A degree in biology, chemistry or exercise science from Franklin College provides many of the foundation courses required for acceptance into a physical therapy Doctoral program and, at the same time, provides you with a very marketable degree in case you chose not to pursue further study in the area of physical therapy.

The following are required for consideration for admission to the DPT program at the University of Indianapolis:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (Average GPA of applicants admitted is 3.7)
• General aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from a physical therapist
• Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a “C” in each course and a prerequisite GPA of at least 3.0. Courses taken on a pass fail basis will not count for prerequisites. (Note: The number of credits listed is a minimum. The courses and hours listed reflect the specific Franklin College courses and their credit hours that will meet each requirement.)

Chemistry 1 year sequence with lab 6-8 credits: CHE 121/123 and CHE 122/124 – General Chemistry I and II with lab (10 hours)
Physics 1 year sequence with lab 6-8 credits: PHY 201/203 and 202/204 – General Physics I and II with lab (10 hours)

Biological Sciences – 18-21 credit minimum distributed as follows:
General Biology with lab 3-4 credits: BIO 114 General Biology OR BIO 134 Principles of Biology (4 hours) *Specific course based on respective program requirements
Anatomy and Physiology with lab 6-8 credits: KIN 210/210L and KIN 220/220L Applied Human Anatomy and Applied Human Physiology (8 hours) or BIO 210 and BIO 215 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (8 hours)
Behavioral Sciences: Two courses emphasizing human interactions (6 credits)
Statistics: MAT/PSY 224 Basic Applied Statistics (3 hours)

• Application forms for the University of Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy are  available here. Applications are due by October 1 for the following fall semester.

Medical Terminology is strongly recommended.  (KIN/BIO 121 Medical Terminology and Documentation for Allied Health Professions)

Other Recommended Courses: 

• EXE/BIO 387 Biomechanics (3 hours)
• EXE/BIO 372 Exercise Physiology (3 hours)
• EXE 382 Motor Learning (3 hours)
• EXE 385 Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 hours)

Physical Therapy Links & Articles
University of Indianapolis – Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy
The Role of a Physical Therapist
American Physical Therapy Association
Pre-PT 4-Year Plan

Pre-PT Advisers:
Alice Heikens, Ph.D.
Kyra Noerr, Ph.D.