Pre-Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy emphasis offers a background in courses that will prepare the student to go into a health care field. Classroom instruction emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking while preparing you to become a lifelong learner. The Associate in Arts with an emphasis in Physical Therapy will enhance your education and prepare you to practice in a variety of health care environments. Check with transfer institutions on specific requirements.

DMACC Core/Physical Therapy Courses
CHM 165 General/Inorganic Chem I 4 credits
CHM 175 General/Inorganic Chem II 4 credits
CHM 263 Organic Chemistry I5 credits
CHM 273 Organic Chemistry II 5 credits
BIO 112 General Biology I 4 credits
BIO 113 General Biology II 4 credits
BIO 168 Anatomy & Physiology I 4 credits
BIO 173 Anatomy & Physiology II 4 credits
ENG 105 Composition I 3 credits
ENG 106 Composition II3 credits
SPC 101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication3 credits
PHY 160 General Physics I 5 credits
PHY 161 General Physics II 5 credits
PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
PSY 251 Social Psychology 3 credits
PSY 121 Developmental Psychology 3 credits
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits
HSC 114​​
Medical Ter​minology 3 credits

Requirements for admission at medical schools are more stringent than DMACC's graduation requirements. Check with your prospective school for details.

Des Moines University​ Medical School uses a competitive​ admissions process to determine who is offered a seat in their Physical Therapy program. They require a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for admission, but usually a higher GPA is needed.​