Prepare for graduate work in physical therapy through this pre-professional program. Special admissions options with Widener's doctoral program in physical therapy set you on the inside track to success.
Physical therapists examine, diagnose, and treat patients that have a variety of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary problems. At Widener, you can major in several different fields of study while simultaneously taking a sequence of courses that will prepare you for admission to professional school in physical therapy.
The College of Arts & Sciences works closely with Widener’s doctoral program in physical therapy to ensure that you get the courses and advising necessary to succeed in graduate school and in the field. You'll be supported and encouraged every step of the way by professors who will quickly become a second family to you.
You'll have several advantages at Widener on your path to a career in physical therapy, including admissions preferences—and, for qualified students, a reserved seat—to Widener’s doctoral program in physical therapy.
Widener undergraduate students who enroll in a pre-physical therapy pathway are at an advantage when applying for admission into the university’s competitive physical therapy doctoral program. Students have several options that lead to admission to the Widener doctoral program.
Undergraduates entering a pre-physical therapy pathway must choose one of 11 academic majors offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. While pursuing their undergraduate degree, students also take courses that are pre-requisites for the graduate physical therapy program via one of two pathways.
Pathway One: Accelerated Reserved Seat 3+3
Incoming freshmen with exceptional high school transcripts who have performed well in science courses may be offered the accelerated reserved seat 3+3 program. This reserves a spot for the student in Widener’s graduate physical therapy program. To hold their reserved seat, students must follow the program, meet the minimum GPA requirement, receive the minimum required grades in all pre-requisite courses, and meet all other requirements for admission to the graduate physical therapy program—including completing all prerequisite courses at Widener University— during their first three years of undergraduate study. Students must also provide documentation of at least 40 hours of observation in a physical therapy facility under a licensed physical therapist. 3+3 students who have retained their reserved seat will submit their documents for matriculation into the graduate program in the fall of their junior year.
Undergraduate 3+3 students effectively complete their senior year in their first year of graduate school. After successfully completing three years of undergraduate school and three years of graduate school, they earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Pathway Two: Reserved Seat 4+3
Most incoming freshmen accepted into a pre-physical therapy pathway receive the reserved seat 4+3 admission. This reserves them a spot in Widener’s graduate physical therapy program and includes all of the same requirements and benefits as the 3+3 reserved seat admission program. The 4+3 option allows students to complete all required courses for their academic major and all pre-requisite courses for the graduate program in four years. It provides a less intense class schedule for students as they finish undergraduate study in the traditional four-year span. Students will submit their documents for matriculation to the graduate program in the fall of their senior year.
Unlike many other universities, Widener provides an advantage in that it allows students to pursue their interest in physical therapy while at the same time exploring their interests and passions in any of several different majors, including:
Given that physical therapists must deal with their patients as whole persons and also must understand the institution of healthcare, these majors all prepare students for careers in physical therapy by emphasizing different knowledge and skills that are needed for practicing physical therapists.
Regardless of major, all students will take the required science courses needed for success in doctoral study. The coursework in combination with the assistance of a pre-physical therapy advisor prepares students for graduate study and an ultimate career in physical therapy.
Widener’s Institute of Physical Therapy Education (IPTE) is a prestigious three-year doctoral program with connections to top health care facilities in the Philadelphia area, across the United States, and even internationally.
You'll complete your graduate degree after three years of full-time study, which includes four clinical education experiences under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. With these engaged experiences under your belt, you'll be ready to hit the ground running after graduation.
You'll give back to your community by getting involved in the Chester Community Clinic. This student-run inter-professional pro bono clinic offers physical and occupational therapy services to individuals who would otherwise be unable to receive them, and serves as a national model for student-run physical therapy and occupational therapy pro bono clinics.
You'll receive your doctoral degree from a nationally recognized program with long-established relationships among the leading healthcare providers in the region, opening the doors to physical therapy jobs.
Completing an undergraduate degree is challenging. Even with the addition of extra curriculars, additional study programs, work, and a global pandemic, Alex Polón excelled and has been chosen as the 2022 President's Award winner.
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At Widener, students can combine academic programs to create the unique educational pathway that’s right for them and their career goals.
With a renowned doctoral program in physical therapy at your fingertips, you'll be on the inside track from day one.
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