Skip to main content
  • Prerequisite requirements vary between schools.
  • Make sure to check the requirements of each school you are considering.
  • It’s best to begin your research on physical therapy programs sooner than later.

A comprehensive list of physical therapy programs by state, including admissions deadlines, entrance requirements, credentials awarded, fees etc. can be found on the PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service) website.

Following are some of the most common courses required and recommended.

General Chemistry, 2 semesters of general chemistry with lab

Chem 1A/1AL, 1B or

4A, 4B or 4A, 

Biology, 2 semesters with lab

Bio 1B, 1A/1AL

Physics, 2 semesters with lab

Physics 8A, 8B or Physics 7A, 7B or Physics 7A, 8B

Human Anatomy, 1 semester with lab

IB 131/131L

Physiology, 1 semester with lab

MCB 32, MCB 32L: Introduction to Human Physiology; Introduction to Human Physiology Laboratory

IB 132, IB 132L: Human Physiology; Human Physiology Laboratory.

MCB 136, MCB 133L: Physiology; Physiology and Cell Biology Laboratory

Courses such as Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology are often also required.

Not offered at Berkeley, check with your health professions advisor for suggestions.

Stats, 1 semester

Stat 2 or Stat 131A or Stat 20

English, 2 semesters

Courses that satisfy the Reading and Composition requirement at Berkeley will fulfill PT school English coursework requirements for most PT schools.

Humanities, Social & Behavioral Science, Most schools require 1 semester of an introductory course/s in psych and/or additional social science coursework

Psych 1 (for majors) or Psych 2 (for non majors)
and/or
Sociol.1

Foreign Language

Knowledge and cultural competency in at least one foreign language is strongly recommended and required by some schools