Health Science, Pre-Physical Therapy, B.S.

 

The Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-Clinical) undergraduate degree program is a prerequisite program that prepares students for admission to graduate/professional physical therapy programs.

Health Science, Pre-Physical Therapy, B.S.
In this program, students aim to enter the field of physical therapy, where they will be involved in evaluating and treating individuals with movement disorders, disabilities, and injuries resulting from various factors, including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular conditions, and the natural aging process.


The School of Allied Health Sciences offers the pre-physical therapy concentration degree, a course of study that leads to the Bachelor of Science Health science. This health science curriculum is crafted to produce graduates capable of demonstrating and exhibiting the qualities and characteristics that identify them as desirable future healthcare professionals.

Academic Course Curriculum 

Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages (across the lifespan) restoring function and promoting independence.
Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages (across the lifespan) restoring function and promoting independence.
What is physical therapy?

Physical therapists aid people who are experiencing pain or discomfort caused by injuries, illnesses, or surgeries.

They then develop and monitor customized treatment plans that help their patients recover and improve their quality of life.

 

 

 

Florida has the 4th highest employment rate for physical therapists in the United States.
Florida has the 4th highest employment rate for physical therapists in the United States.

Physical Therapy Careers

Physical therapists work in a wide span of environments, ranging from hospitals to private clinics to schools. Physical therapy is a profession with many career options.
Physical therapists can work in:

• Acute Care
• Rehabilitation Hospital
• Outpatient Clinic
• Preschool/School
• Sports/Fitness
• Home Health
• Hospice
• Women's Health

 

 

In addition to education and region, factors such as specialty, industry, and employer also influence physical therapists' salaries.
In addition to education and region, factors such as specialty, industry, and employer also influence physical therapists' salaries.
Physical Therapy Salary Expectations

In 2020, the average physical therapist made:

  • an average of $44.08 an hour
  • a median salary of $91,010
  • the top 25% made an average of $106,060 annually
  • the bottom 25% percent made an average of $75,360 annually

The states with the highest employment rates for physical therapists are:

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Texas and,
  4. Florida

 

being a physical therapist requires hands-on, individualized patient care.
being a physical therapist requires hands-on, individualized patient care.

Physical Therapy Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)


Q: What is a PT's work schedule like?
A: Most PTs work full-time. They typically work a regular workweek, but some may work nights, weekends, or holidays.

Q: What are some other jobs i can acquire with a PT degree?
A: Those interested in becoming physical therapists might also consider careers as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, or chiropractors.

Q: What is the work environment like for a physical therapist?
A: Physical therapists usually have quite busy work days. They spend much of their time on their feet and moving around. They are also sometimes required to lift and move patients.

Are you thinking about pursuing a career in physical therapy? Our program prepares students to become highly-trained physical therapists.

If you are thinking of majoring in physical therapy, consider what some of our own Rattlers had to say about FAMU's pre-physical therapy program, what inspired them, and why they chose physical therapy as a career.

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Sophomore

I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I was a kid, but I always knew I wanted to help others. As a junior in high school, I interned at a PT clinic directed by a family friend. After my first day of observations, I was hooked. Aside from learning about the resilience of the human body, I was captivated by the stories of each unique patient. As a student in the PPT program, I can continue to learn, grow, and hone my skills to one day help people recover and enjoy pain-free lives.

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Graduating Senior

In high school, I was inspired by my own physical therapist after suffering a sports-related injury. I fell in love with the environment and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. The pre-physical therapy program at FAMU is helping me realize that dream. As a graduating senior, I am confident that I have accumulated the skills necessary for a successful career in physical therapy. 

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Alumna - Class of 2012

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare so I could help people feel better. Following my graduation from FAMU's pre-physical therapy program, I have been able to accomplish that and more. Now, as the owner of a private practice clinic, I enjoy empowering patients and helping them improve their quality of life. There's nothing more rewarding than positively changing someone's life every day that I report to work.

 

Program Faculty

Name Email Phone
Dr. Wyatt M. Dallas (chair) wyatt.dallas@famu.edu (850) 412-1234
Dr. Eleonor Ellis eleonor.ellis@famu.edu (850) 412-1234
Ms. Alice C. Basnight alice.basnight@famu.edu (850) 412-1234