About

Working with advisors, develop an undergraduate program of study to prepare for physical therapy professional school after graduation.

Physical Therapy

Campus: Columbus

School: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

The physical therapy program at Ohio State is a post-baccalaureate doctorate program. Students interested in occupational therapy should complete an undergraduate program of their choice in preparation for application to the Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy program.

Physical therapy exists to help individuals move and function while reducing pain and preventing disability or loss of mobility. Physical therapists work in hospitals, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. Their patients are those who are adapting to or are at risk of limitations on their ability to move and perform functional activities in their day-to-day lives. Licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

Get started

The physical therapy program at Ohio State is a post-baccalaureate doctorate program. Students interested in occupational therapy should complete an undergraduate program of their choice in preparation for application to the Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy program.

Since physical therapy draws upon a variety of disciplines, there is no single major or even type of major that is better suited than another for undergraduate preparation. While tudents often select a course of study somewhat related to the professional area, such as health sciences, biology or psychology, any major is viable as long as the prerequisite course work for the DPT program is completed.

Undecided or undeclared students may enroll in Ohio Stateâ€™s University Exploration program for the first year or two of university enrollment to explore all majors that Ohio State has to offer. Students can also choose to enroll in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences for the first year or two as pre-major students if interested in one of their professional programs or health sciences.

Students apply to the DPT program about one year prior to the proposed start of the program and/or completion of the bachelorâ€™s degree. DPT candidates should plan an undergraduate curriculum that will give them a comprehensive base in the sciences, social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of academic opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines in preparation for a very people-oriented profession that relies heavily on interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the DPT program:

General chemistry (two-course sequence; labs required)
General physics (two-course sequence; labs required)
Biology I (lab required)
Biology II (or an upper-level biology course)
Introductory psychology
Human growth and development
Human physiology
Physiology of exercise
Human or vertebrate anatomy (including dissection lab)
Statistics or research design

Admission to the DPT program is competitive and based on the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree
Overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (the average GPA of students most recently admitted was 3.88)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
Completion of at least 40 hours of observation with a licensed, practicing physical therapist

Curriculum

In their undergraduate curriculum, students interested in the post-baccalaureate Doctor in Physical Therapy program should build a strong science background and develop skills in collecting, measuring and analyzing data. Required prerequisite course work for admission to the DPT program covers the foundations of physical therapy theory and science, clinical experiences, and the use of an evidence-based approach.

Internship

Students are encouraged early on in their undergraduate years to participate in some type of observation, volunteer and/or paid work experience in a health care or physical therapy setting. Students who plan to apply to the Doctor in Physical Therapy program must have at least 40 hours of observation with a licensed, practicing physical therapist.

Undergraduate students who choose a major in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences can benefit from internships and clinical experiences that are arranged individually with clinical sites experienced in offering the best available clinical instruction. Programs that include clinical placements provide students with extensive supervised practice in facilities both on and off campus.

Honors and Scholars

Students in the Ohio State Scholars programs live together, attend classes together and have the opportunity to be a part of a close-knit community. Pre-physical therapy students may apply to any of the Ohio State Scholars programs. The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students in the pre-physical therapy program because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.

Student organizations

Students in any major who are interested in pursuing physical therapy can join the Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Occupational Therapy Club to learn more about these professions, meet others interested in physical and occupational therapy, and increase awareness of these professions on campus and in the community.

Possible careers

Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including childrenâ€™s hospitals, general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public and special schools, private homes, sheltered workshops, and community agencies. Some therapists also establish their own private practices. With experience or additional education, physical therapists may become administrators of physical therapy departments.

Salary estimates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists is $87,000.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Fee Information

How to Apply

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.