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Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway

Find information and resources for pre-physical therapy students.

Pre-Physical Therapy Timeline:

First and Second Year

  1. Download our Pre-Physical Therapy Guide below and subscribe to the HPOInfo emails.
  2. Get to know your professors.
    • You will need faculty evaluations when you apply to physical therapy schools. Two from science faculty are recommended.
  3. Meet with a pre-health professions coach.
    • Coaches can explore health professions and discuss your goals and preparation, especially how to make the most out of your first two years.
  4. Declare a major by your second year on campus.
  5. Students are encouraged to consider the Pre-Health Professions Certificate. Learn more about the certificate here.
  6. Get involved in extracurricular activities (e.g. student organizations, volunteering, and shadowing in medical settings, community service).
  7. English proficiency: international students whose native language is not English must also submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  8. Attend the Health Professions Fair each year, generally held in February or March, to visit with representatives from physical therapy schools and other health professions programs.
  9. Keep viable career alternatives open.

Third Year:

  1. Complete pre-physical therapy requirements by May of your third year.
  2. Prepare for and take the GRE, ideally no later than the end of your third year.
  3. Visit physical therapy school websites; decide where you will apply.
  4. Ask faculty who know you well if they will write evaluations in support of your physical therapy school applications; you will need two faculty evaluations. Science faculty letters are recommended.
  5. Attend the Health Professions Fair, generally held in February or March, to visit with representatives from physical therapy schools and other health professions programs.
  6. Complete and submit physical therapy school primary and secondary applications in the summer, after your 3rd year.

Fourth Year:

  1. Most physical therapy school interviews take place during the late fall and early spring  semester.
  2. Acceptance to physical therapy school begins during the spring semester.
  3. Complete UT Austin degree requirements necessary for graduation.
  4. Throughout your fourth year, continue in pre-physical therapy activities and additional courses to prepare for physical therapy school and to strengthen your application in case you need to apply again.

DIY Pre-Physical Therapy Student Planning Guide

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Pre-Physical Therapy Student Planning Guide & Self Assessment document provides important resources for UT Austin students planning on applying to Physical Therapy School.