therapy in the United States.

Approximately 20 percent of SOU students who enter professional physical therapy schools have three years of preprofessional study, and 80 percent complete a bachelor’s degree (usually interdisciplinary) before entering a professional school of physical therapy.

Qualified students in physical therapy may apply to one of twelve schools in Washington, California, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado under the WICHE program. Students studying under such arrangements do not pay out-of-state fees. The program advisor is Phil Pifer, Department of Health and Physical Education.

First Year