Choosing the right major is key if you want to be a physical therapist. While many degrees can lead to a successful career in physical therapy, some majors give you an advantage in your education and training. In this post we’ll break down what’s the best major for physical therapy, kinesiology, biology and health sciences to help you make the best decision for your career path. Choosing the right major is a big step towards a career in physical therapy.
Bottom Line
- Choosing the right undergraduate major, such as kinesiology or biology, can give aspiring physical therapists a solid foundation for graduate school.
- Unconventional majors like creative writing and business administration can help with communication and management skills which are useful for physical therapy careers.
- In addition to choosing a major, gaining clinical experience through internships and volunteer work is key to success in physical therapy programs.
What’s the Importance of Your Undergrad Degree
To be a good physical therapist it’s important to have a strong education. Pursuing multiple undergraduate degrees can lead to this career. Some majors may give you added an advantage by providing relevant knowledge that can be useful in the first years of grad school as you work towards your physical therapy degree. Many second career physical therapists say the undergrad major is not the most important factor and that fulfilling prerequisites and gaining relevant experience is key. Selecting the right major can be the first step towards a rewarding career in physical therapy.
Choosing a major is not just about meeting requirements – it’s about gaining focused knowledge of anatomy and principles of movement and rehabilitation. These are the most beneficial fields of study for those wanting to enter the world of physical therapists. Many people decide to become physical therapists after graduating college and the major chosen may not be as important as the experiences and activities done during college.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science MajorsKinesiology and Exercise Science Majors
Kinesiology and Exercise Science majors are popular among students pursuing careers in physical therapy. These fields of study get into the mechanics and function of human movement which is key to understanding physical therapy practices. Specifically kinesiology goes deep into human movement analysis, exercise science, motor control mechanisms and rehabilitation methods. The strong knowledge base from these subjects allows students to transition smoothly into physical therapy school because they have a deep understanding of exercise physiology and biomechanics. Plus these majors cover many of the physical therapy school basics.
Exercise Science majors get valuable knowledge about fitness evaluations that are directly applicable to physical therapy. This can give an edge in the first terms of grad school for those who majored in exercise science before applying to PT schools.
Overall kinesiology majors provide thorough educational foundation to analyze human motion. So they are the best preparatory paths for those aiming to become physical therapists.
Biology Major
For those pursuing a career in physical therapy, a biology degree is a great choice. This field of study gets into human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics providing students with the scientific foundation for the profession. Understanding human anatomy is crucial when it comes to diagnosing and fixing injuries.
By getting a biology degree one gets knowledge of genetics and medical terminology – both are essential components of physical therapy. It may not be as closely related to physical therapy as kinesiology but biology still lays down a solid base of knowledge that prepares students for the academic journey within physical therapy programs and readiness for graduate school.
Health Sciences Major
Health sciences majors encompass a broad education in healthcare related topics such as anatomy, physiology and healthcare administration. These majors are great for students who want to be physical therapists as they cover various subjects that prepare them for physical therapy school and clinical practice. Pursuing this major can lead to a rewarding career, as it allows individuals to help others and improve lives.
A major in this field combines anatomy, physiology and healthcare management to give students a wide range of knowledge necessary for physical therapy. By getting into these areas health sciences majors lay down solid foundation that helps students academically and practically when they enter physical therapy. For physical therapists, a degree in psychology may seem unusual but is valuable. It gets into the emotions surrounding pain which is crucial for delivering care to patients. Understanding the mental aspects tied to injury and recovery allows therapists to confront and manage the emotional challenges their patients go through during recovery.
Psychology education helps physical therapists communicate and support their patients during rehabilitation periods. By understanding the psychological aspects of patient treatment, these health professionals can build stronger relationships with those they serve and improve the overall effectiveness of therapy sessions.
Unconventional Majors That Can Benefit Physical Therapists
Aspiring physical therapists often choose kinesiology and biology. Less common majors can give them unique skills that set them apart. Pursuing an unusual major can broaden one’s perspective, promote critical thinking and empathy which are key to delivering great patient care. An exercise science major gives a comprehensive understanding in areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics and fitness assessment which are vital for physical therapy. Selecting the right major is crucial for launching a journey towards a rewarding career in physical therapy.
Consider how choosing a major in creative writing or business administration can help in the career path of physical therapy.
Creative Writing
Having a background in creative writing can greatly improve communication skills which are essential for physical therapists as they interact with patients, explain treatment plans and chart patient progress. Writing creatively hones one’s ability to express ideas clearly and with empathy thus patient understanding and rapport.
In physical therapy, explaining complex ideas clearly is very valuable. The ability to explain treatment modalities or record progress in clear terms has a big impact on patient results.
With skills developed through creative writing you are better equipped to build meaningful connections with those under your care and raise the bar of service as a physical therapist.
Business Administration
Studying business administration gives prospective physical therapists essential management and administrative skills that are key to managing clinics, handling staff and running operations smoothly. Knowing finance and marketing is crucial for their practice.
