2 Routes: Become a PTEveryone's pathway to become a PT is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
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OSU Bachelor's + PT School
OSU bachelors degree then attend a doctoral-level physical therapy school program.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses* for an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
- Apply to an accredited physical therapy professional school program. If accepted, begin your DPT professional school program.
- Following your DPT program you will be eligible to sit for national and state licensure and begin practicing as a PT.
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OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + PT School
Taking additional time can be to your advantage as a PT school applicant.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses* for an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
- If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
- Unsure of what to do during a gap year? Explore resources from APTA or visit the Pre-Professional Academic Services Office to discuss your options.
- When holistically ready, apply to an accredited PT program. If accepted, begin your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professional school program.
- Following your DPT program you will be eligible to sit for national and state licensure and begin practicing as a PT.
*You may opt to complete OSU's certificate in pre-medical sciences, designed to assist in your completion of prerequisite coursework. This a stand alone certificate, not a bachelor's degree or minor. Completion of the certificate, alone, will not automatically make a you more competitive for your particular program of choice.