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Undergraduate

Pre-Physical Therapy (Concentration)

The pre-physical therapy concentration prepares you for graduate study through fieldwork and classroom learning as you work your way towards your career in this field.

Why Study Pre-Physical Therapy at Assumption?

The minimal entry-level degree for practice as a Physical Therapist is a clinical doctoral degree in Physical Therapy (PT). This concentration is designed to prepare students by completing the prerequisite courses that allow them more success when applying to graduate programs. Students completing the concentration must also complete the requirements of a major prior to graduation. While a student may complete any major with the concentration, many students interested in PT have majored in Biology, Health Science, Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, or Psychology, and many of the courses required for the concentration are also required for completion of these majors.

In addition, Assumption has established an agreement with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to provide a smooth transition from your undergraduate degree to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Program Contact

Gary R Senecal, Ph.D

Associate Professor of Human Services
508-767-7590 Switzer Building - Room 112

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
Students from 29 states and 21 countries
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • First-semester freshman who want to complete the concentration should enroll in BIO 160, CHE 131, HRS 125, and the appropriate math course (i.e., MAT 114 or MAT 117). First-year students should also consult with the Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Steven Theroux, or Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies Advisor, Dr. Robert Caron at the beginning of the fall semester to plan out the remainder of their course of study.

    Course Requirements

    PHY 201  General Physics (Fall) 
    HUS 125  Professional Orientation to Physical and Occupational Therapy (Spring) 
    BIO 160  Concepts in Biology 
    BIO 240  Human Anatomy (Fall) 
    BIO 370  General Physiology (Spring) 
    CHE 131  General Chemistry I (Fall) 
    CHE 132  General Chemistry II (Spring) (Note: MAT 114 is a pre-requisite for CHE 132) 
    PHY 202  General Physics (Spring) 
    BIO/HRS 390  Exercise Physiology (Fall) 
    PSY 101  General Psychology 
    PSY 216  Abnormal Psychology 
    PSY 290  Psychology of Development 
    SOC 121  Principles of Sociology 

     One of the two HUS courses listed below:

    HUS 490 Internship
    HUS 400 Individual in the Community

    One of the following Statistics courses:

    PSY 224 Statistics
    ECO 115 Statistics

    One of the following math courses:

    MAT 114 Elementary Functions
    MAT 117 Calculus I

    Recommended (but not required) coursework:

    BIO 415 Principles of Neuroscience
    PSY 251 Introduction to Brain and Behavior

    A significant number of hours (as many as 1,000) in fieldwork related to health care may be required for admission to some PT programs. The internship experience required for our program may not provide all of the hours needed to satisfy this 198 requirement. Additional experience can be gained by volunteer work or by acquiring a paid position as a rehabilitation aide. It may also be possible to obtain additional fieldwork experience by completing additional internships within the major.

    It is also important to note that some graduate programs have atypical course requirements. Students who are considering applying to graduate school for Physical Therapy should review the admission requirements of the schools they plan to apply to by the beginning of their junior year in order to be certain they will have time to complete all of the necessary coursework before graduation.

    Course Descriptions


Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Pathways to Success

American Red Cross

Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Boston

Catholic Social Services

Cascade Disability Management

Department of Youth Services

Devereux School

Genesis Club

Jewish Family Services

Jewish Health Care

May Institute

Massachusetts Department of Social Services

Mercy Centre for Developmental Disabilities

New England Center for Children (NECC)

Public Schools of Massachusetts

Rainbow Child Development Center

UMASS-Early Intervention Programs

Youth Opportunities Upheld, INC.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.


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