Pre-PT Navigation & Resources
So You Want to be a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapy is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function.
What Physical Therapists Do:
- Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities.
- Restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function, wellness, fitness, and overall quality of life as it relates to movement and health.
- Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities resulting from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.
Educational & Licensure Requirements
To practice as a physical therapist in the US, you must earn a physical therapist degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam. PTs are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Professional (entry-level) physical therapist education programs in the United States exclusively offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. Note: The Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) and Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) degrees are no longer offered to new students in the U.S.
Pacific Northwest University DPT Program
Explore PLU’s direct pathway connection with the PNWU Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Interested in PT, but Exploring Other Pathways?
Physical therapy is an incredibly rewarding field, but it requires a substantial commitment: three additional years of doctorate-level study, clinical rotations, licensure exams, and tuition costs. Before committing to a DPT track, evaluate your long-term career goals, personal interests, financial investment, and expected return on investment (ROI).
If you are passionate about human movement, health, and athletic performance but are unsure if a clinical doctorate is the right fit, PLU offers versatile Kinesiology concentrations that prepare you for immediate careers or alternative graduate programs:
Pre-Physical Therapy
Tailored specifically to satisfy prerequisites for DPT admissions while delivering rigorous clinical preparation, human anatomy mastery, and hands-on internship experience.
Exercise Science
Focuses on human movement, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and performance enhancement. Ideal for strength and conditioning, research, or biomechanics roles.
Health & Fitness Education
Includes the option of K-12 teacher certification. Perfect for students who want to teach physical education, coach, and inspire health literacy in schools.
Health & Fitness Promotion
Prepares graduates for community wellness, corporate health programming, adaptive sports administration, and public health initiatives.
Read Kinesiology Student Stories →
Where PLU Kinesiology Graduates Go
A Kinesiology degree from PLU provides a solid foundation for diverse health careers beyond physical therapy. Here is a look at where our graduates from the last 5 years are working and studying:
Recent Job Titles
- Physical Therapist, Northwest Sport and Spine Physical Therapy
- Research Scientist, Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center
- Exercise Physiologist, CHI Franciscan Health
- Physical Education Teacher, Tacoma Public Schools
- MiLB Strength and Conditioning Coach, Baltimore Orioles
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Resident, Evergreen Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Master Resilience Trainer-Performance Expert, U.S. Army Recovery Care Program
- Lead Child & Youth Program Assistant, Madigan Child Development Center
- Wilderness Instructor, BOLD and GOLD YMCA
Graduate School Placements
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Washington University
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
- PhD in Health, Sports Management & Exercise Science, University of Kansas
- MS in Athletic Training, Oregon State University
- MS in Adapted Physical Education, University of South Carolina
- MS in Nutrition & Human Performance, Merrimack College
- MS in Exercise & Sport Studies, Smith College
Pre-PT Scholar Spotlight
Haley Goto ’26
Haley was selected for her exceptional academic performance, leadership, and commitment to clinical practice in physical therapy. As part of her Pre-PT coursework at PLU, Haley completed her clinical internship placement at Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy.
Real-World Clinical Experience
PLU Pre-PT students gain hands-on clinical hours through trusted local and regional clinical partners, including:
Complete Physical Therapy
Elite Physical Therapy
Fukuji & Lum Physical Therapy
Olympic Sports & Spine
PhysioStrength Physical Therapy
Sundance Circle Hippotherapy
Career Outlook & Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is driven by the active lifestyles of an aging population and the expanding need to treat mobility issues associated with chronic health conditions.
*Adapted from literature of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).