Welcome to the Pre-Physical Therapy Program
Program Description:
Iowa Western Community College offers the Pre-Physical Therapy program to prepare students for transfer into a four-year institution. Physical Therapy (PT) schools usually prefer students to have a bachelor's degree before entering. IWCC graduates will have acquired a balance of course work from the humanities, social science, and natural science areas. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate in Science degree.
Although members of the Biological Sciences department make every effort to consult with various colleges and universities regarding transfer requirements, students are encouraged to consult catalogs, web sites and advisors at their chosen four-year institution during their freshman year.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent; however, some programs may require additional information for acceptance. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Suggested Extracurricular Experiences
Many physical therapy schools favor students who have experience in extracurricular activities and experiences that will help prepare them for PT school and the PT profession. These activities include volunteer work in a physical therapy department of a hospital or clinic and/or volunteer work with a school athletic trainer.
Physical Therapy School
After completing all of the undergraduate coursework, applicants must apply to the accredited physical therapy school. Many PT schools require candidates to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Information on the GRE can be obtained at the web site http://www.gre.org/.
After graduating from an accredited physical therapy program, most states require physical therapists to pass a licensure exam before they can practice.
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau and Statistics, most physical therapists work in hospitals or in offices of other physical therapists. Other places of employment include home health care, long term care facilities, outpatient care centers, physician offices, and some are self-employed in private practices. Some physical therapists conduct research and teach in academic institutions like Iowa Western Community College.
Pre-Physical Therapy Course Sequences
All students need to follow a science course progression
see the attached link Science Flow Chart
For additional information on recommended course
sequence, please refer to the Program Advisement Guide
Scholarship Information
Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page.
Links:
Science Major Course Flow Chart
American Physical Therapy Association,
1111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488.
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistic
Contact Information:
Brian Berthelsen, MS, ATC
Program Chair
1-712-388-6871
1-800-432-5852 x6871
E-mail: bberthelsen@iwcc.edu
or contact the admissions office at:
1-800-432-5852 ext. 3277
712-325-3277