What exactly do I need to take as my major so I can be a PT at a doctorate level?

Question

I'm planning to be a PT, and before I could get on the doctorate level (PT school), I'm required to be an undergrad/ or take a bachelors. So I need to major on something. Totally confused. Some said Psychology or Kinesiology, but I need to know the "prefered" one. Some say there's a pre-physical therapy program...and what is that? Is that also a major? Please explain it to me.

Answer 1

At my university, we have a pre-physical therapy program.  You take the pre-physical therapy classes, and you major in anything that you want.  After that, you go to graduate school, and you can become a PT and/or continue your education.  I don't know what major is preferred, but, as long as you have completed all of the pre-physical therapy classes and have a bachelors degree in anything, you can go to school to become a PT.  Look for gradute programs in physical therapy and check the requirements, or see what other physical therapy students majored in.

Answer 2

First, know that the PTA degree is a completely separate degree from PT; and if you want to become a PT, the PTA degree is NOT where you want to be.  None of the classes as a PTA will transfer to a PT degree.  

Generally, there is no "preferred major."  Programs such as pre-physical therapy and health care sciences, etc are majors designed for students whose prerequisite courses are not necessarily specific to one degree.  Since the PT prerequisites require a wide variety of sciences, the pre-PT degree allows students to take all the classes they need without having to take a lot of "extra" classes.

Simply said, if your school offers this major, that is fine. If not, any major is allowed, just as long as you've met the prerequisites. I've had students who were art majors, dance majors and business majors.  It took them longer because they had to still complete the PT prerequisites, but they were accepted into the program just fine.  Some schools do have a stipulation that you must have a BS degree and not a BA, but this is specific to only a few schools.  

Answer 3

I think the pre-physical therapy program are mostly offered in big universities which will enable the PT student proceed to the bachelor's or PHD level in PT. In most small schools (community colleges), Pre- physical therapy (also known as physical therapy assistant program) is for students who are either considering transferring into a bigger University (4yrs+ college) for their Bachelors or PHD, while some earn their Physical therapy assistant degree or certification after successfully completing the pre-physical therapy program (physical therapy assistant). The pre-physical therapy program is normally 2years of full time students. If you need advice on your route, may be this will help. You may start with your pre-physical therapy degree, get in the field as a physical therapy assistant, then continue to your bachelors, then your PHD. This route will

1) help you gain experience in the field

2) secure your position or job eligibility at that hospital or agency you will be working at

3) and it will also make help you in your future or long run decision as to, If you find it comfortable enough to do this as a lifetime career...

4) also help you change your mind if you decide there is something better you would like to do, without any regrets of time wasted at school for what so ever reason.

       PT is a very good career of choice. You will know better when you get in the field...