Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists (PT)  - provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries (sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, amputations), neurological disorders (such as stroke or cerebral palsy), injuries related to work and sports, and other conditions.

PTs are trained to use a variety of different techniques—sometimes called modalities—to care for their patients. These techniques include applying heat and cold, using assistive devices (such as crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers) and equipment (such as adhesive electrodes which apply electric stimulation to treat injuries and pain.)

What does a PT do? - The work of a physical therapist varies by type of patient. For example, a patient experiencing loss of mobility due to stroke needs different care from that given to an athlete recovering from an injury. Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics, while some may work at preventing loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs to encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.

Job components can include:

• Review patients’ medical history and any referrals or notes from doctors or surgeons.

• Diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns, among other methods.

• Set up a plan of care for patients, outlining the patient’s goals and the expected outcome of the plan.

• Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain.

• Evaluate a patient’s progress, modifying a plan of care and trying new treatments as needed.

• Educate patients and their families about what to expect from and how best to cope with the recovery process.

PT job ranking-PT rank #3 in Best Health Care Jobs for 2023 and #6 in The 100 Best Jobs in 2023, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

What should I major in? - Since PT programs do not prefer one major over another and Texas A&M doesn’t have a designated pre-PT major, students may choose from over 200 major fields of study. Most students select majors which include the prerequisites and provide an alternate career choice. Common majors include Kinesiology, Biology, Health, and Nutrition.

• Angelo State University​ - San Angelo

• Army-Baylor,- San Antonio

• Baylor University (BU) - Waco

• Hardin Simmons University - Abilene

• Texas State University (TCU) - Round Rock

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC)- Amarillo, Lubbock, and Odessa 

• Texas Woman's University (TWU) - Dallas, Houston

• University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) - San Antonio

• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) - Belton

• University of St. Augustine Health Sciences - Austin and Irving

• University of North Texas (UNT) - Fort Worth

• UT Health, University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio

• University of Texas (UTEP) - El Paso

• University of Texas Medical Branch of Health Professions (UTMB)  - Galveston

• University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) - Dallas

Application Requirements:

Grade Point Average: PT programs will look at your Science/Math, overall, last 60 hours, and prerequisite GPA.  At least a 3.5 in all areas is considered competitive.  

• Science and Math - This GPA varies per program.
• Last 60 hours - Your last 60 graded hours.  This is an indication that the programs are looking at your grade trends (which need to be upward). It is a great opportunity to prove yourself academically especially if you had a rough academic start to your college career.
• Prerequisite GPA - Students must complete all required prerequisite courses prior to beginning a PT program. Some schools require all prerequisite courses be completed prior to applying, so it is important for you to review the admissions requirements on each school’s website.
   
  We have a prerequisite chart on the PT handout as a guide to assist you. Prerequisites can change, so it is ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to check with each PT school on a regular basis.  Applicants must get any course exceptions approved by individual PT schools. The classes listed below are what most Texas programs require: 

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