Students interested in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy should enroll in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (concentration in Exercise and Sport Science) at IU Kokomo.  By selecting appropriate elective courses, students can then complete the admission requirements for the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at IUPUI at, https://shhs.iupui.edu/graduate-professional/physical-therapy/doctor-physical-therapy/admissions/index.html. 

Students are advised to consult with their advisors, Health Sciences faculty members, and the IUPUI DPT website regarding admission requirements including courses, required grades, and other admission requirements.

Pre-Physical Therapy 

Physical therapists work with individuals of all ages and treat patients with conditions such as burns; soft tissue injuries; heart and lung disabilities; and problems with nerves, muscles, and bones. Physical therapists use their skills to assist in patient rehabilitation following many types of surgical procedures.

Physical therapists, as members of the health care team, have roles in addition to direct work with patients. They may organize prenatal classes. They have responsibility for many aspects of preventive medicine such as developing screening programs in schools. Some physical therapists are in administration, others work in research, and some teach courses in physical therapy.

Because physical therapists (PTs) are involved in total maintenance and restoration of health and the prevention of disease, they must know how to apply physical, biological, social, and medical sciences to individuals.

It is essential for physical therapists to evaluate the physical status of patients. Based on results of the evaluations, the PTs, in consultation with referring physicians, establish treatment programs. Then, the physical therapist guides the application of the treatments and makes alterations as the needs of the patient change.

Pre-Physical Therapy Track Specific Requirements:

• ANAT-A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.)
• PHSL-P 215 Basic Human Physiology (5 cr.)

• CHEM-C 105/125 Principles of Chemistry I (5 cr.)
• CHEM-C 106/126 Principles of Chemistry II (5 cr.)

• PHYS-P 201/202 General Physics I (10 cr.)

• PSY-P 103 General Psychology (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 216 Life Span Development (3 cr.)

• CLAS-C 209 Medical Terms from Greek and Latin (2 cr.)

• HSCI-H 204 Motor Development (3 cr.)
• HSCI-H 212 Introduction to Exercise Science (3 cr.)
• HSCI-H 409 Basic Physiology of Exercise (3 cr.)

HSCI-H 452 is recommended for the pre-physical therapy track and will count toward the 30 cr. requirement at the 300-/400-level in courses from the School of Sciences (pre-physical therapy track only). 

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Among the fastest growing of the allied health professions is occupational therapy. Professionals in this field are concerned with an individual’s ability to engage in the normal activities of everyday life. Focusing on self-care, work, and play, registered occupational therapists determine the extent to which their patients or clients can function. Inability to function in certain areas may be due to lack of muscle strength, limitations in the range of motion in extremities, or the inability to properly integrate sensation. Other reasons include emotional disorders and social problems. After the assessment of the individual’s level of function, the therapist plans a treatment program, taking into account the needs, abilities, and desires of the patient. The treatment techniques may include a variety of therapeutic methods, as well as common activities specifically adapted for the patient.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Track Specific Requirements:

• ANAT-A 215 Basic Human Anatomy (5 cr.)
• PHSL-P 215 Basic Human Physiology (5 cr.)

• PSY-P 103 General Psychology (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 216 Life Span Development (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 324 Abnormal Psychology (3 cr.)

• CLAS-C 209 Medical Terms from Greek and Latin (2 cr.)

• SOC-S 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)