Do PT schools accept community college credits?
James Olson
Updated on April 03, 2026
Community college courses, online courses: Most PT programs will accept courses completed at a regionally-accredited community college. There may be exceptions for certain courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and other upper-division (junior/senior level) prerequisites.
Can you study physical therapy in college?
Physical Therapy Majors (pre-PT undergrad) While you do need to complete certain prerequisites to become a PT, your undergrad degree or major can be in anything you choose. The actual physical therapy degree, or Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT), is earned in a graduate-level program at a PT school.
What GPA do you need to become a PT?
3.0 GPA
It is important to keep in mind that simply passing these required courses will not be sufficient enough to get you into a PT school. The majority of schools require a minimum of 3.0 GPA, but the acceptance rate of many schools can have GPA scores as high as 3.75 average.
Is it hard to get into PT school?
PT school is not easy. Many schools choose only 30 students from over 200 to 600 applicants. You need to find ways to gain experience and work hard in order to be accepted into a physical therapy graduate program. Programs are typically looking for around 100 observational hours in a variety of settings.
Is there a lot of math in physical therapy?
Physical therapists use math related to ratios, percents, statistics, graphing and problem-solving. Because it is a medical field, math plays a large role in the knowledge physical therapists use. Physical therapists need a good knowledge of physics to understand the mechanics of their patients’ bodies.
How much do pts make a year?
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, as of 2018, the average annual wage of physical therapists is $88,880. However, physical therapy salaries aren’t this high in every state.
Which PT school is the easiest to get into?
6 Easiest Physical Therapy Schools To Get Into
- University of Iowa. The university of Iowa tops our list of easiest PT schools to get into.
- University of Delaware.
- Baylor university.
- University of Washington.
- University of Miami.
- University of Pittsburgh.
Can I get into PT school with a 2.9 GPA?
A low or inadequate GPA is what notoriously holds aspiring PT students back from getting into PT school. If either of your GPAs fail to meet the requirements of a school, you will not be considered an eligible candidate. You will need to go through some academic upgrading if you still wish to apply in the future.
Is it harder to get into PT or OT school?
Historically, PT programs have been more difficult to get into than OT, but in the past few years the number of applicants to OT programs have literally grown exponentially.
Is there a bachelors degree in physical therapy?
A pre-physical therapy bachelor’s degree provides a way for students to familiarize themselves with the field before enrolling in an advanced program. In addition to general education classes, students also take the science courses they need for their future studies.
How long does it take to get a physical therapy degree online?
Depending on the school and student’s schedule, online associate degree programs generally take 1-2 years to complete, while online bachelor’s degrees can be finished in about four years of full-time study. Students who choose to enroll in a physical therapy assistant certificate program may be able to finish their studies within one year.
How to apply for a physical therapist program?
PT programs may require competitive applicants to visit the campus for an interview. The interview format varies by institution. Applicants may be required to speak with a single faculty member, a student, a physical therapist, or a panel of interviewers, or participate in an orientation program. If invited, dress in professional business attire.
Are there any accredited colleges for online physical therapy?
The Department of Education maintains a list of all regionally accredited schools. Colleges and universities awarding online degrees should also hold national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC accreditation signifies that the school’s online students receive the same education as their on-campus peers.