Physical Therapy - Pre-Professional | Health Sciences | University of Nebraska at Kearney

About the Physical Therapy Pre-Professional Program

On Campus

Physical therapists, also known at PTs, provide services that help improve mobility, restore function, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients with injuries or disease. PTs work closely with patients to restore, maintain, and promote their overall fitness and wellness for healthier and more active lifestyles. The Pre-Physical Therapy program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will prepare you for higher education in the field.

The educational requirements for admission to a physical therapy program vary from school to school. Many programs require a bachelor’s degree; some will accept applicants after 90 credit hours of undergraduate education. However, since the majority of students entering physical therapy school have a baccalaureate degree, students pursuing pre-physical therapy are expected to choose a major so that they can be working towards a bachelor's degree concurrently with the Pre-Physical Therapy program.

PROGRAM INFORMATION GUIDE

Responsibilities of a physical therapist:

Diagnose patients’ dysfunctional movements by watching them stand or walk, and by listening to their concerns
Set up a plan for their patients, outlining the patient’s goals and the planned treatments
Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain and to help them increase their ability to move
Evaluate a patient’s progress, modifying a treatment plan and trying new treatments as needed
Educate patients and their families about what to expect during recovery from injury and illness and how best to cope with what happens

Conditions treated by a physical therapist:

Traumatic brain injury
Fractures, dislocations
Sports injuries
Balance
Incontinence
Burns
Headaches
Back pain
Arthritis
Carpal tunnel
Strokes
Osteoporosis

Average Salary: $86,850 per year

28% Projected Employment Growth

from 2016 to 2026 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

PLACEMENT IN CLINICAL PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Data based on cumulative placement data for the last 3 years

42%
Accepted

"I graduated from UNK in 2013 with my Bachelor’s degree in athletic training. After attending UNMC for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I am now practicing as a physical therapist for Kearney Physical Therapy. Along with athletic training, my minor/emphasis was pre physical therapy. The pre physical therapy program helped my greatly by giving me the required pre requisites for all of the physical therapy schools in the area, as well as mentorship from the advisors. I was also able to network and meet other pre PT students in the process, which helped me form bonds that last to today, helping me become a better professional."