Thoughts on Pre-PT majors

[erobrien]

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Hi guys so I'm in a bit of a bind choosing a school for undergrad with the intent of pursuing physical therapy school after. The two schools I am choosing between are UGA and SMU (Southern Methodist), each of which are wonderful schools in their own rights but very different. One of the major differences (other than cost of in state vs. private) is options for majors. At UGA I would enter the exercise science major (w./ minor in Spanish) and at SMU I would do an interdisciplinary major in Public Health and Minor in applied physiology (w./ minor in Spanish). In both scenarios I would be able to fulfill the pre reqs, but in terms of the other classes I would take in the programs I'm unsure of which is better. Public health offers a broader perspective on healthcare while the applied physiology covers the anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, but the exercise science is more focused on one area which correlates more directly into physical therapy. Any advice on which path is better?

 

[engmedpt]

honestly pick a major you would be happy with as a backup plan career or temporary way to support yourself. pick what is stimulating for your interest but is also practical for job prospects. I was pre med before and followed the biochem path and realized that the lifestyle is terrible for me as a person.....I had to scramble out and change majors a lot since I didn't enjoy isolated lab work either. currently a biology secondary education major and pre physical therapy. Im well on my way to applying next year, but Im also content now with my major switch since if life throws me a curveball, then I would be ok teaching. working with people and thinking about science keeps me interested and satisfied. what im trying to say is DONT PICK A MAJOR SIMPLY FOR THE GRAD SCHOOL OPTION LATER ON. do some research into the jobs for public health and apk. If you have to stay another summer and take some classes then do it. Btw, the minor in Spanish is a great idea, just don't stop practicing.

 

[NewTestament]

At UGA I would enter the exercise science major (w./ minor in Spanish) and at SMU I would do an interdisciplinary major in Public Health and Minor in applied physiology (w./ minor in Spanish)... Public health offers a broader perspective on healthcare while the applied physiology covers the anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, but the exercise science is more focused on one area which correlates more directly into physical therapy.

Go to SMU. You would enjoy both majors but exercise science is worthless as a degree. Also, which school is less expensive? If UGA is less expensive, then go there, but don't get the exercise science degree. Major in something you enjoy and you can excel in, even if it takes you an extra year to obtain all the pre-requisites.

 

[DesertPT]

Literally the only thing you can do with an exercise science or kinesiology degree is go to PT school. I would pick a degree that is a little more valuable if you end up needing it. With that being said, a large percentage of people going to PT school do kinesiology or exercise science degrees because many schools structure them as poorly disguised "Pre-PT" degrees, so all the typical PT school pre-reqs are required as part of the degree, whereas with other degrees you make have to take things like psych or A&P on top of your regular degree program. Not a huge problem if you have a plan going into college and use your free electives for PT school pre-reqs though.

This has been talked about to death, so do a search of the forum.

 

[OHIO PT]

Why not look into direct entry PT programs? If you know you want to be a PT it is a great option, save a year of school and dont have to reapply later on when its harder to get in and take the GRE, etc.