Biological Sciences—Prephysical Therapy Major (B.S.)

Major code BS2507

College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences Department
Irvine Hall 107
Athens, OH 45701
www.ohio.edu/cas/biology

Ian Klein, contact person
kleini@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The biology, pre-physical therapy major program is designed to meet the prerequisites of the physical therapy program at Ohio University and most other institutions, as well as many nursing, physician assistant, and chiropractic programs. This major is also designed to provide students with a solid background in the life sciences. It should be noted that there are no uniform requirements for physical therapy schools. If you are interested in applying to a particular physical therapy program, you will need to consult the school’s catalog or website for exact prerequisites.

Admission Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test-optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 with a minimum accumulative Ohio University GPA of 2.5.

External Transfer Admission

Transfer students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in the equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 with a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 from their previous institution.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The biology-prephysical therapy major program is designed to meet the prerequisites of the physical therapy program at Ohio University and most other institutions, as well as nursing, physician assistant, and chiropractic programs.

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Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the Biological Sciences - Prephysical Therapy major requires completion of a minimum of 123 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other University-wide requirements, please review the University-wide graduation requirements .

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Preparation for Physical Therapy

Ohio University offers a unique opportunity to the prospective physical therapist. Recognized for leadership in the development of preprofessional physical therapy curricula since the 1930s, the Department of Biological Sciences, and the Department of Psychology, both in the College of Arts and Sciences, work cooperatively with the School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences in the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

Physical therapy programs are offered at the graduate level only. As of January 1, 2002, undergraduate physical therapy programs are no longer accredited. To be eligible for admission to most accredited professional schools of physical therapy, you must first complete the baccalaureate-level preprofessional preparatory coursework and then apply on a competitive basis to a professional school of physical therapy. If you are accepted, the professional program extends for an additional two to three years, culminating in a degree in physical therapy. The optional plans of study available will prepare you to be highly qualified for admission to most schools of physical therapy. However, some professional programs require special prerequisites—either courses or practical experience as a volunteer—before you apply for admission. It is your responsibility to check the admission requirements for programs you wish to attend and, in consultation with your academic advisor, to fulfill any special prerequisites.

Ohio University has the first entry-level doctoral program in the state of Ohio. Although a master’s degree is sufficient to sit for the national licensing examination, the profession has been making a rather rapid transition to the doctoral degree (DPT). At Ohio University, the entry-level doctoral three-year program in physical therapy admits students on a competitive basis. A baccalaureate degree is required for admission to the program. Although a baccalaureate degree in any field is acceptable, as long as the prerequisites have been attained, the most direct routes at Ohio University are the Biological Sciences—Prephysical Therapy or Psychology—Prephysical Therapy major in the College of Arts and Sciences. A major in exercise physiology in the College of Health Sciences and Professions is also an option.

Application to graduate school should be made in the senior year. The GRE should be taken at the beginning of the senior year, in order to meet requirements for early admission status. Some volunteer experience is possible through Ohio University Therapy Associates.

For additional information, see the Biological Sciences—Prephysical Therapy or Psychology—Prephysical Therapy majors in the catalog, and “Physical Therapy” in the College of Health Sciences and Professions section. Students should consult the Web page (www.ohio.edu/chsp/rehab/physical-therapy) for the most up-to-date information.

Biological Sciences Requirements

Complete a total of 37 semester hours of BIOS coursework, including all of the requirements below. Note: 1000- and 2000-level courses not specifically required by the major will not count toward the BIOS hours requirement, but they may be used to fulfill University graduation requirements. 2.0 GPA Required.