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Exercise Science - Physical Therapy

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare professional who evaluates and treats patients to manage pain, improve mobility, and restore physical function. They specialize in movement, helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions to achieve long-term physical health.

Prepare for PT School
Requirements vary by school and program, so be sure to check specifically for each program!

Course Prerequisites

Academic Requirements
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Systems Physiology with lab
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Statistics
  • English
  • Psychology
  • Other program-specific courses

Important: Prerequisites vary significantly
between programs. Some schools may not
accept certain courses or labs, so check each
program before applying.
  • GPA: Check each program's minimum and average accepted GPA
  • Grades: Policies on C's, D's, and F's vary by program
  • AP Credits: Some programs accept AP Credit; others do not 
  • Outstanding Prerequisites: Some programs allow you to apply before completing all prerequisites, while others do not
  • GRE: Some PT programs require or recommend the GRE and post average scores.

Repeating Courses
  • D/F: Most programs require you to retake the course
  • C: Policies vary, some programs limit or do not accept C's
  • Some schools replace the original grade, others combine both grades
  • Community college coursework may be an option, but check with your program first

Tip: If you retake a course, consider doing so at Rutgers when possible. Graduate programs may view coursework completed at another institution differently.

Build Your Application

Shadowing & Clinical Experience
  • Experience must be under a licensed PT
  • Hours can be paid or volunteer
  • Experience in 2+ settings is strongly recommended
  • Start planning at least one semester ahead, some clinical sites fill quickly
  • Quality matters more than quality: What did you learn? Can you talk about your experience?
  • Potential Settings Include:
    • Outpatient clinics
    • Hospitals
    • Rehabilitation centers
    • Sports/athletics
    • Pediatric or other specialty setting

Letters of Recommendation
Aim for at least 50 hours before requesting a letter of recommendation.
  • Requirements vary by program, but a common combination is:
    • Two PTs and One Professor
      *Build relationships with faculty and clinicians early so you can request strong, specific recommendations.

Beyond the Classroom
PT Programs take a holistic approach to admissions. Consider building experience through:
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Community service
  • Leadership
  • Research
  • Employment
  • Other healthcare experiences
You don't have to do everything at once. Meaningful involvement over time is more valuable than trying to check every box.
Personal Statement
  • PTCAS updates the personal statement topic each year
  • Make sure you are writing for the appropriate topic

Application Path

Sophomore Year

Junior Year
Explore
  • Research PT programs & their requirements
  • Being building clinical/shadowing experience
  • Identify prerequisite courses
 Prepare
  • Complete prerequisites
  • Continue shadowing
  • Build relationships with PTs & faculty
  • Begin preparing your personal statement
  • Research application deadlines & requirements

Application Timing

Application Year

Application deadlines vary by program and are often one year before enrollment.

Important: Wait until the new PTCAS application cycle opens before beginning your application. The cycle generally updates in May for the following application year

 Apply
  • Submit your application through PTCAS
  • Complete program-specific requirements
  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Submit transcripts & supporting materials
  • Apply according to each program's deadline

Gap Years & Academic Challenges

Taking a Gap Year?

If PT School Isn't the Right Fit...Yet
A gap year can strengthen your application, but use the time for professional or academic growth.
Consider:
  • Retaking courses
  • Improving your GPA
  • Gaining healthcare experience
  • Shadowing
  • Working in a related field
  • Building leadership or service experience
 Students who need additional time to
strengthen their academic record may
consider:
  • Retaking prerequisite courses
  • Completing additional coursework
  • A relevant master's program
  • The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) pathway

Career Path
Specialties:
  • Orthopedics
  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Geriatrics
  • Sports
 Work Settings:
  • Hospitals
  • Acute care facilities
  • Private outpatient clinics
  • Sports & fitness centers
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Home healthcare

Rutgers 4+3 DPT Program

Once enrolled at RU, freshman can apply to join Pre-PT concentration in Spring semester

  • Complete Exercise Science degree with mentoring and advising from a licensed PT
  • Apply to RU DPT program summer before junior year (a year in advance of other programs)
  • Attend Rutgers Newark Doctor of Physical Therapy program - #1 ranked NJ program
  • More information: https://rudpt43.rutgers.edu/

Network + Get Involved

Student organizations: PT Club (@ruptclub)
Networking Tips:

  • Build relationships with faculty through research labs & office hours
  • Connect with practicing PTs through shadowing
  • Volunteer or work as a PT aide
  • Attend PT-related events & programs
  • Reach out to admissions offices only after researching their program

 Helpful Links

 Career Sheets

These career sheets are short, prBrainpower Pathways Logo Collectionactical guides that help students explore different careers and understand what it takes to get started. Each sheet provides an overview of the career, the skills and education that may be helpful, and possible next steps.

Students should use the sheets as a starting point for exploration—not as a definitive guide or a requirement to follow a particular path. They can review sheets for careers that interest them, compare different options, and use the suggested resources and next steps to learn more, identify opportunities, and begin building a plan for their own career journey.

Exercise Science Careers
    Athletic Training
    Chiropractor
    Dentist
    Occupational Therapy
    Physician Assistant
    Physical Therapy		 Sport Management Careers
     Administration & Events
     Agent & Law
     Coaching
     Marketing & Revenue