Physical Therapy
Help restore movement, improve function, and reduce pain through targeted exercises, manual techniques, and patient education.
Pursuing the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
This is a terminal degree that takes 3 years of physical therapy school after you earn your bachelor’s degree. Preparation for physical therapy school involves curricular and extracurricular experiences which demonstrate communication and leadership skills, community service, and familiarity with the physical therapy profession. For more information, visit the Occupation Outlook Handbook.
The University of Mississippi Physical Therapy Program is housed at our sister campus, University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, MS.
Incoming freshmen indicate their interest in physical therapy on the UM application. Others complete the short online form to be assigned to an HPAO advisor and notified about HPAO programs and services.
Enroll in HPAO
Welcome to Pre-Physical Therapy
Whether you're learning more about what it means to be a Physical Therapist or actively preparing to apply to PT school, we’re here to support your journey. Explore the dynamic and continuously evolving profession of Physical Therapy and learn more about their role as members of the healthcare team and how to become a competitive candidate for PT school.
Meredith Ann Pyle
Learning Specialist
Plan Ahead for your Admission to Physical Therapy School
The following pre-requisite courses are required for the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Physical Therapy program in Jackson, MS. Other physical therapy schools may differ in their requirements. HPAO advisors will help you research the schools of your interest.
| *BISC 160/160 Biological Science I with Lab | 4 credit hours |
| BISC 162/163 Biological Science II with Lab | 4 credit hours |
| Advanced biological science course (BISC 300+) | 3-4 credit hours |
| *CHEM 105/115 General Chemistry I with Lab | 4 credit hours |
| CHEM 106/116 General Chemistry II with Lab | 4 credit hours |
| PHYS 213/223 General Physics I with Lab | 4 credit hours |
| PHYS 214/224 General Physics II with Lab Note: You may substitute PHYS 211/221 and PHYS 212/222 | 4 credit hours |
| MATH 115, OR PSY 202 Statistics | 3 credit hours |
*Requires a minimum ACT Math subscore of 24 (SAT 560 or SATR Math subscore of 580); or minimum of B earned in MATH 125; or MATH 121 & 123; or CHEM 101.
Additional Courses that May be Required
| BISC 206 Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 credit hours |
| BISC 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 credit hours |
| PSY 201 General Psychology | 3 credit hours |
| PSY 300+ Any Upper Level Psychology Course | 3 credit hours |
| ES 396 Allied Health Terminology | 3 credit hours |
One of the best ways to get experience in Physical Therapy is to shadow a Phywical Thereapist. Luckily, Oxford, Mississippi is home to many Physical Therapy offices.
Make sure you take the time to study for the GRE. We have some great resources right here at Ole Miss.
How has HPAO helped you?
"HPAO goes above and beyond to help schedule my classes, answer questions about shadowing/internships, and is always helping me prepare for a future beyond graduation."
Ryley Turner
(B.S.E.S. in Exercise Science with Minors in Biological Science, Recreational Therapy, and Psychology)
Meet some Pre-PT Students
Anna Colley
How has HPAO helped you?
See Anna’s Answer
Keonte McIntosh
What is your major and why did you choose it?
See Keonte’s Answer
Abigail Booth
What is your most memorable experience working with HPAO?
See Abigail’s Answer
Isabelle Foss
Why did you decide to pursue this health profession?
See Isabelle’s Answer
Jamari Osborne
Why did you decide to pursue this health profession?
See Jamari’s Answer
Lydia McKissick
How has HPAO helped you?
See Lydia’s Answer Ryley Turner
Why did you decide to pursue this health profession?
See Ryley’s Answer