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Career Guide

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists work to improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit the permanent disability of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They evaluate an individual’s ability level, plan and implement a program for treatment, and observe and assess a patient’s progress as treatment progresses. They may also work with patients who just want to become healthier or reach fitness goals. Note: There are also Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) programs. These are Associate Degree programs. The PTA works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (DPT).

Degree Requirements

A Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) is required. Often this requires a bachelor’s degree for acceptance and an additional two to three years of study. Some PT programs are 6 year, direct, first year student entry with limited seats for transfer students. Some do not accept any transfer students. Make sure to research each program for specific information. DPTs must pass board exams and hold a license to practice.

Many MCC students are advised to transfer to a 4-year college or university for Biology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology or another science major, and then apply to DPT programs.

Criteria for Acceptance

Criteria of importance for acceptance into physical therapy programs may include grade point average, recent work or documented volunteer experience in a direct patient care environment (a specific number of hours may be required), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, a personal interview, and letters of recommendation. Ability to perform physical tasks may also be assessed. Colleges may have students apply using the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).

Typical Minimum Prerequisite Courses: two semesters of biology with labs; two semesters of physics with labs; one year of chemistry with labs; one to three semesters of psychology; one semester of statistics, two semesters of anatomy and physiology; two semesters of English. Additional courses may be required by some programs (ex. microbiology, medical terminology).

MCC Prerequisite Courses

Examples of MCC Courses:

  • BIO 144 & 145 Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • BIO 155 Intro to Cell & Molecular Biology
  • BIO 156 Intro to Organismal Biology & Ecology
  • CHE 151 General College Chemistry I
  • CHE 152 General College Chemistry II
  • HIM 104 Medical Terminology
  • MTH 160 Statistics I
  • PHY 145 & 146 College Physics I & II or PHY 161 & 261 University Physics I & II
  • PSY 101 Intro to Psychological Science
  • PSY 206 Adult Psychopathology
  • PSY 212 Developmental Psy: Lifespan

Application Notes


All courses listed above may not be required to be completed at MCC prior to transfer. Admission requirements vary. Research colleges for specific information and to verify course transferability.

Institutions

See Careers in Physical Therapy to learn about the field, find a DPT program, and compare admission requirements.

Local Institutions Offering an Accredited DPT:

  • Clarkson University
  • D'Youville University
  • Daemen University
  • Ithaca College
  • Nazareth University
  • SUNY Binghamton
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • SUNY University at Buffalo (UB)
  • Utica University

Other Important Information

While every effort is made to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, students are advised to contact transfer institutions for specific course requirements and the most up-to-date information.

Updated 09/25/2025