An instructor guiding a nursing student as she practices clinical care on a medical mannequin.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Learn the critical thinking skills and technical abilities you’ll need to succeed in physical therapy.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physical Therapy Program at William Jewell

The Pre-Physical Therapy program prepares students for graduate study in physical therapy and careers helping people restore movement, improve function and recover from injury or illness.

Billy J. Bird, the William Jewell College mascot, posing with wings spread open, framed in a circular cutout with campus trees and a red phone booth in the background.

Interests & Attributes:

  • Health & Human Services
  • Technology & Innovation
  • Problem Solver

A Look at Pre-Physical Therapy

Students interested in pursuing a degree in physical therapy after graduation from William Jewell should consult with the pre-physical therapy advisor in the Department of Physics. The requirements for physical therapy programs vary, but the advisor can assist in the selection of courses that meet the requirements of a specific school or in the selection of courses that meet a composite list of requirements derived from reviewing the requirements of many different schools.

Students should consult catalogs for the physical therapy schools that they expect to attend for more specific lists of prerequisites. Students can pursue any major, but a major in biology or psychological science may be convenient.

In addition to physical therapy, our premed program and biomedical science minor is tailored for students interested in:

  • Medicine (MD)
  • Osteopathic medicine (DO)
  • Veterinary medicine (D.V.M.)
  • Optometry (OD)
  • Physician assistant (PA)
  • Anesthesia assistant (AA)

You’ll learn the critical thinking skills and technical abilities you’ll need to succeed.

Experiences & Internships

Observation and clinical experience are important parts of preparing for physical therapy. Students are encouraged to seek opportunities in physical therapy clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, athletic settings and other healthcare environments.

Jewell coursework and internships can also provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world health and rehabilitation experiences.

Beyond Jewell

Our students value the undergraduate research emphasis at Jewell. Unlike many schools, Jewell involves you in research your first year of college. You will work with peers and collaborate with professors, and learn to question, challenge and think critically.

A number of students publish research articles in national journals, present papers and posters at national conferences, earn research grants at labs across the globe and compete intercollegiately on research presentations.

Jewell graduates have been accepted into physical therapy rograms throughout the country.

Find Your Place at William Jewell