With a background in business administration, future physical therapists will have the wherewithal to make sound decisions when it comes to running their practice. This education prepares them to run a clinic or move into leadership positions with the necessary skills for success.
Choosing Your Major Strategically
Choosing an undergraduate major requires careful thought and intentional decision making. Picking the right major can give you an edge for physical therapy school and clinical practice. Consider your interests, natural abilities and the requirements of the programs you’re applying to.
In this journey, combining your personal passions with professional goals and getting advice from academic advisors will guide you through this process.
Aligning Interests with Career Goals
Choosing a major that aligns with your passions makes you more committed to the field of physical therapy. When studies are interesting and relevant they fuel motivation and dedication laying the foundation for a fulfilling career path. Setting interim goals can also boost the benefits of this career. Doing research relevant to physical therapy shows scientific knowledge and commitment which can give you an edge when applying.
Ensuring your major is in line with your professional goals means you cover the necessary prerequisites while immersing yourself in knowledge and skills that interest and satisfy you. Such alignment between academic pursuits and long term goals may make the journey through physical therapy school more enjoyable and result to a smoother transition to your profession.
Consulting Academic Advisors
It’s important for students aiming for a career in physical therapy to meet with academic advisors frequently. These advisors are key in giving personalized advice that fits the individual requirements of their major and the prerequisites for physical therapy school.
By keeping up-to-date with any changes or updates to the requirements for admission to physical therapy programs especially dpt programs students can navigate the application process better. Academic advisors play a big role in supporting students as they adjust their course choices to these changing standards.
Having an ongoing dialogue with academic counselors is beneficial for students to ensure they’re on track to their educational and professional goals in the field of physical therapy.
Preparing for Physical Therapy School
Preparing for the basics of physical therapy school entails more than just choosing the right major. It’s important to check the requirements of different programs and make sure all prerequisites are met. This preparatory phase includes finishing required courses, doing extracurricular activities and getting experience in a clinical setting.
We’ll get into that now.
Prerequisite Courses
Typical foundational courses required for entry into physical therapy programs are:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- General Chemistry
- General Physics
- StatisticsThese subjects are the foundation for success in physical therapy school. Majoring in kinesiology can deepen your understanding of human movement which is important in developing rehabilitation strategies and exercise recommendations.
Similarly getting a degree in biology provides insights to genetics and medical terminology that’s important in physical therapy practice. Majoring in health sciences includes studying healthcare policies and understanding factors affecting health thus giving a comprehensive view of physical therapy.
Completing these foundation courses is important not only for getting into physical therapy programs but also to make sure students have the foundation to excel in them.
Extracurricular Activities
Participating in healthcare related volunteer work and internships can greatly boost your application to physical therapy programs. By getting direct experience applicants show commitment to the profession. Involvement in such experiences including shadowing practicing physical therapists is highly valuable when applying to these programs.
These opportunities give students practical knowledge while giving them an idea of what daily life as a physical therapist is. Through these engagements individuals can deepen their understanding of the field and solidify their desire to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Gaining Clinical Experience
Getting direct clinical experience is crucial for those who want to become a physical therapist as it allows them to be involved in patient care and practical application of concepts learned in physical therapy. Volunteering at medical facilities including hospitals or rehabilitation centers allows patient interaction and understanding of different therapeutic approaches. Internships provide a more structured environment where individuals can apply theoretical knowledge under professional guidance.
Participating in both volunteer work and internship programs will boost your resume and give candidates the resilience to navigate through physical therapy school and their future career. These opportunities will give you an idea of what working in this profession is and shape the skills needed to thrive in a career centered in physical therapy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right undergraduate major is a strategic move that affects your future in physical therapy. Majoring in a traditional field like kinesiology or something less common like creative writing should reflect both your passions and professional goals. Getting advice from academic advisors and gaining hands-on clinical experience are the key to being ready for physical therapy school. With well thought of decisions and proactive preparation you will be ready to start your career as a physical therapist.
FAQs
What major is closest to physical therapy?
Exercise science is the closest major to physical therapy as it covers movement, physiology and fitness that’s directly applicable to the field.
Kinesiology and health sciences are also good options.
What is the best major for PT?
Kinesiology is the best major for pre-physical therapy students as it covers required courses and you’ll get to meet DPT faculty. Exercise science and health science are also good options but kinesiology stands out for its relevance and comprehensiveness.
What are the best majors for physical therapy?
Kinesiology, exercise science, biology, health sciences and psychology are all good majors to consider if you want to pursue a career in physical therapy. Choosing one of these will give you a solid foundation for your future studies and practice.
Can unconventional majors benefit aspiring physical therapists?
Absolutely! Unconventional majors can equip aspiring physical therapists with unique skills that can help them in their practice like communication or business acumen.
How important is it to seek advice from academic advisors when choosing a major?
It’s very important to seek advice from academic advisors when choosing a major as they can give you personalized guidance and help you navigate course selection and prerequisites. Their expertise can make a big difference in your academic journey.
