How to Choose a Major for Physical Therapy: Degree Research Guide

Choosing a major is a significant decision that will impact every student’s academic journey and future career. As an aspiring physical therapist, knowing the best major for physical therapy will give you a solid foundation and help you prepare for a career in this field.

It is essential to know what degree for physical therapy you should pursue for your undergraduate degree, in order to best accommodate your long-term goals. In this article, we have provided tips on how to choose a major for physical therapy to set you on a more defined and successful career path.

Why Choose a Career in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a rewarding career that boosts your personal and professional growth. Its flexible schedule opportunities help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. The profession allows you to utilize your love of helping people to assist them in recovering from different injuries, adjusting to the results of accidents, or maintaining wellness through medical conditions.

Physical therapists are entitled to high pay and other work benefits, such as health care. As more people get involved in physical activities and the aging population increases, physical therapists will remain in demand. If you’re interested in taking the steps to become a physical therapist but don’t know which major to choose, read on.

Physical Therapy Job Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy is projected to grow by 21 percent from 2020 to 2030. Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and fitness centers. They can also practice privately. This expands the number of job opportunities available for physical therapists.

Physical Therapy Job Satisfaction

The motivation behind most medical professionals is empathy and commitment to service. In exchange, they are duly compensated. According to PayScale, Physical therapists earn as high as $91,000 per year. There are many opportunities for advancement, a flexible schedule, and a fun work environment.

Physical therapists must obtain a license in each state they wish to practice and they must renew their license every two years. They are also required to stand for long hours and perform some physical activities that might be quite tedious if they don’t stay physically fit.

Physical Therapy Salary Potential

Career	Minimum Level of Education	Average Salary
Cardiopulmonary physical therapist	Bachelor’s degree	$90,037
Geriatric physical therapist	Bachelor’s degree	$88,934
Neurological physical therapist	Bachelor’s degree	$87,741
Orthopedic physical therapist	Bachelor’s degree	$75,597
Pediatric physical therapist	Bachelor’s degree	$89,443

How to Choose a Major for Physical Therapy: Tips for Selecting the Right Physical Therapy Degree

Tip 1: Priorities

There are many factors to consider when choosing a career path that shapes your choice of college major. Some students choose certain majors because they are in demand or have high salary potential. Some consider the activities around campus, while others consider their passion, natural skill, and talent.

Physical therapy is a broad field with many areas to specialize in, so the average salary and demand for experts in these areas vary. It’s important to consider salary potential, demand, economic advantage, and your natural abilities and interests when choosing a physical therapy major. Base your choice on the factor you prioritize the most.

Tip 2: Interest and Passion

It’s important to consider your interest when choosing a college major because it influences your success and ability to find satisfaction in your future career and life. A study from the National Study of Medicine has found that students are more likely to excel in a field that suits their interests.  

Try to discover your interests and passion to know the area you best fit into. For instance, if you are fascinated by the anatomy of the human skeletal system, a biology major or a degree in kinesiology would set you on the path to becoming an orthopedic physical therapist. You should also consider each school and the student organizations they offer on campus.

Tip 3: Highest-Paying Fields 

Some people choose college majors based on their salary potential. This is normal because everyone wants to get the most out of their education investment. Physical therapy is one of the top healthcare jobs and studies from PolicyAdvice show that the US boasts the biggest health industry, consisting of 784,626 companies.

Physical therapists are in high demand because they contribute to the overall well-being of people. In this case, you should consider the demand for experts in the field, the employment rate, and your passions and interests to know which area you would like to branch into. 

Tip 4: Career Goals

Your career goals are a deciding factor when choosing a major of study. When choosing a career path, it’s important to consider what you ultimately want and what your education and career goals are. From there, you can explore career paths that lead to your end goal.  

Tip 5: Seek Academic or Career Advice

If you are unsure what major is right for you for the best physical therapist education, talk to your academic advisor or school counselor. They will advise you on what major to choose for your undergrad degree and how to achieve your academic and career goals. You can also seek advice from school seniors or professionals. 

These professionals give you firsthand tips on how to get accepted into physical therapy school. They can help you go over the application requirements to set you up for an incredible experience at any physical therapy program of your choice. Acing your application process will be the start of a successful career. 

What Degree for Physical Therapy: Best Majors for a Physical Therapy Career

Exercise Science

Exercise science is a highly recommended major for aspiring physical therapists at the undergraduate level. This major prepares pre-physical therapy students for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which is a prerequisite for a career in this field.

Exercise science applies the study of movement to solve health issues or injuries related to immobility and physical limitations. An exercise science major provides a foundation for understanding the basics of physical therapy and helps you meet the requirements for admission into a DPT program.

• Associated Career Paths: Personal Trainer, Professional Fitness Coach, Athletic Director, Physician Assistant, Dietitian
• Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree

Kinesiology

This is one of the most common undergraduate majors for a physical therapy career. Kinesiology studies how the mechanics of human movement can impact our health and quality of life. The curriculum of kinesiology degrees prepares students for advanced studies in a DPT program and helps them meet the prerequisite requirements of physical therapy school.

• Associated Career Paths: Athletic Trainer, Exercise Physiologist, Occupational  Therapist, Professional Fitness Coach, Personal Trainer, Sport Psychologist
• Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree

Biology

Biology is also one of the popular majors for pre-physical therapy students. A knowledge of human biology is essential for advanced patient care. Biology programs are rich in undergraduate coursework with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology. This will enable you to meet the academic requirements for physical therapy school.

• Associated Career Paths: Forensic Science, Microbiologist, Scientist, Biochemist, Laboratory Technician, Molecular Biologist, Zoologist
• Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree

Health Science

This is a common academic major among undergraduate students because it leads to a wide variety of graduate programs and job opportunities for students in the healthcare field. Students who major in health science take a broad combination of undergraduate courses which prepares them to become medical professionals in different areas of the healthcare field.

A major in health science is advantageous because it provides a flexible degree, many employment opportunities, and enticing benefits. It also allows graduates to satisfy the prerequisite requirements for graduate school.

• Associated Career Paths: Health Educator, Medical Assistant, Biomedical Engineer, Medical Doctor, Pharmacist, Nursing, Dietitian
• Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree

Psychology

Psychology plays a key role in physical therapy, which is why it is a prerequisite course for DPT applicants. The physical and mental aspects of human health overlap. For instance, depression can increase the risk of developing a chronic illness like diabetes or obesity. 

Physical therapy uses a variety of psychological approaches such as listening skills, empathy, and communication skills to help patients recover both physically and mentally. With the knowledge of psychology, physical therapists can explore the patient’s mind-body connection and improve their overall well-being and interpersonal skills.

• Associated Career Paths: Psychologist, Psychiatric Technician, Social Worker, Clinical Psychologist
• Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree

Other Physical Therapy Related Majors

Physical therapists receive specialized training at the graduate level, so there are no specific undergraduate requirements. Aspiring physical therapists usually major in foundational science courses. Besides these common majors, below are alternative majors that would give you a good foundation for your career in physical therapy.

• Anatomy
• Exercise Physiology
• Athletic Training
• Physiology 
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience

Is a Career in Physical Therapy Right for Me?

Physical therapy is a flexible career that allows you to juggle your work life and personal life. It also allows you to explore different settings within this field and establish impactful relationships with patients from different backgrounds. If you find great satisfaction in working with people, you would have an incredible experience working as a physical therapist.

Best Major for Physical Therapy FAQ