Classes to take to become a physical therapist

  1. Core Modules (219 Credits)
  2. Elective Modules (6 Credits)
  3. University Modules (15 Credits)

Module TitleCredits
Anatomy and Physiology 1 6
Psychological and Sociological Perspectives for Health Sciences 6
Health Systems - Singapore's Perspectives 6
Foundation of Physiotherapy 1: Movement 6
Anatomy and Physiology 2 6
Foundation of Physiotherapy 2: Kinesiology 12
Foundation of Physiotherapy 3: Clinical Application 6
Exercise Physiology 6
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1 6
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 6
Neurobiology 6
Clinical Exercise Prescription 6
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2 6
Health Research Methods 6
Neurological Physiotherapy 1 6
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy 1 6
Health Promotion and Population Health 6
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 3 6
Chronic Disease and Rehabilitation 6
Neurological Physiotherapy 2 6
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 4 6
Neurological Physiotherapy 3 6
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy 2 6
Clinical Decision Making in Patients with Complex Health Issues 6
Honours Thesis Proposal 2
Professionalism, Ethics and the Law 6
Physiotherapy across Lifespan 6
Simulated Practice Education 6
Global Health 3
Clinical Practice Education 1 6
Clinical Practice Education 2 6
Clinical Practice Education 3 6
Clinical Practice Education 4 6
Clinical Practice Education 5 6
Honours Thesis 16

Students are required to choose 1 out of 7 elective modules.

Module TitleCredits
Patient and Client Education 6
Leading and Managing in Health Professions 6
Anatomical Dissection of Musculoskeletal System 6
Multidimensional Nature of Pain 6
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy for Specific Populations 6
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy for Specific Populations 6
Isokinetic Testing and Rehabilitation 6

Module TitleCredits
Digital Competency Essentials 2
Critical Thinking and Communicating 4
Introduction to Design Innovation 2
Interdisciplinary Design Innovation 4
Social Innovation Project 3

* The programme structure is subject to change without prior notice. SIT regularly reviews its curriculum to ensure that it remains industry-relevant and prepares our students for the evolving needs of industry.

Prerequisite requirements vary slightly between schools. It is important to check the requirements of each school you are considering to make sure you complete all requirements of the schools to which you plan to apply. It is better to begin your research on physical therapy programs sooner than later (preferably by your sophomore year).

A comprehensive list of physical therapy programs by state, including admissions deadlines, entrance requirements, credentials awarded, fees etc. can be found on the PTCAS (Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service) website.

Following are some of the most common courses required and recommended.

Course Subject # Semesters UC Berkeley course sequence most students use to fulfill requirements
General Chemistry 2 semesters of general chemistry with lab Chem 1A/1AL, 1B
OR
4A, 4B
OR
4A, 1B
Biology 2 semesters with lab Bio 1B, 1A/1AL
Physics 2 semesters with lab Physics 8A, 8B 
OR
Physics 7A, 7B 
OR
Physics 7A, 8B
Human Anatomy 1 semester with lab IB 131/131L
Physiology 1 semester with lab Depends on the profession – some options are below:
MCB 32/32L,
OR
IB 132/132L,
OR
MCB 136/133L
Other Physiology Kinesiology, Pathophysiology or exercise physiology are common courses taken  
Stats 1 semester Stat 2
OR
Stat 131A
OR Stat 20
English 2 semesters Courses that satisfy the Reading and Composition requirement at Berkeley will fulfill PT school English coursework requirements for most PT schools. See a list of those courses. Save your course syllabi in case PT schools express concern that you did not complete their English requirement.
Humanities, Social & Behavioral Science Most schools require 1 semester of an introductory course/s in psych
And/OR additional social science coursework
Psych 1 (for majors) 
OR
Psych 2 (for non majors) 
AND/OR
Sociol 1
Foreign Language Knowledge and cultural competency in at least one foreign language is strongly recommended  

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