Physical therapists are committed to meeting the health needs of society through prevention, rehabilitation, public education, and research. They promote optimal human health and function by applying scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, and correct acute or prolonged movement dysfunction problems.
Specialization areas in physical therapy include cardiopulmonary systems, electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports physical therapy, and women's health.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Iowa is a graduate degree and is not offered as an undergraduate major. However, undergraduate students can designate themselves as pre-physical therapy students in order to receive specialized advising and course work in preparation for applying to the DPT program.

The Physical Therapy Preprofessional Program is a Certificate degree offered by The University of Iowa at its main campus in Iowa City , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 1 year to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from May 15, 2027.
About Certificate in Physical Therapy Preprofessional Program
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Physical Therapy Preprofessional Program at The University of Iowa
Entry Requirements
Name of final diploma/certificate:
Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Minimum average overall grade requirement on core academic subjects such as mathematics, science, language, and social science courses (grade is comparable to U.S. grade of a B or 3.0 GPA):
70/100%
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Physical Therapy Preprofessional Program
The employment outlook for physical therapy graduates is strong. Opportunities exist in teaching and research professions as well as in inpatient, outpatient, and community-based organizations. These include general or specialized hospitals, programs for children with disabilities, private physical therapy clinics, extended care facilities, nursing homes, community and governmental agencies, rehabilitation centers, the armed forces, foreign service, home health agencies, school systems, fitness centers, and athletic facilities.
Physical therapists report a very high level of job satisfaction, driven both by prevalent employment opportunities and social interaction.
Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Physical Therapy Preprofessional Program at The University of Iowa
How to Apply for Certificate in Physical Therapy Preprofessional Program at The University of Iowa
-
Submit your application.
You can apply through the University of Iowa application or the Common Application (fall session only). We make admission decisions on a rolling basis beginning October 1 (International Application deadlines vary depending on your area of study).
-
Pay the application fee.
The $80 application fee is non-refundable. No application fee waivers are available unless you will be graduating from a high school inside the U.S.
-
Upload your academic records.
Within your Admissions Profile in MyUI, upload copies of all required official transcripts from every secondary school (high school), college, university, technical/vocational institute, or professional institution you have attended.
Examine the Country Specific Admissions Requirement List to learn more about the required credentials and minimum academic standards needed for Admissions. Iowa offers college credit for a variety of exams. -
Meet our English Proficiency Requirement.
See details of our English Proficiency Requirements. If applicable, have the testing agency send us your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.
-
Have your ACT or SAT scores sent by the testing agency.
Our institution code is 1356 for the ACT; 6681 for the SAT.
ACT or SAT is required if:- You plan to use ACT/SAT to meet the English Proficiency Requirement
- You plan to apply for scholarships (some awards require an ACT or SAT score)

United States of America, Iowa City