Skip to main content
Eastern Illinois University

Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway

Prepare for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and a career helping people move, heal and stay active. Complete the prerequisites, build a strong GPA and gain job shadowing hours in health care.

Apply to EIU MyEIU
Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway

Request Info: Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway

We know you have questions about Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway at EIU, and we don't want to leave a single one unanswered. Submit the form below for a personal response to your inquiry.

Degree Level
Bachelor of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 77 in Major
Careers
Therapists, Assistants, Postsecondary
Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway students at EIU

Why Study Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway at EIU?

  • Build the 3.4 or higher GPA and GRE score that PT programs expect
  • Complete most DPT prerequisites through a B.S. in Biological Sciences
  • Plan your coursework with an advisor around the requirements of your target programs
  • Prepare for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program
"I chose EIU because it feels like a second home to me. Since it is so close by, my family has the opportunity to watch me play softball, and I can always come home if needed. EIU is also not an overwhelmingly huge school, so the small town aspect will still stick with me."
Abbigail Hatton
Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway | Class of 2028
Abbigail Hatton, Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Build leadership and communication skills through student organizations
  • Complete 45 or more job shadowing or experiential hours in health care, preferably in physical therapy
  • Explore the settings where physical therapists work, from hospitals to sports facilities
  • Learn alongside other pre-health students in science courses
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway prepares you for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and a career helping people of all ages move, heal and stay active. It is a fit if you enjoy science, like working with people and want to help restore movement, reduce pain and prevent disability. To practice you must earn a DPT from an accredited program and pass a state licensure exam. A B.S.

View in Catalog
$92,817
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Health Specialties Teachers,…
  • Physical Therapist Aides

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Sam Laingen
University Pre-Health Professions Advisor
mclaingen@eiu.edu
2070 Life Sciences
217-581-6235
Sam Laingen Message Sam

Message Sam

or email mclaingen@eiu.edu directly
Elliott Zieman
Chair and Associate Professor
eazieman@eiu.edu
2070
217-581-1976
Elliott Zieman Message Elliott

Message Elliott

or email eazieman@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Still Exploring?

Add any program to your comparison or browse all options.

Health Sciences: Policy & Ethics
Undergraduate Option • B.S.
Educational Leadership
Graduate • Ed.S.
Anthropology
Minor
Digital Media Technology
Minor • Major • B.S.
Studio Art M.A.
Graduate • M.A.
Music Education
Graduate Option • M.A.
World History: Thesis Option
Graduate Option • M.A.
English: Creative Writing
Graduate Option • M.A.
← Back
0 of 3 selected Compare →