College of Arts and Sciences · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Physical Therapy

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Program Overview

Prepare for Admission to Physical Therapy School

Maryville University's Pre-Physical Therapy program supports students from any science major who plan to pursue graduate study in physical therapy. Students complete prerequisite coursework while receiving guidance on building the academic preparation and professional experiences that physical therapy programs expect.

What sets the program apart

    • Available to students in any science major pursuing physical therapy graduate programs.
    • Complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and related sciences.
    • Receive advising throughout the pre-professional preparation process.
    • Participate in faculty-guided research opportunities available to biology and exercise science majors.
    • Build competitive credentials through strong academics and a demonstrated commitment to serving others.
    • Access internship and research opportunities through the St. Louis science and healthcare community.

Physical Therapy at Maryville University

 
PT is essentially from what what I've found is like the ultimate culmination of all my interests. I do enjoy weight lifting and just understanding why certain exercises are maybe more effective, how to generate load, just kind of all the different ways that the human body reacts to different stimulus. The way that PT works is that you do all that stuff and you get to help people, which is another one of the big things that I know I wanted to do. A lot of the Maryville faculty, all all the advisors and the professors that I've had have been awesome. They've been very supportive. Specifically in the PT program, they truly just want you to succeed. Just finding ways for you to build support networks, have peers that you can study with. With. The program is designed for specifically the students that are actually going through it. So if you're interested in becoming a physical therapy student, come to Maryville, take a tour.
Why Maryville

Why Choose Maryville for Pre-Physical Therapy?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Physical therapists help people improve movement, manage pain and recover from injuries, illnesses and medical conditions in a wide range of healthcare settings.

Employment opportunities for physical therapists are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations as demand for rehabilitation services continues to increase.

Career Paths

Evaluate and treat patients to improve movement, reduce pain and restore physical function across a variety of healthcare settings.
Help athletes prevent injuries, recover after injury and safely return to peak performance.
Work with infants, children and adolescents to improve mobility, strength and physical development.
Support older adults by improving balance, mobility and independence while managing age-related conditions.
Treat patients recovering from stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.
Provide rehabilitation following surgery, injury or serious illness to help patients regain strength, movement and daily function.
14%Projected Job Growth

Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than average as demand for rehabilitation services continues to increase.*

$101,020Median Salary

The median annual salary reflects the midpoint of earnings for physical therapists nationwide, with half earning more and half earning less.*

13,600Annual Job Openings

Thousands of openings are projected each year due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who retire or change careers.*

Source: Career statistics are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and reflect national estimates. Actual employment opportunities and salaries vary by location, employer and experience.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Physical Therapy program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Students pursuing any science major who intend to apply to physical therapy graduate programs.
No. It prepares students for admission to a graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Students complete prerequisite courses with an emphasis on biology, exercise science, chemistry and physics.
Yes. Biology and exercise science majors may participate in faculty-guided research.
Yes. Students receive guidance to help complete prerequisite requirements and prepare competitive graduate school applications.
Students may pursue internship and research opportunities with healthcare and science organizations throughout the St. Louis region.