Physical therapists are people-centered, science-based movement experts. Whether helping someone regain strength after surgery, improve mobility following a stroke, or manage chronic pain, physical therapists guide patients toward better function and greater independence.

If you want to become a licensed physical therapist, you’ll need to earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). At Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences (LAS), our pre-physical therapy track is designed to help you complete the prerequisite coursework for Touro’s DPT program. Whether you’re drawn to sports medicine, neurorehabilitation, cardiac recovery, or chronic pain management, at Touro LAS you’ll build a strong foundation for a meaningful PT career.

 

At Touro, you get a hands-on, experiential education. You can do research in fields and topics that really interest you, and our cohorts are small so you get a lot of one-on-one time with your professors.

— Staci Rosen, Director of Recruitment for OT/PT Programs

Choose Your Path to a Career in PT

Physical therapy is a competitive field, and we’re here to help you stand out from the pack. Whether you’re applying out of high school or already earning credits at LAS, you have more than one way to pursue your bachelor of science and DPT at Touro. Plus, staying within the Touro system for graduate school means you’ll benefit from a continued respect for your values and standards — something that’s rare in most DPT programs.

With Your LAS Application: Apply to the Integrated Health Sciences Honors Track

Are you finishing high school? In Seminary? Once you’ve applied and been accepted to Touro LAS, you can apply to the Integrated Health Sciences Honors Track to earn conditional early admission to the dual BS/DPT program at Touro’s School of Health Sciences (SHS). You’ll get your bachelor’s and doctorate in one streamlined, supportive journey.

This path has many benefits, including:

  • Mentorship from undergraduate and graduate-level faculty members
  • Priority placement into the DPT program — you’ll need to apply through PTCAS so you’re in the program applicant pool but still receive priority placement as long as you meet all admissions requirements. 
  • A direct, streamlined transition that saves time and reduces uncertainty

Current LAS Students: Apply to the Dual BS/DPT Program

Already studying at Touro LAS and interested in a career in physical therapy? The dual BS/DPT program offered through Touro University’s School of Health Sciences is a three-year program that includes a BS as part of the process, so you don’t need a completed bachelor’s to apply.

As long as you’ve completed 90 credits — including specific science and liberal arts prerequisites — you can apply. Students from LAS receive preferred admission consideration, and our advisors will help you stay on track with what you need to apply.

Prerequisite Course List for the BS/DPT Program

To apply to the Touro BS/DPT program, you need to complete at least 90 credits from an accredited college or university with a grade of C or better. These credits must include 15 credits taken to satisfy a major or minor, 15 elective credits, and at least 60 credits in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. Specific course prerequisites include the following:

  • 8 credits of Biology (with labs and designed for science majors)
  • 8 credits of Physics (with labs and designed for science majors)
  • 8 credits of Chemistry (with labs and designed for science majors)
  • 6 credits of Anatomy & Physiology
  • 6 credits of Psychology (including general psychology)
  • 6 credits of English Composition or Composition & Literature
  • 3 credits of Mathematics
  • 3 credits of Statistics

Once you graduate from the Touro SHS BS/DPT program, you’ll be well-prepared and eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

For more information about admissions requirements, visit Touro’s School of Health Sciences DPT website.

What to Expect as a Pre-PT Student at LAS

At Touro LAS, you’ll build a strong foundation in science, gain confidence in your academic abilities, and receive the support you need to earn your BS/DPT. Here’s what makes the pre-physical therapy experience at LAS unique:

Hands-On Support

You’ll work one-on-one with advisors who understand the demands of a dual degree program and are ready to help you stay on track.

Supportive Environment

Our faculty know your name, recognize your strengths, and are here to help — whether you’re prepping for a physics exam or studying for licensure exams.

Flexible and Personal

At Touro LAS, our class schedules and campus culture are designed to support your priorities, values, and goals.

A Motivated Community

You’ll learn alongside other driven students in the health sciences, creating a positive, collaborative environment filled with shared passion and purpose.

Separate Programs

While at Touro LAS, men and women learn in separate classes, creating a supportive academic space where you can focus on your coursework and thrive. Touro’s School of Health Sciences DPT program is a mixed class, but as with all Touro programs, strives to be as respectful of your values and concerns as possible.

Physical therapy isn’t limited to one setting or career path. PTs can go on to become educators, researchers, policy advocates, ergonomic consultants, or sports medicine specialists. Whether you're passionate about rehab, wellness, or systems-level change, there’s a place for you in this field. Plus, you’ll be preparing for a career that’s not only in high demand but is also known for its strong salary potential and on-the-job satisfaction.

Physical therapy is such a rewarding career, because you get to help people and really make a difference. We are movement experts who provide some of the most rewarding and hands-on patient care.

— Dr. Jill Horbacewicz, Chair of Physical Therapy Department

Strengthen Your Foundation for Graduate School

As a pre-PT student, you’ll have opportunities beyond the classroom that can help build your academic and professional resume. These will help prepare you for graduate studies and the future job market: 

  • Faculty-Led Research: Work with professors in the sciences and participate in independent research that aligns with your interests.
  • Publish Original Work: Submit your work to The Science Journal, our peer-reviewed student research journal, and start building your resume early.
  • Pre-Health Community: Join the pre-professional and health sciences society and connect with other students pursuing careers in health, medicine, and science.

Your Journey to a Career in PT Starts Now

If you’re passionate about movement, healing, and helping others live more independently, physical therapy could be the career for you. Start your journey at Touro LAS and take the first step toward your DPT.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Berkowitz
1602 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-252-7800 x 59399
jennifer.berkowitz@touro.edu

Final admission to the School of Health Sciences is at the sole discretion of the SHS Admissions Committee and requires successful completion of all requirements and prerequisites.