Pre-Physical Therapy Track
Prepare for a career in physical therapy and get ready to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs
If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, this track helps you build the knowledge and experience you’ll need to get into a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
You’ll take courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics. You’ll also develop important skills like communication, problem-solving, and working with patients from different backgrounds.
Physical therapists help people of all ages:
- Recover from injuries
- Reduce pain
- Improve movement
- Stay active and healthy
They work in places like hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health settings—and can specialize in areas like sports medicine, pediatrics, or rehabilitation.
What You’ll Need to Get Into a DPT Program
Most physical therapy graduate programs expect students to have:
- A bachelor’s degree (many CMC students choose Biological Science)
- A GPA of at least 3.0 (competitive programs are often 3.5 or higher. Our Guaranteed Admissions Agreement with Regis requires a 3.8 GPA)
- Observation or shadowing hours with physical therapists (usually 25–100+ hours. Competitive applicants often exceed this range.)
- Experience working or volunteering in healthcare or patient settings
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Good to know:
- Some schools no longer require the GRE
- Our partner programs in Colorado currently do not require it
Interested in serving mountain and rural communities?
CMC students often go on to work in mountain and rural communities across the Western Slope.
You’ll have opportunities to:
- Connect with local physical therapists
- Gain observation hours
- Build real-world experience in clinics and healthcare systems near you
Request Program Information
Pre-Physical Therapy students are encouraged to complete the Bachelor of Science in Biological Science degree (currently fully available at the Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge campuses). However, because students may enter DPT programs with any bachelor’s degree, students should work closely with CMC faculty or academic advisors when selecting a major outside of Biological Science.
Prerequisite Coursework
- Breckenridge/Dillon: Mostly In-person
- Spring Valley: Mostly In-person
- Steamboat Springs: Mostly In-person
- Vail Valley: Mostly In-Person
- Rifle: Mostly In-Person
Advanced Bachelor of Biological Science Coursework (if needed)
- Breckenridge: Mostly In-person
- Steamboat Springs: Mostly In-person
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), successful applicants demonstrate:
Solid Scientific Knowledge
- Human anatomy and physiology (A&P I & II required everywhere)
- Biology, chemistry, physics, and kinesiology/biomechanics
- Motor control, exercise physiology, and movement science
- Ability to interpret data and read clinical research
Clinical Reasoning and Applied Movement Science
- Ability to analyze movement dysfunction
- Knowledge of pathophysiology in orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions
- Ethical patient selection and safety decision-making
Communication and Professional Behavior
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Empathy, listening skills, cultural humility
- Team-based collaboration with providers across specialties
Additional Considerations
- PT Observation Hours/Shadowing: across multiple practice areas recommended
- Volunteer Service: disability support, athletics, community health, rehab settings
- Leadership & Professional Engagement: clubs, athletics, peer mentoring, campus leadership
- Research Experience: movement science, rehabilitation, biomechanics, public health, neuroscience
- Intrapersonal Attributes: resilience, reliability, self-awareness, adaptability
Our state partners listed here do not currently require the GRE. Although some PT schools have made the GRE optional, students should verify program requirements at other schools of interest.
CMC Library Services provides:
- Free GRE prep resources through Mometrix
- Research consultation and test prep support
Students may also choose proprietary prep courses (e.g., Kaplan, Princeton Review, virtual tutoring).
Competitive DPT applicants demonstrate:
- Consistent clinical exposure
- Therapist-led mentorship
- Ability to articulate patient care experiences in interviews/interviews/essays
Note: Students are expected to secure these opportunities. Let your faculty advisor know if you are having difficulty locating opportunities.
Observation Hours
Many DPT programs require 25–100+ hours; competitive applicants often exceed 150+ hours.
Settings may include:
- Orthopedic outpatient clinics
- Neurological rehab units
- Sports medicine facilities
- Inpatient rehab, sub-acute, skilled nursing facilities
- Hospital acute care
- Pediatric PT
- Home health PT
Examples of Accepted Patient-Care Roles
- Physical therapy aide or technician
- Rehab aide
- Athletic training support roles
- EMT or CNA experience (not required but valuable)
- Adaptive sports volunteer
- Chiropractic or orthopedic support roles
- Neurological rehab volunteer
Research (Optional but Valuable)
- Movement science, biomechanics, neuroscience, public health, adaptive sports, disability studies
- CMC faculty research or summer research immersion programs
Most DPT programs require 3 letters, typically including:
- 1 letter from a licensed physical therapist
- 1–2 letters from science faculty or academic instructors
- Optional additional letter: coach, research mentor, rehab supervisor
CMC does not currently offer committee letters. Students should:
- Build long-term faculty/clinical relationships early
- Provide referees with resumes, transcripts, reflection statements, and deadlines
- Avoid personal references (family, friends)
Strong letters emphasize:
- Clinical readiness
- Professional behavior
- Adaptability and empathy
- Academic capacity and ethical conduct