Bachelor’s in Exercise Science Degree: Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
Bachelor’s in Exercise Science Degree: Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis
journey today.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy can provide graduates with a solid foundation for pursuing potential opportunities in the field of physical therapy. Offered by the College of Natural Science at Grand Canyon University, you will be taught a substantial body of knowledge relevant to exercise science and pre-physical therapy, equipping you with the essential skills and expertise to pursue your academic and professional goals. After completing the coursework, some graduates may go on to seek acceptance into a graduate-level physical therapy program that may lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
In this pre-physical therapy emphasis, you will focus on mastering various domains that cover topics specific to physical therapy, including more widely applicable topics such as professionalism and ethics.
As an aspiring physical therapist, you will need to have more than just a solid understanding of the human body and movement; you will also need advanced interpersonal, collaborative and other soft skills to excel in daily interactions with clients. The range of coursework taught in GCU’s pre-physical therapy curriculum can prepare you to graduate as a well-rounded healthcare professional.
Additional domains you will study include the following:
These domains encompass essential scientific concepts that are highly relevant to a future career in physical therapy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge base necessary for professional advancement.
The BS in exercise science is thoughtfully designed to teach you the foundational tools and resources essential for your journey toward this field. As you pursue your goal of becoming a physical therapist, you can develop a strong background that can empower you to make a positive impact on the lives of others through your dedicated work. In addition to the pre-physical therapy preparation and exercise science focus, this program teaches you interpersonal communication and other critical healthcare topics. While completing this program, you’ll also study the intersection between psychology, spirituality and physical health.
As an exercise science student, you have the benefit of completing coursework that is not only science-related but also applicable to functional and physiological movement. In addition to applying specific exercises and techniques when working with clients, you will be taught to recognize their effectiveness and the scientific principles that underlie them. By exploring these subjects and more, you will delve into the scientific foundations that form the basis of physical therapy. Upon completing the program, you will have been exposed to the techniques, concepts and applications of principles commonly employed by physical therapists in their professional practice. GCU’s pre-physical therapy emphasis can help you position yourself for a graduate-level program, where you can further develop your knowledge and practical experience.
This program highlights topics in exercise science and physical therapy including:
Nutrition and wellness
Sports performance and coaching
Exercise science research
Motor learning, including skills and control
Corrective exercises
All Exercise Science Emphases
Discover additional emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
GCU’s pre-physical therapy studies can equip you with the necessary preparation to effectively engage with patients across diverse settings, as well as prepare you for your next degree. Physical therapists are essential to almost every industry that involves human movement, athletes, rehabilitation or improving human health.1
Earning an undergraduate degree in a related field is a starting point for many aspiring physical therapists. As a pre-physical therapy student at GCU, you’ll focus on the exercise science and physical therapy knowledge necessary to advance in your education, as well as the spiritual, Christian worldview that underlies everything we do. If you’re interested in pursuing opportunities to become a physical therapist, a pre-physical therapy emphasis may be a great choice for you.
After obtaining the necessary degrees and licensure, you may find yourself working in different settings that can include the following:
Private clinics or offices
Nursing homes
Hospitals
Earn your Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise Science from our institutionally accredited university. With a focus on providing a comprehensive education in exercise science principles, this program can prepare you for a range of potential career opportunities in various fields related to health, fitness and wellness while meeting Higher Learning Commission standards and criteria. Embrace the opportunity to study at an institution known for its commitment to academic excellence as well as teaching based on Christian values, as you pursue your passion and develop the skills needed in the field of exercise science.
BS in Exercise Science: Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis FAQs
Ready to earn your degree in exercise science and physical therapy emphasis but still have a few questions? We’ve gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions to help you make your decision.
A physical therapy focus is not typically considered "pre-med" in the traditional sense. The term "pre-med" usually refers to an educational track that prepares students for admission to medical school to pursue careers as medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO). It's important to note that while physical therapy and medicine share some common foundational knowledge in the sciences, they have different focuses and career paths. Each field requires specific training and education tailored to its respective scope of practice. You do not need to attend medical school to advance into this profession.
Pre-physical therapy emphasis programs may vary in length depending on the university. The bachelor’s in exercise science degree requires a total of 120 credits for completion. Most of the classes are 15 weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it can take to earn your degree.
An exercise science and physical therapy emphasis degree can provide you with a combination of core knowledge courses and program-specific coursework. This major is a great choice if you plan to advance your pre-physical therapy studies through a graduate degree. You may also benefit from this degree if you wish to explore exercise science-related professions in the healthcare field.
Start Your Journey Today
Ignite your journey toward a career in physical therapy by earning your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis from GCU. Fill out the form to get started.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022, Sept. 8). Occupational Outlook Handbook: What Physical Therapists Do. Retrieved July 13, 2023.