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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Health Professions Advising

Physical Therapy

Common Requirements for Physical Therapy (DPT)

The list below shows common basic requirements for most physical therapy programs in North Carolina. To make sure you are fulfilling the prerequisites for the schools you are interested in attending, please check their individual admissions websites. As a reminder, this list is not a substitute for meeting with the Academic Advisor in your College.

CourseRequirementFulfilled By*
Biology2 semesters lecture, 2 semesters labBIO 181
BIO 183
Anatomy + Physiology2 semesters lecture, 1 semester labBIO 240
BIO 245
BIO 242
Exercise Physiology
or Advanced Biology		1 semesterHESM 478
or BIO 3xx
Chemistry1 semester lecture, 1 semester labCH 101/102
Advanced Chemistry1 semester lecture, 1 semester labCH 201/202, CH 220/222
or CH 221/222
Physics2 semesters lecture, 2 semesters labPY 211
PY 212
Psychology1-2 semestersPSY 200
PSY 3xx
Math2 semestersMA 101, MA 107 or above
ST 311 or ST 370
*some majors, such as Chemistry or Engineering, may have specific requirements for these courses. Please be sure to check with your Academic Advisor.

In addition to the above minimum requirements, some schools may require:

  • Principles of Sociology (SOC 202)

Prerequisites for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in NC: