Industry Growth
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 21% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Pre-Professional Pathway
Pre-Physical Therapy Program
Our pre-physical therapy program prepares students for success in graduate study and a rewarding career as a physical therapist.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Pre-Professional
Format
On Campus
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Pre-Physical Therapy Program
A pre-physical therapy program is the first step toward becoming a physical therapist. At Widener, this means choosing from more than 10 majors, ranging from biology and chemistry to mathematics and visual and performing arts. No matter which path you pursue, you’ll develop cutting-edge skills, build connections with faculty mentors, and benefit from preferred admission to Widener’s doctor of physical therapy program—including a reserved seat for qualified students.
Pre-Physical Therapy Program Options
Widener uniquely allows students to study pre-physical therapy while exploring their interest in a separate major. Options include:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Digital Media Informatics
- Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages: French & Spanish
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Visual and Performing Arts
These majors prepare students for careers in physical therapy by providing deep insight into the human mind and body, as well as culture and history—knowledge that’s needed to holistically treat clients.
Regardless of major, all students will take the required science courses needed for success in graduate study. The coursework in combination with the assistance of a pre-physical therapy advisor prepares students for graduate school and a career 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 doctor of physical therapy program. Students have several options that lead to admission to the 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 physical therapy program via one of two pathways.
Pathway One: Accelerated Reserved Seat 3+3
Incoming first-year students 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 doctor of 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 physical therapy program—including completing all prerequisite courses at Widener—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 study and three years of graduate school, they earn their doctor of physical therapy degree.
Pathway Two: Reserved Seat 4+3
Most incoming first-year students admitted to a pre-physical therapy pathway receive the reserved seat 4+3 admission. This reserves them a spot in Widener’s doctor of 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.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Pre-PT Students
Why Study Pre-Physical Therapy at Widener?
Reserve a Spot in Our Graduate PT Program
Save time, money, and perhaps even start your physical therapy career sooner with a reserved seat in Widener's competitive doctor of physical therapy program. Students who meet the requirements for the 3+3 pathway start taking doctoral courses during their senior year of undergraduate study, Those in the 4+3 pathway seamlessly transition to the doctoral program upon graduation.
Develop Real-World Skills
Preview your future profession through clinical education experiences under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. You'll also have the opportunity to serve as a receptionist in Widener's on-campus Chester Community Clinic.
Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One
Student Stories
Program Highlights
Recent News
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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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Ijjae Hill will draw on her deep-seated commitment to service and helping others in her new role of student trustee on the Widener Board of Trustees.
Finding the Perfect Balance
At Widener, students can combine academic programs to create the unique educational pathway that’s right for them and their career goals.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
Paths to Savings
Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.
The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.
Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years
(including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)
Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition
In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
-
Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
- 888-WIDENER
- admissions.office@widener.edu
Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway
-
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 209
- jdblack@widener.edu