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Physical Therapy



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Major Related
Resources

Health Professions
and Prelaw Center

Maxwell Hall 010
Phone: (812) 855-1873

IU School of Health
and Rehabilitative Services

Career Related
Resources

Career Resource Library
625 North Jordan Avenue
Phone: (812) 855-0576

American Physical
Therapy Association


IUB Libraries Career Resources
Healthcare Careers
10th Street & Jordan Avenue
Phone: 812-855-0100



Description of Major

The IU School of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences offers a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT)on the Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. Prospective DPT students incorporate a list of required prerequisite courses into a bachelor's degree of their choosing. The DPT program involves integrating courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, orthopedics, neuroscience, human development, research, management, social and behavioral sciences and ethics as a basis for patient evaluation and exercise prescription in the prevention and treatment of physical impairment and disability.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

Knowledge of disease processes and how they affect the normal function of the human body will assist students in assessing and treating various musculoskeletal problems. DPT students develop problem-solving and evaluation skills alongside teaching and recuperative exercise development skills as they prepare to assume responsibility for the health of others.

Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

In addition to a bachelor's degree of one's choosing, behavioral sciences are beneficial as are exercise physiology, physics and other physical science courses. No minor or second major is needed, but in specialized settings employees would benefit from having related backgrounds.

Career Options

Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree

Physical therapy is currently an entry-level clinical doctorate program.

Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree

In addition to choosing an undergraduate major that will help prepare the student for admission to a doctoral program in physical therapy, alternate career options related to the "pre-physical therapy" bachelor major may be considered.

Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

The entry-level doctorate prepares a student to work in any setting requiring physical therapists, including private practice. All physical therapy programs will become clinical doctorates by the year 2020 as mandated by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Employment Opportunities

Job Outlook

Excellent, especially in geriatrics and pediatrics. The demand for physical therapists is growing faster than the average of all occupations.

Salary Information

The middle 50% of practicing physical therapists earned between $48,480 to $70,050 in 2002.

Potential Career Growth

This profession has potential to grow in the areas of prevention, geriatrics, school system physical therapy, home health care.

Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this Major

One hundred percent if willing to relocate.

High School Preparation

In addition to being eligible for admission to Indiana University, students must have a strong background in math and science. In college, two semesters each of chemistry and physics and one semester each of anatomy and physiology are prerequisites for IU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Special Opportunities

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is offered by the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Indianapolis, allowing students to take advantage of the IU Medical Center on the IUPUI campus, with some of the most comprehensive facilities in the country. Students who complete their bachelor's degree at IU Bloomington gain a strong foundation in the sciences and the humanities at one of the country’s leading research universities.

Noted Alumni

Majors and Careers Series Spring 2000

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URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~udiv/majors
Comments: explore@indiana.edu
Created by Brian Smith, Dawn Bourbina, Ben Tesnar, and Stephen Grogg
Copyright 2000, The Trustees of Indiana University